<p>I agree with so much of what has been posted. I do not have a string player (well, he plays a little, but gave up lessons in 7th grade). But I do have 2 actor/singers and I agree that often times in HS productions time is wasted. There is a lot of sitting around - for everyone - chorus, minor characters, tech people, pit orchestra. Often times the HS directors are just unorganized or underestimate how much time things will take (teaching a dance routine to non-dancers, for example). My kids have wasted many a Saturday sitting for hours. </p>
<p>BUT, my kids (esp my son) have been in many professional productions and things are WAY different. Union rules!! In general, because time is limited, it is used much more efficiently. </p>
<p>There have been several occasions when my kids are so frustrated with HS shows that they want to quit/take a night off, etc. But, unless they are on death’s door - they don’t. They have attended dance calls even with broken toes, feet and twisted ankles. They can at least watch and mark the dances. My S just finished a HS run of a show that was not a good fit for his voice. By the end - it was getting a bit rough and uncomfortable. We checked with voice teacher and ENT and they assured us that it would be temporary so he continued (starts reparative therapy today!). Any career that is dependent upon your physical health is going to run some risks and be uncomfortable at times, but the show must go on. (and I told my Son when he was 8 that if he ever cried at a rehearsal again, it would be his last show ever!! And I mean it - no whiners!)</p>