Casting Children in an Adult Show

[Craig T Gustafson]

The Pillowman is a tough script to cast because it has adult language, graphic violence -- and the casting requires two children. They don't have to use the adult language, and the violence in their scenes is highly stylized, as opposed to the graphic violence in the rest of the show. They're dealing strictly with Make Believe. David Hayes, playing the Boy, is thirteen and has read the show. His mom has been with him at all the rehearsals.

I have Brynn Frantz playing the girl in the show. Brynn is eight and terrifically talented. And her mom, Carrie, is coming under fire from family, friends and strangers for letting Brynn do the show. Not from the ones who've actually seen it, mind you. Her family and friends who have seen The Pillowman have loved it.

People who criticize a Show Like That! don't get a vote. They haven't seen the show, so they have no business voicing an opinion about it. People who are rude to Brynn's mom need to either (A) see the show or (B) mind their own business. It's amazing how many people will want a voice in raising your child.

1. Brynn is having a great time in this show and the cast adores her.

2. She is kept from hearing any of the rest of the show by cast members who play games with her backstage.

3. As a director, I'm amazed that an eight year old has solid comedic instincts. I'm used to letting adults add moments to their parts. I was not expecting to give Brynn that leeway; but she's funny. She has added moments that are great.

4. When I told Brynn I wanted her to play a Scary Dead Body at one point and freak out the audience, was her reaction, "Oh, heavens, let me ponder... will this scar me for life, somehow?" No, her reaction was to jump up and down yelling, "YAY!" She's a kid. It's acting. She's not doing anything raunchy. She is not saying (or even mouthing) dirty words. She's having fun.

5. Carrie has been extremely vigilant and demanding concerning what material Brynn is exposed to, and every one of her concerns has been addressed.

My experience with Brynn & Carrie has been a wonderful one and they have both added immeasurably to the quality of this show.

If you have a problem with my casting an eight year old in a part that calls for an eight year old, complain to me, not Carrie -- but only if you've seen the show and know what you're talking about. I'm not going to deal with people who are arguing from a point of ignorance. My e-mail address is [email protected].

Carrie is a wonderful, protective mom and people who don't know what they're talking about need to get off her back.

<font color="green">Smothers Brothers quote:
Tom: Paint Your Wagon is a stupid show.
Dick: Did you see Paint Your Wagon?
Tom: I'm an American! I don't have to see something to know it's stupid!</font>

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The Pillowman Ticket Info:
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The Pillowman Review:
Click Here

The Pillowman Pictures:
Click Here
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<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ November 07, 2007 01:15 PM: Message edited by: Sgt. Bilko ]</font>

[Craig T Gustafson]

<font face="Times New Roman"><font size="4"><font color="Blue">From Martha Chesterfield:</font>

AMEN, Craig!

I'm trying to get down there to see this show -- I really wanted my children to audition for it (they're 12 & 9) but schedules just would not permit it. I think it depends on the kids. Most mothers know how mature or developed their own children are. If your child can handle this type of material, go for it. I think it's great for them to be exposed to something other than Disney or Sesame Street! It's 2007 -- the world is changing. Kids grow up faster than they used to. (you should see some of the pseudo-hookers in my daughter's 4th grade classes!) I applaud Carrie for being a mother who cares about what her child does. How many of these people on her back let their kids watch R rated movies? And have you been on a school bus or in a school yard these days?? These kids' language would make a sailor blush! It's not 1950 anymore and the days of innocence are gone. I would rather my child be exposed to a show like this with me by their side to explain and answer questions -- at least they do know they can come to me about ANYTHING then.
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[IncendiaryOne]

Carrie has had her daughters involved in shows with my group as well. She definitely is interested in exposing her kids to the arts community and she deserves applause for that. So many kids' parents are content to give their kids the bare minimum, let television babysit, or are just plain lazy. Others are so paranoid of being "politally correct" or worrying about others' opinions that they don't create opportunities for growth that exist beyond the vanilla, middle-of-the-road BS that's force fed upon them by the narrow minded among us. Carrie refused to cowtow to that and for that she get her props. And her daughter is an awesome kid. Who knows that better than Carrie? No one.
Hey Carrie, opinions are like assholes, and assholes live in glass huses and don't possess the intellectual heft to know the difference. Fuck 'em.

[bratmaster]

I thank you guys for backing me up. I was shocked at some of the reaction i have gotten for letting Brynn do this show, because typically i am accused of being too overprotective. (My 12 year old is still not allowed to watch anything over a PG rating.) This is the first time I have gotten flack for being too "lenient". Allowing Brynn to audition for this role was not a snap judgement. I had a lot of conversations about it, with my husband, with people whose opinions I trust, and most importantly with Brynn. She is an incredibly mature and intelligent kid. I found the conversation winding up to be HER reassuring ME. She understands that certain things that are allowed onstage are not ok in real life. Exceptions are made when you are creating art. Having completed half the run of this show, have I found there to be any changes with her? Yes - she is incredibly happy, proud of her work, and her self-esteem has soared tremendously. She is not at all damaged, and she doesn't go around swearing or trying to crucify things. She spends her time drawing rainbows (albeit with green pigs flying over them) to hand out to her fellow cast members, who she absolutely idolizes. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat. - Carrie