Learning from Experience: Casting in JMS Productions

By Divya Palmerson

January 5, 2026

While students may not always receive a role in the school productions, their disappointment can lead to growth and future success. The experience can inspire students to build their skills and motivate them to work hard in preparing for future auditions.

There are two school productions each year, each with its own auditions and casts. There is one play, and one musical. The directors of both productions, English teachers Ms. Dell’Erba and Ms. Scalera, hold auditions prior to the rehearsals and carefully choose the cast for each production. All middle school students (grade 6-8) are welcome to audition, though no spots are promised to any. Every year a new cast is chosen, and students who are new to theater have the opportunity to join the show. Auditions are usually open for two days and held in the Little Theater, which is also where the performances take place. After the cast list is created and posted, it then becomes the responsibility of each student to check the outcome of their audition. Students who did not get into the musical in the Fall still have the option to try out for the play in the Spring. They are also encouraged to join stage crew, which handles important jobs such as moving the sets, lights, props, and other miscellaneous tasks that need to be completed quickly in order for the show to run efficiently. 

The students who were cast must attend numerous practices per week after school, with a typical rehearsal ending before the 3:30 bus leaves. The experience teaches students about the effort and commitment required to be a part of a stage production. As opening night draws closer, tickets are sold by students during lunch and can also be purchased online, making it easily accessible to all that are interested in watching the show. On opening night, the seats are usually filled with friends, family, students, and teachers.

Students can have an overall positive experience auditioning, whether they get a role or not. Although most students usually find it disappointing when they do not land a role in the school productions, many can take it as a chance to learn how to work hard to achieve their goals. Mrs. Dell'Erba has been in charge of the school productions for several years, and notes that one key benefit of being a part of the cast is “teamwork. It's almost like being in a sport. The crew are your teammates.” Another important skill that students are able to build is “public speaking. You're learning how to speak in front of a crowd,” she added. Ms. Dell’Erba suggested that students who did not receive a role should continue to audition for future shows. Although it may initially feel disappointing, the experience of not making the cast can have a positive impact on a student by teaching them that hard work truly does pays off.