Question, of sorts

[xthe-ingenue.livejournal.com]

Disclaimer- It's ridiculous I even have to do this, but. This post isn't at all intended to begin any sort of Cosette vs. Eponine drama. Believe me. I couldn't care less about that. It's just an honest question.

Anyway-- this is a question directed mostly at anyone who's ever been in the show.

I'm in the show right now. I'm playing Cosette. And I just wondered... has anyone else ever experienced the actress playing Cosette being completely disrespected by her castmates, or am I just lucky? Because every time it's time to run my scenes, all I hear are complaints about how boring the scene is, how much they hate it, and how they'd love to just skip it. When we DON'T skip it, they spend their time during my scenes talking about how much they hate Cosette and how stupid and pointless they find her and the scene at hand. 

Today, though, was the worst. As soon as the intro to In My Life played and I sat down on the bench, everyone got up and walked out of the room. It was so completely rude... I just don't understand why they continue disrespecting me just because they don't care for my character.

So... has anyone else seen this kind of behaviour? Any ideas for what to do? I'm getting desperate for something. Rehearsals are getting more and more miserable as the days go on.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

I haven't been in the show, but I've been around some theater, and I would suggest talking to the director or the stage manager about it. It should be the stage manager's job to make sure the other cast members are quiet and not distracting during rehearsal, and it's very rude to talk during rehearsal. If the stage manager doesn't exist or isn't assertive the director needs to step in, just as far as managing rehearsals go. As for the problem with the cast's attitude towards Cosette, they sound shallow and immature. But I suppose all the advice columns tell you to mention how their behavior makes you feel...and I would think of some reasons that Cosette is NOT an unimportant character so if you can discuss the subject with other cast members, you'll already have some ideas to put out there.

[(Anonymous)]

I'm sure that your castmates aren't doing it out of disrespect towards you. Maybe they just feel as though the song itself is kind of boring. Personally, I find most of the solos to be boring, especially if you're forced to listen to them everyday. They probably are just tired of hearing the song over and over again. And I doubt they would want to skip it, considering their parts aren't skipped. Talk to the cast about it. Tell them how you feel, I'm sure they will understand. Tell them to take a walk in your shoes. And if it's not the fact that they think the song is boring, then maybe they have something against Cosette. Hey, that's what sucks about acting, people will make you and the character one in the same. If that's the case, tell them to go read the book.

Another thought, maybe they're just poking fun? Maybe they don't mean it, they're just joking around. Try laughing with them instead of seeing them laughing at you. Maybe that'll make you see things differently.

[lightningbeauty.livejournal.com]

I have done several shows in my day and I had a very similar experience to yours. My advice, for what it's worth, is:

1) Go straight to the director and/or stage manager. It's their job to make sure rehearsals go smoothly. If that doesn't fix it, take it up with individuals yourself. It's not your place to address the whole cast about it alone. That's the director's place.
2) Personally, I preferred when people left the room. As unprofessional as it is, it was better than constant talk and whispering going on while I'm working my butt off. Come opening night, you will have tons of people watching you, caring about you, and rooting for you. It doesn't matter during rehearsal.
3) Remember that time offstage is boring to many actors. They want to be onstage. They wouldn't be in the show if they didn't. Keep that in mind.
4) If someone is complaining about Cosette, offer to fill them in on why you love her. What does she represent to you? What does she bring to the show besides a soaring soprano? What is unique about her that no other character can fill? Use this to educate people. If they won't listen, that's their problem. At least you will have made the effort.

5) If rehearsals are truly unbearable, go back to the director and take the time to really discuss your feelings. It may take making an extra appointment to get it all out. The most important thing is to be honest.
Be honest with yourself. What is it that bothers you? That people don't care about Cosette? Or that people disrespect you?
Be honest with your director. Your director can't do anything unless he/she knows there is a problem.
Be honest with your fellow cast members. Talk to them if you want. Don't attack them saying "Why don't you like me?" Try something more subtle like "Why don't you like Cosette?" A lot of the time when someone is forced to give a reason for their hate, they realize that there is none. And when someone does give a reason, then use the opportunity to talk it out. Figure out how the situation can be fixed.

Just remember that it's not you. It's the character. Les Miz has been plagued with competition over characters ever since it was first performed. (Cosette vs. Eponine for example) So don't take it too personally. Though I've never heard/seen you so I can't say for certain, I'm sure you are wonderful in your role. The fact that people associate you so completely with your character should be a compliment.

If you need anything, feel free to ask away. I really hope this works out for you. I'm pretty sure I remember you saying Cosette is your dream role? so it should be the best experience of your life. Do what you can, regret nothing. *hugs* I pray it gets better. Please let me know if this was helpful in any way. :)

[moldycelery.livejournal.com]

I would suggest to confront the people who keep making negative comments. Explain to them that even if they don't like Cosette the character, that you need to run the scene because you need to practice and Cosette is an intergral part of Les Mis, even if she does have a pretty under-developed character in the musical. I would also try to make it more about the acting/singing than the character, just because it seporates you from Cosette.

[runaway-elf.livejournal.com]

When I teched for Les Mis.. that kind of happened. Not so much in rehearsals, but our stage manager was annoying and every time Rue Plumet stuff started up, she'd start talking about how boring she thought it was. :/ I happen to really like that storyline and the music involved and even *gasp* the characters of Marius and Cosette, so I would tell her to shut up so I could enjoy it.

I would say try not to let it get to you personally, because it sounds like they just don't like that part of the show and it's not anything against you. Although, obviously I can understand why you're bothered by it. Everyone else gave good advice, and if it gets worse, talking to someone wouldn't be a bad idea.

[(Anonymous)]

That's awful! I'm so sorry you're going through that. When my high school did Les Mis this past year, I can't remember a single time where anyone made comments like that and I definitely know no one walked out. Maybe talking to the director of your show would be best?