This is part of a series focusing on how to handle awkward situations when working in a group with a specific timeframe like a scheduled performance or craftsmanship competition. This guide covers suggestions for how to handle a group member that needs to drop.
A group member needs to drop!
Preparing for a staged performance or any form of competition is a commitment that folks might not always have time and energy for. That’s totally fine! Everyone should always make sure they are taking care of themselves first and foremost.
Now, if you’re putting together a group and someone says they have to drop – start by trying to figure out why they need to drop. Maybe there’s a chance that they can still be a part of the group if you’re able to make a few changes.
Discuss if they want to keep going in the group
- If they want to drop due to stage fright or fear of presentation – be supportive!
- For craftsmanship, see if there’s a way to minimize how much they need to present in pre-judging or if they can opt out of going onstage
- For performance, encourage them to keep going to rehearsal and seek out guides for dealing with stage nerves
- If they have conditions that prevent them from doing what they wanted to do – is there a way you can accommodate them?
- For craftsmanship, is there someone in the group that can help out? For example – getting a few group members to help tackle a long ballgown hem to minimize the stress on the joints of a single person.
- For performance, can you adjust the blocking or script? For example – reducing stage time and arranging for chairs to be placed backstage in the wings so cast members can rest when they aren’t onstage.
- If they don’t have time – is there a way you can reduce their role, but still allow them to take part?
- For craftsmanship – are there any nice to have items that could be dropped or nice to have techniques that could be swapped for easier/faster skills the person may be more comfortable with?
- For performance – is there is a smaller part they can have that needs fewer rehearsals or that can be practiced virtually/remotely?
If none of those options work, then there’s a few ways you can move forward. But a key point is conversation – talk to the person who is struggling and talk to your group.
If everyone agrees to move forward with the drop, it’s time to get creative
Option 1 – Remove the character from the lineup
For craftsmanship – this is the easiest and most realistic option. No competition will care if you’re missing one of a set. In most cases, they probably won’t be familiar enough with the source material to know that it’s not a full cast lineup.
For performance – this option can work if the dropped person had a small or background role like “Random Villager” or “Line Dancer #6”, where removing the role doesn’t have many changes.
Option 2 (Skits) – Find a replacement
You might have a friend or acquaintance who can be the same character. This isn’t recommended unless there is time for at least 2-3 rehearsals before your performance.
Option 3 (Skits): Find a similar replacement
If there isn’t a person who can be the EXACT character, then you might be able to fill the role without changing the script. For example – if your Sailor Moon needs to drop, but all you really need is a magical girl, then Card Captor Sakura might do!
This is only recommended if there is time for at least 3-4 rehearsals before the performance to account for any minor tweaks that need to be made for the change in character (such as catch phrases or iconic poses).
Add at least 1 week before rehearsals to allow for re-recording lines if needed.
Option 4 (Skits): Change the skit
This requires moving the lines or actions around to the remaining characters. This is not recommended unless there is time for AT LEAST 4-6 rehearsals before the performance.
Add one week of prep time for each of the following:
- Script edits
- Line re-recording and audio mixes
- Background video edits
- Choreography / blocking changes