Facing the Spotlight

Jordan Crismani

Year 9

Jordan Crismani is in Year 9 at Brunswick Secondary College, where he delivered an oral presentation to his English class on his experiences as a male student in musical theatre. 

Why don't male students receive more support to excel in the performing arts programs? 

Why are they discriminated against by their peers because of it?  

Consider this: if you asked every student in our school to name their top three favourite actors, it's likely that at least one male actor would make the list. Many of these revered performers began their journey in school plays, choirs, or musical theatre productions. Tupac attended The Baltimore School of Performing Arts, Timothée Chalamet honed his craft at a performing arts school, and Ryan Gosling immersed himself in the arts at Cornwall Collegiate & Vocational School. Yet, despite these examples, boys who pursue the performing arts still face ridicule. 

One of the world's most beloved pastimes is watching movies, such as the Harry Potter series. Did you know that the late Alan Rickman, who portrayed the iconic Severus Snape, honed his skills at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts? Every time you watch a film, you're likely witnessing the talent of someone who once embraced theatre, even if they were once dismissed as "weird" or "silly". 

As someone actively involved in the arts, I've encountered my fair share of mockery and discrimination. Even within our school community, I've been subjected to taunts and derogatory remarks simply for participating in productions. 

In fact, some friends have joined in on the ridicule, going as far as to question my sexuality because of my involvement in the arts. It's disheartening to see hobbies and passions used as fodder for assumptions and prejudice. 

This culture of discrimination not only affects individuals like myself but also dissuades younger students from exploring their interests. Many boys, influenced by societal norms, feel pressured to prioritise sports over the arts. This bias is evident in the reactions: while dribbling a basketball is praised, singing or reciting lines is met with ridicule. 

However, it doesn't have to be this way. Schools have a responsibility to foster an inclusive environment where all interests are celebrated. By encouraging male students to participate in productions and other performing arts programs, we can dismantle stereotypes and empower individuals to pursue their passions without fear of judgment. 

While there's room for improvement, I must acknowledge the incredible support and resources available within our performing arts section. The facilities are impressive, the teachers and staff are supportive, and the sense of community within the productions is truly remarkable. Despite the challenges, I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it and hope to see more students embrace the performing arts in the future.