I haven't been involved in my group's latest production so was watching it for the first time last week (they go on this week). I confess I was a teensy bit shocked at the language used (and really I am NOT a prude) and was secretly relieved that I hadn't been available to take part.

Thinking about it now, I wondered whether, if I had been available, I would have taken part and swallowed my own reservations "for the good of the society". I'm really not sure what I would have done.

So what, if anything, would make you turn down a part? Or is nothing more important than the good of the society?

Turned down 1 last week. And so far this week an other 1.

*ahhh to be a man in Am Dram*

I usually turn down because I'm doing other shows and not available..

Never walked out of a production before, no matter how bad it was.

See then through to the end...

No, I've never turned down anything, although with hindsight there are a few I wish I had!

But I have felt so strongly about two or three parts that if I hadn't got them I could not have taken anything else in that play, nor could I have gone to watch someone else from the group playing them instead. I know that sounds a bit extreme, but there are some parts that strike such a chord within I tend to get completely absorbed in them to the point of obsession.

I've turned down the odd role over the years, and also taken up some I haven't wanted to do at very short notice when someone's been taken ill.

I don't believe in "for the society" but I do believe in "for the production". If a production is worth it, and worth saving, I'd do it. But I'm female, I'm hardly irreplaceable. There are lots of us about!

These days, most people indicate which role(s) they are going for when they audition, and are also asked whether or not they'd take another role if offered it. Then the casting director knows where he or she stands.