Poll: Screwing over a buddy

[MelasZepheos_v1legacy]

Fair's fair, but be warned that it could cost you some friendship points.

The basic rule of trying to make it as any kind of star/personality is that you have to be prepared to not have friends. This advice applies more generally to people trying to get properly famous, but the advice is that you can't be a star and be liked, because anyone with less talent will hate you, and you have to screw over anyone who is in your way if you can.

For your specific conundrum, it's up to you. If this is a real dream of yours, to be an actor on stage or screen, then take it without hesitation. If this is just a diversion for school, probably don't bother.

 

[BENZOOKA]

That is completely fair. But it would be expected and very appropriate for you to be the first one to tell him that you got the part.

 

[Smooth Operator]

I suggest you ask the internets instead of your friend, that will resolve everything!
Wait no, that might be the other way around...

 

[Bvenged]

Ask your buddy. Nothing else for it unless your end goal is for somebody to end up upset.

Asking your friend first would be the honest thing. But it's all up to you really, just know - the friendship with him might be at stake if you take it behind his back.

No point me adding my views if it's just the same as others before me, so I'll jsut share theirs again.

 

[Vern5]

Long story short, a friend and I are in my high school's musical. He got cast as the male lead, while I got cast as a generic chorus member. However, he was not here today, so the director asked me to stand in for him. Apparently I did well, because the director is now offering me my friend's role. My question is, would I be screwing him over if I accepted?

I'm going to say "You're an asshole". However, you should take the role.

The reason I say this is part of a commendation of your behavior. You thought about your friend when you were offered his role. There are a lot of people who just take that role without even considering the consequences. You are a good friend. But, for the sake of this musical, you're going to have to be an asshole.

Now, because the director asked you, it is your responsibility to take that role. I doubt the director would so freely toss you the role unless he had a good reason. Recasting can be a serious pain and a lot of directors simply stick with their original casting decisions because it is easy. The director saw something in your performance that would help the musical. You obviously have some sort of talent. Is that talent not worthy of reward? Does the musical not deserve a talented lead?

 

[Gatx]

Depends why he wasn't there. If he just couldn't be fucked, take it, but if he was sick, or had some other legitimate reason for not being there, taking it would be a dog act.

He wasn't there today because he had a school-related choir thing in another state. The director knows this. However, there have been several occasions before where he simply couldn't be fucked, which is one of the reasons the director wants me to do it.

Well I wouldn't blame you for taking the role if that was really the case. You could always just talk to your friend about it. If he doesn't give it up, then hey, your friendship is kept intact, and you've already earned some points with the director with your temporary performance and you could get more important roles in the future.

 

[dickywebster]

Its not like you tried to take the role from him, so whats the problem?
If he gets upset, tell him to take it up with the director as its that guys fault.

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

Smart thing to do is to fill him in, with no tactical omissions...and go from there.

If something feels iffy it's because it probably is. Don't betray your conscience and you'll keep your head a nice place to be.

 

[Kae]

I say take it but first warn you're friend, I mean don't ask just try to convince him that it's better if you do it or just tell him "I was offered the role, so I'm going to take it, sorry I hope you understand" or something like that, I mean an opportunity is an opportunity no point in passing it up.

 

[Elementary - Dear Watson]

You know, maybe im just a little crazy, but why dont you just call him and ASK HIM how he feels about it? That seems the logical course of action to me, not opening a thread about it.

But im just insane like that. Why would you talk to your friend about matters concerning your friend, right?

Oh Smash, your bluntness and flippancy always brightens up my day!

OT: @Lightning_Delight: I do agree with Smash, however, and would suggest talking to him about it, or at least trying to find a compromise with the teacher so that you can both have major parts...! Be artistic and write a second major part that intwines with the story...!

What production is it? Out of interest!

 

[arnoldthebird]

I'm going to say "You're an asshole". However, you should take the role.

The reason I say this is part of a commendation of your behavior. You thought about your friend when you were offered his role. There are a lot of people who just take that role without even considering the consequences. You are a good friend. But, for the sake of this musical, you're going to have to be an asshole.

Now, because the director asked you, it is your responsibility to take that role. I doubt the director would so freely toss you the role unless he had a good reason. Recasting can be a serious pain and a lot of directors simply stick with their original casting decisions because it is easy. The director saw something in your performance that would help the musical. You obviously have some sort of talent. Is that talent not worthy of reward? Does the musical not deserve a talented lead?

I agree with this, the director asked you which means you are a better choice for the role. You have an opportunity that benefits YOU, so take the opportunity and make something great happen. In life you have to sometimes be selfish

In the end your friend will understand, you are the better choice. In time maybe he will prove to be better than you at something else, and he can take that opportuinty. It all depends on your choice of words, and how you go about explaining it

 

[Zen Toombs]

You know, maybe im just a little crazy, but why dont you just call him and ASK HIM how he feels about it? That seems the logical course of action to me, not opening a thread about it.

But im just insane like that. Why would you talk to your friend about matters concerning your friend, right?

I approve of your bluntness and your recommended course of action. As well as your love of Breaking Bad. Good show, good show.

To the OP: Yea, you should do as everyone[footnote]who matters. [/footnote] has been saying: talk to your friend. In my opinion, you should probably take the part, considering that the director wanted to change the setup that was already in place to give you the part, but at the very least you should tell your friend what's going on. He'd want to hear it from you. And if you are so unsure of what to do, you should ask your friend about it.