Succession

One thing follows another.  For weal or woe.

There was a young, up and coming actor who chose to appear in a regional Shakespeare production.  He didn't have much to do but figured it was a chance to observe a pro production and meet a notable actor.

From the beginning he was treated with disdain.  Nonetheless, he endured and indeed received a crash course in production.

As is often the case, he made friends with production people.  Their views are often different from the top tier.  And he got to know that well known actor.

One of the principal roles was filled by a local football star.  As for the rest of his makeup, that's up in the air.  As for acting, he was dumb as a box of rocks.

The director etal spent extra time past Equity hours, to coach him.  They worked and worked to little avail.  His delivery remained at what might be grade school theater level.  But they had a 'star' for audience pull.

The star had to leave for spring training.  The finances were limited and there were no understudies.  So cast members were ratcheted to fill the gap.

The young actor had had ample time to be familiar with principal roles. To fill an inevitable gap, the director brought in another local actor, instead of tapping the onset talent.

A slap in the face?  To say the least.  And yet, the young actor endured.

He came away with invaluable knowledge how to put together a production.  His subsequent work in NYC and Hollywood benefitted immensely.

Any resemblance to current events is not coincidental, for there are no coincidences.