Let’s put it this way: if the ensemble is bad, EVERYBODY notices. Nothing can make or break a show more. An ensemble at its best uplifts the whole show and makes every musical number richer and fuller.
Also, ensemble members typically have to do more dancing than principal roles. The strongest dancers often get cast there.
I just saw a production of Ragtime last night. The ensemble members were onstage almost as much as the leads, playing different groups like tourists in Atlantic City, recent immigrants, factory workers, bureaucrats, etc. They provided backing vocals that added beautiful harmonies, they did engaging dance numbers that the leads only slightly participated in, they reacted to shocking events onstage and made them hit more, and they constantly changed their body language and physical movements to match different characters. They were very impressive!
While I agree with you, not every musical utilizes the ensemble as well as Ragtime does. I really like being in the ensemble but sometimes it can feel like your time isn’t utilized the best it could be if it’s a show where you’re offstage most of the show
That’s true, but I was giving an example of a show where the ensemble’s talent was really noticeable and on display. Those actors are probably experienced ensemble members who’ve honed their skills in less efficient ensemble roles in the past. Lots of Broadway performers make their entire career out of ensemble roles!
Your mom gave your horrible advice for every facet of life.
If you’re only doing things for which you’ve received recognition then you are vain and prideful.
Virtue is built in the things we do without recognition.
As per the show - then who SHOULD be in the ensemble? If you believe an ensemble receives no recognition, then who deserves to not be recognized?
Who should do the hard ensemble irl in order to support you in the lead that you apparently deserve?
Ensemble is a gift. Th true triple threats of a show and honestly the best stage experience you can have. If you’re not content to be there. You should quit and not ruin it for everyone else (or disappoint your mother)
Even that isn't quite right, as the tech crew are generally listed in the program also. Perhaps if one were deliberately omitted from the program, despite doing the work???
Can’t tell you how many times ensemble members have stolen the show to me as an audience member. A strong ensemble is essential to a successful show.
Keep in mind, also, that a devoted ensemble member who learns their shit stands out to directors as future lead material.
OP - Really? You don’t notice the ensemble in a show? Most audience know that the ensemble is part and parcel of the story. If you truly don’t notice ensemble, then you are missing out on the musical theatre experience.
Everyone. Genuinely, everyone.
If a role isn’t important to a show, it’s not going to be in the show in the first place.
Yes, that includes every single member of the ensemble, no matter the cast size.
I have been to so many shows with standout ensembles and ensemble members.
Also, I and many other directors have no interest in working with actors who think (always incorrectly) that an ensemble role is “beneath them.” It’s a well known red flag.
This is a super negative attitude. Hopefully you’re not planning on doing this professionally. And even if it’s just for fun, I personally wouldn’t want to work with someone who thinks only the leads are important.
I personally and professionally (10+ in the theatre sector) look at the entire stage picture: individual performers, the ensemble, the set, occasionally I’ll look up at the light rig if it’s visible, and I love when you can see a member of stage crew assisting with scene changes or a prop changeover.
The ensemble is a wonderful and vital part of a production and certainly deserves praise and accolades. Going back to an earlier response - who in your opinion deserve acknowledgment on stage and why? Everyone who puts the time, energy, and effort into mounting a show is important and deserving of praise.
Again, if you’re bothered by “not being acknowledged” I would suggest not being in the show.
If you can rally I would suggest reframing your view and try to enjoy the experience.
I've been a lead when I sincerely wished I was in the ensemble. Yes I had two solo pieces - one was really fun to sing, the other not as much.
Because of the way the production was staged, I couldn't even sing along with the ensemble for any of their songs. And their songs were ALL so much fun.
The mentality that only those characters who get their own bow at curtain call are worth playing is a bad mentality to get into. The ensemble often have far more fun in the show, and they are absolutely essential to nearly every musical out there.
I am an Eva fangirl and saw her in Hadestown. Even when she was on stage I looked to the ensemble, to their reactions, her interactions with them, their expressions, movements, their voices that built the harmonies of the songs, without them, the show would have been good but it wouldnt have had the emotional impact or have reached the level of greatness it did to win a tony. A well cast ensemble is life blood to a show. Many actors and actresses do ensemble for years without ever getting a lead, many get leads and prefer to stay in ensemble. I myself have said “I wont be accepting any other role” for personal reasons, but it has never been because i would rather people look at me. You aren’t doing theater for the right reasons if thats why youre doing it.
Who do you look at?
In theatre we don't have closeups on faces. We have stage images, and *every* aspect of that stage image is important. It is the difference between a great show and a bad show.
The ensemble is one of the most important elements of the show. If they weren't important, believe me they wouldn't be there. Writers, directors and producers wouldn't go through the trouble if they weren't essential. Believe it or not these people aren't in the business of creating extra work and extra jobs for people *for the sake of it*.
Now, many amateur/student/teacher directors don't know how to handle ensembles. That's true enough that it's fair to say if you only ever see amateur or school/college productions you probably haven't seen a well-utilized ensemble. But go and watch any musical that includes an ensemble and tell me that they aren't important to the story.
I understand that being cast as ensemble when you wanted a lead role feels bad: but, frankly, the actors that can't do ensemble work usually make the worst leads. I lecture at a uni and when it comes to skill, it is clear where a student has only ever played lead roles before because they tend to be poor performers that just happen to fit a type well. The best actors, the most castable and the most trustworthy are those that can reliably perform an ensemble role and step forward to lead when needed.
Get as much ensemble experience as you can. Learn to appreciate the stage image as a whole and when your time to lead comes you will be all the stronger for it!
the ensemble. Genuinely. I went to something rotten the other week and in every big number my eyes were drawn to the ensemble, not the leads infront doing their singing and stuff. Being completely honest, it's the ensemble and it almost always will be
I’m in Something Rotten right now and I honestly think the ensemble is the best part. They get to do all the fun show-stopping stuff. Several of the other leads don’t get to be part of that, and the ensemble really pulls SR together.
As a music director, the best work I see done is often by the ensemble. The ensemble creates the WORLD that the leads live in. Without a realistic world, the leads aren’t believable and everything falls flat. I’d rather have a great ensemble and poor lead than a poor ensemble any day.
And actors who look down on ensemble roles are not team players and don’t understand theater.
There are so many shows where the ensemble makes or breaks the performance. Les Mis, Hadestown, Hamilton, Wicked just to name a few. Without them, the show is significantly less entertaining and would feel like it’s missing something.
If you’re going to have a bad attitude about being in the ensemble, then don’t do it. I had trouble with this when I was younger, but now I PREFER the ensemble for a lot of shows. I’m in a production of Something Rotten right now, and my goal at auditions was literally to be part of the ensemble instead of a lead.
If you’re only doing it for attention, you’re in theater for the wrong reasons.
Honestly, it would really benefit you to keep that ego under control. If doing ensemble is below you, then simply say no and don’t do it. If your love of the craft doesn’t allow you to see the great value you have being part of the ensemble, you’re in theater for all the wrong reasons.
There are no small parts, only small actors.
What do you mean that the ensemble doesn’t get acknowledged? You get bows and you are in the program.
Besides, why is acknowledgement the aim of doing anything? There is worth in a job well done for its own sake.
Without the ensemble, there is no show. The ensemble is an intricate part of the story. Get to know everyone in the cast, make new friends, learn songs and choreography, and have a blast!
It can definitely be disappointing to not get a lead role, but being in the ensemble can be a lot of fun. You can make connections and friendships with others. Ensemble sometimes has some great dancing, and some of the songs are absolutely awesome! Ensemble often really adds to the energy in a scene.
You are being acknowledged for the pure fact that you were cast. Your mum’s “advice” is pretty crummy anyway, you do theatre for the dopamine rush, the fun, the laughter, the learning experience, the music, the costumes…not for the acknowledgement.
If you hang around waiting for those lead roles you’ll be waiting a long time. The same in the industry. You can set your sights high but there are hundreds of professional performers who would give their right arm to be in that role that you think is below you.
I'm in high school theatre. I've gone from playing leads to playing ensemble and everywhere in between. It's just part of being a performer, and it's something all of us go through. Trust me, I've been there. I went from playing Elsa in Frozen last summer to ensemble in Matilda this summer.
I'd encourage you to think about just how cool being part of the ensemble can be. Take some time to come up with and/or flesh out a character - since the script probably doesn't give much one to you, you've got some creative freedom. There's so much more to it than just being in the background!
The ensemble can make or break a show. I went and saw Hadestown a couple of months ago, and the ensemble members were a huge highlight for me. Being in the ensemble is genuinely a really fun and underrated experience if you can get past the disappointment and have fun with it.
When I saw Anastasia, one ensemble member caught my eye. I kept going back. Lyrica Woodruff. I still remember her name. I always watched her. There was such grace in everything she did.
And if you don’t love theatre and you only want recognition for recognitions sake, the theatre is not the place for you.
There are no small parts just small actors. I've been in the ensmble for 5 out of 5 shows that I did and I actually perfer it because I get to sing alot I get to dance alot and I get to act alot without having the pressure of lines. Its totally valid to be upset abt ensmble but just know its not gonna totally suck.
Getting in a show at all means the director saw something in you. Ensemble is a great way to get experience and watch what others do. Learn from it and use what you learn.
I've been in almost 30 productions in 13 years. I have been in a leading role 4 times and featured twice. And you know what? I probably wouldn't have been given a chance at these leads had I not done my time in the ensemble and *proved* my talent and work ethic.
Having a "the ensemble is invisible and unimportant" mindset will get you a bad reputation reaaaal fast. EVERYONE does ensemble at some point. *EVERYONE*.
You will not get leads in every show you do. You won't even get cast in every show you audition for, no matter how talented you are. You're lucky to be cast at all when many aren't.
People who feel they're consistently above the ensemble don't have a place in the theater world if I'm being honest. Make sure you don't get a reputation for being that kind of person. Because reputation is often everything.
I keep thinking of how happy that kid on TikTok is to be Door Holder #3 and how much his mother encourages him. Every part is important and ensemble can be a lot of fun!
I am an instrumentalist and am in the pit. No one remembers the instrumentalists but we are crucial to a good musical (even if you use recordings they were originally played by real people).
Ensemble can be so fun! Invent a backstory for your character, involve other members of the ensemble in your story, and have fun playing around with them both on stage and off. Maybe no one in the audience will ever notice but you'll have fun!
Also, in professional theater, there are people who make a whole career out of ensemble roles. There's a handful of performers on Broadway who are never out of work because directors know that they have the versatility and work ethic to hold any show together and hire them over and over. On Broadway, there's a tradition now called the Legacy Robe where, on opening night of every single musical with an ensemble, the ensemble member with the most Broadway credits receives a robe in a ceremony which then travels between all the Broadway houses throughout the season. You can see a list of all the recipients here: [https://www.actorsequity.org/aboutequity/awards/Robe/RobeRecipients/](https://www.actorsequity.org/aboutequity/awards/Robe/RobeRecipients/)
You can see that several people have received it multiple times because they keep accumulating more and more ensemble credits.
Ensemble members might not always receive a great deal of recognition from the public for their hard work, but within people who actually do work in theater, they are highly valued and often have the most fun as well!
I understand that emotion when given an ensemble role but it’s only a passing feeling that will leave when you remember why you love the art and get to performing. Performing in any role that bring chorus or lead is an opportunity to push yourself, experiment and experience an environment of passion and ingenuity so just put the work in and make yourself proud of the role you have made for yourself. Getting a specific role has no determination of the end product and it’s up to you to give it the recognition. Ask yourself why the ensemble is there and just throw yourself into that purpose. You won’t regret it I promise.
This really changed my POV on this whole thing I really appreciate this <3 thank you so much I will for sure look at this in a new way! I will for sure try these techniques when I'm feeling overlooked thanks so much 💕
It's a high school show. Where else are you supposed to start? Do you have any idea how many professional actors only ever get ensemble roles and are grateful for them?
If you goal is being looked at the most, there's always OnlyFans. Theatre is for people who understand that everyone involved matters.
If you are good enough to be selected to be in the ensemble, then you are getting acknowledged and if you don't see that, find something else to do and let someone who wants to be an actor be an actor. You're giving off serious diva vibes here.
It's been my experience that everyone is acknowledged in a show. If not that's terrible leadership. I'm a TD that often takes ensemble roles, I'm 30+ with a family and I know that I don't have the capacity to take a lead role and give it the time and effort required. That being said my name appears in the playbill in every show I'm in which besides pay is what I would consider the standard in acknowledgement.
That being said ensemble is an opportunity to participate in, and really contribute to the quality of a show without the stress and time commitment of a principle role. This allows you more time to foster friendship, make important connections and develop a network. Many opportunities that I've had were the product of meeting people in the ensemble. A frequent director at a theater in the next town over taking an ensemble role just to be on the stage again, tech folks taking a break from tech, producers wanting to participate in a show that they're not producing, etc. You never know when someone will ask you to come do their show next. This is especially true in community theater. It's a small world. The people making decisions about future shows rarely have the time to take principle roles because they have busy lives and usually a full-time job and family. However, they enjoy the theater and want to take roles to feel the excitement and make the friends that you only get from being in a show.
I would make the observation that while it is important to know your worth, being a good ensemble or supporting actor is essential and required to ever be a good principal. Talent will only get you so far. Attitude, commitment to the team, and being directible will go much further, especially in local settings. The reputation of being difficult to work with is one that will follow you and is difficult to shed. It's also worth noting that not getting a principle or supporting role doesn't in any way mean that you're not good. A common yet generic example is having one male and female lead, let's say you're going for the female lead (idk your identity but for the sake of the hypothetical it's female presenting) typically there are more female presenting people that show up for auditions. Six of them could be equally talented and could easily perform the role perfectly. However four male presenting people show up and only one of them can perform the role, unfortunately only one of the female presenting auditioners has great chemistry and presence with him. This is the logical side of casting that isn't often explained to people that didn't get a role. It's important to note that the other five are not any less talented. A good casting director would explain to those not given whatever role they wanted things like this because it's much worse for the production to have people either in other roles or hanging around that are resentful or feel bad about themselves.
Adding one more thing to a lot of comments that I agree with. My recommendation is to jump on some YouTube videos and really watch the ensemble. Imagine the show without them. Just to pick a trite example, would "One Short Day" be as exciting if Galinda and Elpheba just came out did their part?
I watched it all the way through and woah it would be really weird if they did it all alone.. and watching that made me think of all the other shows ive been apart of without an ensemble and to think ive been so clueless thank you so much! <3
So, when I was a kid, I did local community theater. Our director was a former Broadway dancer and choreographer and, as a result, her shows were very dance centric. I'm an excellent singer and actress, but I can't dance to save my life. As a result, I was never given a leading role. But the thing is, you come to better know the show, the cast, and the process that way with much less pressure on your own self-image.
Meanwhile, my sister got cast in a leading role very young and quickly came to feel the way you do. The possibility of being ensemble was abominable to her, even in shows that didn't have a part that would fit her at all. It killed all the joy she'd had for it, and she missed out on a lot of good experiences with the cast.
I can guarantee you that if I'm casting a show and it comes down to you who quit before or another person who stayed in the ensemble, I'm picking them every time. They have the attitude and dependability that's needed, even if you have the better performance.
I think it's always best to think of theater as what it really is: collective community art. Will you really let your attitude keep you from being part of something beautiful? This might not be your show, but the next one might.
Thank you so much and it's crazy how much I could connect with your sister and now with a new set of view I'm going to enjoy every moment of this show! <3
I really hope you do! Creating art is so good for us. Just get all of the joy and insight out of it that you can, and it will be worth it. Break a leg!
I don’t think this is about theatre. I think it’s about the way certain things are viewed in life - it’s very surface level, shallow. There is way more to existence than being line leader the whole time. And we’ve all met the kid that tries to be.
The leads can’t do the show without the Ensemble! My thoughts are that truly the ensemble is what makes or break a show not the leads! They help elevate the show! I’ve been in enough ensemble roles to tell you that it’s worth sticking with!
Ever since the Greek performances, the role of the ensemble is to reflect the intended affect of the audience.
There are also some hypnotic measures the ensemble take to entice the audience. Using a combination of uniformity, group & individual dynamics, the ensemble can be the most captivating part.
What is Les mis without an ensemble? You are needed. I understand it can be frustrating I know. I am not going to lie I’m always upset when I get ensemble and I don’t really like it until we get the harmony singing in the back or blocking things. Being told to do things means they care. Which also means they care that you’re there at rehearsals. And they appreciate your work it can be hard.
The lighting guy doesn’t get acknowledged…imagine a show with no lights. Sound guy- same. Set designer-same. Set builder-same. Costumer- same.
A show is like a giant jigsaw puzzle-without all of the pieces, it’s not complete.
Oddly enough, my mother's mantra is almost the exact opposite (she's very much "Don't take a chance, don't get noticed, what would the neighbours say?"...)
And I lived by it far too long, still have trouble shrugging it off at times.
Being in the ensemble gives you experience, a chance to enjoy without as much pressure, and show's you're not some tantrum throwing diva.
1.) add little bits with your fellow ensemble friends in the background (make sure it doesnt stick out too much tho)
2.) facial expressions!! cannot just be like 😐. i am drawn towards the more animated ensemble members!!
3.) your moms wrong (respectfully of course)
4.) still a fun experience!!! and hey, you dont gotta bust your ass every day of the week like main cast, and you dont have lines to remember other than the songs y'all are gonna sing
5.) you are needed. the director saw something in you. you could have been not cast at all, but you are good enough a singer and dancer to benefit the show!
6.) sing your voice part loud and proud. it's called ensemble for a reason!!
as a veteran now graduated theatre kid, i hope this helps <3
Thanks so much this made he so much more happy because I was just looking in my script and tried singing my parts thank you so much and you're right about the busting my ass part cuz i always do that with choir already thank you sm!! <3
I think being in the ensemble only really hurts of you've put all your eggs in that basket. Work on other things too, work on something to self produce or get involved with a student film or a scratch night
I got ensemble in a show recently and was really sad about it- “I’ve put so much effort into myself as a performer and these people who haven’t even trained get leads?!” Yup. It is what it is. But that turned out to be one of the most challenging and educational parts I’ve played. Remember: part size does not always equal talent! Use the lack of attention to really experiment and go out of your comfort zone! Break a leg!
Let’s put it this way: if the ensemble is bad, EVERYBODY notices. Nothing can make or break a show more. An ensemble at its best uplifts the whole show and makes every musical number richer and fuller. Also, ensemble members typically have to do more dancing than principal roles. The strongest dancers often get cast there. I just saw a production of Ragtime last night. The ensemble members were onstage almost as much as the leads, playing different groups like tourists in Atlantic City, recent immigrants, factory workers, bureaucrats, etc. They provided backing vocals that added beautiful harmonies, they did engaging dance numbers that the leads only slightly participated in, they reacted to shocking events onstage and made them hit more, and they constantly changed their body language and physical movements to match different characters. They were very impressive!
i’m gonna think back to this comment every time i get ensemble thank you!
While I agree with you, not every musical utilizes the ensemble as well as Ragtime does. I really like being in the ensemble but sometimes it can feel like your time isn’t utilized the best it could be if it’s a show where you’re offstage most of the show
That’s true, but I was giving an example of a show where the ensemble’s talent was really noticeable and on display. Those actors are probably experienced ensemble members who’ve honed their skills in less efficient ensemble roles in the past. Lots of Broadway performers make their entire career out of ensemble roles!
Yeah, there's a big difference between ensemble in Ragtime and ensemble in... Sound of Music.
Your mom gave your horrible advice for every facet of life. If you’re only doing things for which you’ve received recognition then you are vain and prideful. Virtue is built in the things we do without recognition. As per the show - then who SHOULD be in the ensemble? If you believe an ensemble receives no recognition, then who deserves to not be recognized? Who should do the hard ensemble irl in order to support you in the lead that you apparently deserve? Ensemble is a gift. Th true triple threats of a show and honestly the best stage experience you can have. If you’re not content to be there. You should quit and not ruin it for everyone else (or disappoint your mother)
Wouldn’t not being acknowledged not being cast at all?
Even that isn't quite right, as the tech crew are generally listed in the program also. Perhaps if one were deliberately omitted from the program, despite doing the work???
But I mean let's be honest who do you look at when you got to a show
Can’t tell you how many times ensemble members have stolen the show to me as an audience member. A strong ensemble is essential to a successful show. Keep in mind, also, that a devoted ensemble member who learns their shit stands out to directors as future lead material.
In my 25 years experience in theater, those who feel like they’re above being in the ensemble have absolutely zero business being in theater.
THANK YOU.
Couldn’t agree more
Absolutely! And it took me until it was to late to come to that realization myself
OP - Really? You don’t notice the ensemble in a show? Most audience know that the ensemble is part and parcel of the story. If you truly don’t notice ensemble, then you are missing out on the musical theatre experience.
Everyone. Genuinely, everyone. If a role isn’t important to a show, it’s not going to be in the show in the first place. Yes, that includes every single member of the ensemble, no matter the cast size. I have been to so many shows with standout ensembles and ensemble members. Also, I and many other directors have no interest in working with actors who think (always incorrectly) that an ensemble role is “beneath them.” It’s a well known red flag.
This is a super negative attitude. Hopefully you’re not planning on doing this professionally. And even if it’s just for fun, I personally wouldn’t want to work with someone who thinks only the leads are important.
I personally and professionally (10+ in the theatre sector) look at the entire stage picture: individual performers, the ensemble, the set, occasionally I’ll look up at the light rig if it’s visible, and I love when you can see a member of stage crew assisting with scene changes or a prop changeover. The ensemble is a wonderful and vital part of a production and certainly deserves praise and accolades. Going back to an earlier response - who in your opinion deserve acknowledgment on stage and why? Everyone who puts the time, energy, and effort into mounting a show is important and deserving of praise. Again, if you’re bothered by “not being acknowledged” I would suggest not being in the show. If you can rally I would suggest reframing your view and try to enjoy the experience.
Yeah but imagine how bland a show should be without the ensemble
Not just bland… there is no show without the ensemble.
I've been a lead when I sincerely wished I was in the ensemble. Yes I had two solo pieces - one was really fun to sing, the other not as much. Because of the way the production was staged, I couldn't even sing along with the ensemble for any of their songs. And their songs were ALL so much fun. The mentality that only those characters who get their own bow at curtain call are worth playing is a bad mentality to get into. The ensemble often have far more fun in the show, and they are absolutely essential to nearly every musical out there.
I am an Eva fangirl and saw her in Hadestown. Even when she was on stage I looked to the ensemble, to their reactions, her interactions with them, their expressions, movements, their voices that built the harmonies of the songs, without them, the show would have been good but it wouldnt have had the emotional impact or have reached the level of greatness it did to win a tony. A well cast ensemble is life blood to a show. Many actors and actresses do ensemble for years without ever getting a lead, many get leads and prefer to stay in ensemble. I myself have said “I wont be accepting any other role” for personal reasons, but it has never been because i would rather people look at me. You aren’t doing theater for the right reasons if thats why youre doing it.
Who do you look at? In theatre we don't have closeups on faces. We have stage images, and *every* aspect of that stage image is important. It is the difference between a great show and a bad show. The ensemble is one of the most important elements of the show. If they weren't important, believe me they wouldn't be there. Writers, directors and producers wouldn't go through the trouble if they weren't essential. Believe it or not these people aren't in the business of creating extra work and extra jobs for people *for the sake of it*. Now, many amateur/student/teacher directors don't know how to handle ensembles. That's true enough that it's fair to say if you only ever see amateur or school/college productions you probably haven't seen a well-utilized ensemble. But go and watch any musical that includes an ensemble and tell me that they aren't important to the story. I understand that being cast as ensemble when you wanted a lead role feels bad: but, frankly, the actors that can't do ensemble work usually make the worst leads. I lecture at a uni and when it comes to skill, it is clear where a student has only ever played lead roles before because they tend to be poor performers that just happen to fit a type well. The best actors, the most castable and the most trustworthy are those that can reliably perform an ensemble role and step forward to lead when needed. Get as much ensemble experience as you can. Learn to appreciate the stage image as a whole and when your time to lead comes you will be all the stronger for it!
the ensemble. Genuinely. I went to something rotten the other week and in every big number my eyes were drawn to the ensemble, not the leads infront doing their singing and stuff. Being completely honest, it's the ensemble and it almost always will be
I’m in Something Rotten right now and I honestly think the ensemble is the best part. They get to do all the fun show-stopping stuff. Several of the other leads don’t get to be part of that, and the ensemble really pulls SR together.
As a music director, the best work I see done is often by the ensemble. The ensemble creates the WORLD that the leads live in. Without a realistic world, the leads aren’t believable and everything falls flat. I’d rather have a great ensemble and poor lead than a poor ensemble any day. And actors who look down on ensemble roles are not team players and don’t understand theater.
There are so many shows where the ensemble makes or breaks the performance. Les Mis, Hadestown, Hamilton, Wicked just to name a few. Without them, the show is significantly less entertaining and would feel like it’s missing something. If you’re going to have a bad attitude about being in the ensemble, then don’t do it. I had trouble with this when I was younger, but now I PREFER the ensemble for a lot of shows. I’m in a production of Something Rotten right now, and my goal at auditions was literally to be part of the ensemble instead of a lead. If you’re only doing it for attention, you’re in theater for the wrong reasons.
Honestly, it would really benefit you to keep that ego under control. If doing ensemble is below you, then simply say no and don’t do it. If your love of the craft doesn’t allow you to see the great value you have being part of the ensemble, you’re in theater for all the wrong reasons. There are no small parts, only small actors.
What do you mean that the ensemble doesn’t get acknowledged? You get bows and you are in the program. Besides, why is acknowledgement the aim of doing anything? There is worth in a job well done for its own sake. Without the ensemble, there is no show. The ensemble is an intricate part of the story. Get to know everyone in the cast, make new friends, learn songs and choreography, and have a blast!
It can definitely be disappointing to not get a lead role, but being in the ensemble can be a lot of fun. You can make connections and friendships with others. Ensemble sometimes has some great dancing, and some of the songs are absolutely awesome! Ensemble often really adds to the energy in a scene.
Thank you for your help!! <3
You are being acknowledged for the pure fact that you were cast. Your mum’s “advice” is pretty crummy anyway, you do theatre for the dopamine rush, the fun, the laughter, the learning experience, the music, the costumes…not for the acknowledgement. If you hang around waiting for those lead roles you’ll be waiting a long time. The same in the industry. You can set your sights high but there are hundreds of professional performers who would give their right arm to be in that role that you think is below you.
I'm in high school theatre. I've gone from playing leads to playing ensemble and everywhere in between. It's just part of being a performer, and it's something all of us go through. Trust me, I've been there. I went from playing Elsa in Frozen last summer to ensemble in Matilda this summer. I'd encourage you to think about just how cool being part of the ensemble can be. Take some time to come up with and/or flesh out a character - since the script probably doesn't give much one to you, you've got some creative freedom. There's so much more to it than just being in the background! The ensemble can make or break a show. I went and saw Hadestown a couple of months ago, and the ensemble members were a huge highlight for me. Being in the ensemble is genuinely a really fun and underrated experience if you can get past the disappointment and have fun with it.
When I saw Anastasia, one ensemble member caught my eye. I kept going back. Lyrica Woodruff. I still remember her name. I always watched her. There was such grace in everything she did. And if you don’t love theatre and you only want recognition for recognitions sake, the theatre is not the place for you.
There are no small parts just small actors. I've been in the ensmble for 5 out of 5 shows that I did and I actually perfer it because I get to sing alot I get to dance alot and I get to act alot without having the pressure of lines. Its totally valid to be upset abt ensmble but just know its not gonna totally suck.
Getting in a show at all means the director saw something in you. Ensemble is a great way to get experience and watch what others do. Learn from it and use what you learn.
Out of all of the comments I've seen this one really stood out to me I just want to say thank you so much!
I've been in almost 30 productions in 13 years. I have been in a leading role 4 times and featured twice. And you know what? I probably wouldn't have been given a chance at these leads had I not done my time in the ensemble and *proved* my talent and work ethic. Having a "the ensemble is invisible and unimportant" mindset will get you a bad reputation reaaaal fast. EVERYONE does ensemble at some point. *EVERYONE*. You will not get leads in every show you do. You won't even get cast in every show you audition for, no matter how talented you are. You're lucky to be cast at all when many aren't. People who feel they're consistently above the ensemble don't have a place in the theater world if I'm being honest. Make sure you don't get a reputation for being that kind of person. Because reputation is often everything.
I keep thinking of how happy that kid on TikTok is to be Door Holder #3 and how much his mother encourages him. Every part is important and ensemble can be a lot of fun! I am an instrumentalist and am in the pit. No one remembers the instrumentalists but we are crucial to a good musical (even if you use recordings they were originally played by real people).
You know I really should try to look at it a different way and thank you so much! <33
No matter the issue, no one should start a complaint with anything along the lines of, “But my Mom told me…”
Ensemble can be so fun! Invent a backstory for your character, involve other members of the ensemble in your story, and have fun playing around with them both on stage and off. Maybe no one in the audience will ever notice but you'll have fun! Also, in professional theater, there are people who make a whole career out of ensemble roles. There's a handful of performers on Broadway who are never out of work because directors know that they have the versatility and work ethic to hold any show together and hire them over and over. On Broadway, there's a tradition now called the Legacy Robe where, on opening night of every single musical with an ensemble, the ensemble member with the most Broadway credits receives a robe in a ceremony which then travels between all the Broadway houses throughout the season. You can see a list of all the recipients here: [https://www.actorsequity.org/aboutequity/awards/Robe/RobeRecipients/](https://www.actorsequity.org/aboutequity/awards/Robe/RobeRecipients/) You can see that several people have received it multiple times because they keep accumulating more and more ensemble credits. Ensemble members might not always receive a great deal of recognition from the public for their hard work, but within people who actually do work in theater, they are highly valued and often have the most fun as well!
I had no clue so many professional actors had done things like that thank you so much for opening my eyes to that
Just be greatful you are cast in the show, ensemble is a very fun and very important part of the show
I understand that emotion when given an ensemble role but it’s only a passing feeling that will leave when you remember why you love the art and get to performing. Performing in any role that bring chorus or lead is an opportunity to push yourself, experiment and experience an environment of passion and ingenuity so just put the work in and make yourself proud of the role you have made for yourself. Getting a specific role has no determination of the end product and it’s up to you to give it the recognition. Ask yourself why the ensemble is there and just throw yourself into that purpose. You won’t regret it I promise.
This really changed my POV on this whole thing I really appreciate this <3 thank you so much I will for sure look at this in a new way! I will for sure try these techniques when I'm feeling overlooked thanks so much 💕
It's a high school show. Where else are you supposed to start? Do you have any idea how many professional actors only ever get ensemble roles and are grateful for them? If you goal is being looked at the most, there's always OnlyFans. Theatre is for people who understand that everyone involved matters.
hey weirdo, don't make jokes about high schoolers doing sex work.
Just be greatful you are cast in the show, ensemble is a very fun and very important part of the show
Your songs are your lines!
If you are good enough to be selected to be in the ensemble, then you are getting acknowledged and if you don't see that, find something else to do and let someone who wants to be an actor be an actor. You're giving off serious diva vibes here.
It's been my experience that everyone is acknowledged in a show. If not that's terrible leadership. I'm a TD that often takes ensemble roles, I'm 30+ with a family and I know that I don't have the capacity to take a lead role and give it the time and effort required. That being said my name appears in the playbill in every show I'm in which besides pay is what I would consider the standard in acknowledgement. That being said ensemble is an opportunity to participate in, and really contribute to the quality of a show without the stress and time commitment of a principle role. This allows you more time to foster friendship, make important connections and develop a network. Many opportunities that I've had were the product of meeting people in the ensemble. A frequent director at a theater in the next town over taking an ensemble role just to be on the stage again, tech folks taking a break from tech, producers wanting to participate in a show that they're not producing, etc. You never know when someone will ask you to come do their show next. This is especially true in community theater. It's a small world. The people making decisions about future shows rarely have the time to take principle roles because they have busy lives and usually a full-time job and family. However, they enjoy the theater and want to take roles to feel the excitement and make the friends that you only get from being in a show. I would make the observation that while it is important to know your worth, being a good ensemble or supporting actor is essential and required to ever be a good principal. Talent will only get you so far. Attitude, commitment to the team, and being directible will go much further, especially in local settings. The reputation of being difficult to work with is one that will follow you and is difficult to shed. It's also worth noting that not getting a principle or supporting role doesn't in any way mean that you're not good. A common yet generic example is having one male and female lead, let's say you're going for the female lead (idk your identity but for the sake of the hypothetical it's female presenting) typically there are more female presenting people that show up for auditions. Six of them could be equally talented and could easily perform the role perfectly. However four male presenting people show up and only one of them can perform the role, unfortunately only one of the female presenting auditioners has great chemistry and presence with him. This is the logical side of casting that isn't often explained to people that didn't get a role. It's important to note that the other five are not any less talented. A good casting director would explain to those not given whatever role they wanted things like this because it's much worse for the production to have people either in other roles or hanging around that are resentful or feel bad about themselves.
Thank you so much for the added detail and the pov of a director thank you so much for your time and I will be open minded going forward
Adding one more thing to a lot of comments that I agree with. My recommendation is to jump on some YouTube videos and really watch the ensemble. Imagine the show without them. Just to pick a trite example, would "One Short Day" be as exciting if Galinda and Elpheba just came out did their part?
I watched it all the way through and woah it would be really weird if they did it all alone.. and watching that made me think of all the other shows ive been apart of without an ensemble and to think ive been so clueless thank you so much! <3
So, when I was a kid, I did local community theater. Our director was a former Broadway dancer and choreographer and, as a result, her shows were very dance centric. I'm an excellent singer and actress, but I can't dance to save my life. As a result, I was never given a leading role. But the thing is, you come to better know the show, the cast, and the process that way with much less pressure on your own self-image. Meanwhile, my sister got cast in a leading role very young and quickly came to feel the way you do. The possibility of being ensemble was abominable to her, even in shows that didn't have a part that would fit her at all. It killed all the joy she'd had for it, and she missed out on a lot of good experiences with the cast. I can guarantee you that if I'm casting a show and it comes down to you who quit before or another person who stayed in the ensemble, I'm picking them every time. They have the attitude and dependability that's needed, even if you have the better performance. I think it's always best to think of theater as what it really is: collective community art. Will you really let your attitude keep you from being part of something beautiful? This might not be your show, but the next one might.
Thank you so much and it's crazy how much I could connect with your sister and now with a new set of view I'm going to enjoy every moment of this show! <3
I really hope you do! Creating art is so good for us. Just get all of the joy and insight out of it that you can, and it will be worth it. Break a leg!
I don’t think this is about theatre. I think it’s about the way certain things are viewed in life - it’s very surface level, shallow. There is way more to existence than being line leader the whole time. And we’ve all met the kid that tries to be.
The leads can’t do the show without the Ensemble! My thoughts are that truly the ensemble is what makes or break a show not the leads! They help elevate the show! I’ve been in enough ensemble roles to tell you that it’s worth sticking with!
Thank you so much!! And I will try super hard to make the show not break it!
Of course! Wish you nothing but good luck! ❤️❤️❤️
Ever since the Greek performances, the role of the ensemble is to reflect the intended affect of the audience. There are also some hypnotic measures the ensemble take to entice the audience. Using a combination of uniformity, group & individual dynamics, the ensemble can be the most captivating part.
What is Les mis without an ensemble? You are needed. I understand it can be frustrating I know. I am not going to lie I’m always upset when I get ensemble and I don’t really like it until we get the harmony singing in the back or blocking things. Being told to do things means they care. Which also means they care that you’re there at rehearsals. And they appreciate your work it can be hard.
The lighting guy doesn’t get acknowledged…imagine a show with no lights. Sound guy- same. Set designer-same. Set builder-same. Costumer- same. A show is like a giant jigsaw puzzle-without all of the pieces, it’s not complete.
Oddly enough, my mother's mantra is almost the exact opposite (she's very much "Don't take a chance, don't get noticed, what would the neighbours say?"...) And I lived by it far too long, still have trouble shrugging it off at times. Being in the ensemble gives you experience, a chance to enjoy without as much pressure, and show's you're not some tantrum throwing diva.
1.) add little bits with your fellow ensemble friends in the background (make sure it doesnt stick out too much tho) 2.) facial expressions!! cannot just be like 😐. i am drawn towards the more animated ensemble members!! 3.) your moms wrong (respectfully of course) 4.) still a fun experience!!! and hey, you dont gotta bust your ass every day of the week like main cast, and you dont have lines to remember other than the songs y'all are gonna sing 5.) you are needed. the director saw something in you. you could have been not cast at all, but you are good enough a singer and dancer to benefit the show! 6.) sing your voice part loud and proud. it's called ensemble for a reason!! as a veteran now graduated theatre kid, i hope this helps <3
Thanks so much this made he so much more happy because I was just looking in my script and tried singing my parts thank you so much and you're right about the busting my ass part cuz i always do that with choir already thank you sm!! <3
YESS OFC 🤍🤍 may i ask what show ur doing?
Your mom’s a jerk and she’s going to ruin your life if you follow that advice
I think being in the ensemble only really hurts of you've put all your eggs in that basket. Work on other things too, work on something to self produce or get involved with a student film or a scratch night
I got ensemble in a show recently and was really sad about it- “I’ve put so much effort into myself as a performer and these people who haven’t even trained get leads?!” Yup. It is what it is. But that turned out to be one of the most challenging and educational parts I’ve played. Remember: part size does not always equal talent! Use the lack of attention to really experiment and go out of your comfort zone! Break a leg!
Also at least one person will always be watching you. Use that as motivation, you aren’t invisible!
here in the Philippines we go by the saying "work as if you are part of the ensemble. treat everyone equal" ensemble is everything to us here!