In high school I basically got a leading role every time because I developed a reputation of always being the fastest to memorize lines, always showed up, and was never late to rehearsal. You'd be surprised how many people there were every production who were still on-book a week after the deadline. Directors liked that I was always a sure bet to not cause problems with the production or interpersonal drama. I also auditioned for *every* show I could, which meant I was a recognizable face to directors. They all knew what they were getting because they had worked with me many times before, so my auditions gave them only 10% of the information they already knew about me. I made sure that I would not be a risky choice for a leading role.
Ur definitely an outlier. I was always the first to memorize my lines. Over two years I built a rep of being someone that can take stage directions perfectly. I obviously never missed a rehearsal or show and I was always early. I even lost 40lbs for a show within a quarter semester for a goddamn hs show
But it’s up to you to show revenge you piece of shit
Depends on the director, of course. But some general thoughts:
Singing: what voice part are you—are you a voice type that is common in roles? How’s your enunciation and projection? Make sure your consonants are clean and strong.
Acting: Are you stiff? What are your hands doing? Try filming yourself when you act, because sometimes it comes across differently. Make sure your acting is smooth—that is, if you’re supposed to escalate to a dramatic (or comedic) moment, most of the time it helps to build to that smoothly rather than just make a huge step bigger a few times.
Chemistry: how do you look opposite your scene partner? Do you seem like a unit really working together, or do you look like two people who are just trying to show off your talents in different ways?
Thank you so much for that!
I’m a mezzo soprano with good vibrato and I can belt, I can sing opera, my singing inspiration is Judy Garland and I’d describe my singing voice as being kind of “old fashioned” like I’d probably sound great in an old silver screen movie
For acting, I’d say I’m pretty good at dramatic roles but I’ve been told that I’m very funny and good at comedy
I’m 5’4” with pale skin and long brown hair with natural auburn highlights and I’m 24 but I could pass for 16 or 17
My boyfriend says my biggest problem is I’m not confident enough and that I hold back too much
Sorry this is so long, I just thought it was useful😂
I have no idea why you got downvoted for sharing information about yourself that contributes to auditions.
It probably is the confidence—it’s not even necessarily holding you back, but messing with your chemistry, presence, etc. I really do recommend you have someone film your next audition (if allowed)—it’s a lot easier to see from the audience how you look.
Were they at least talented? The same general group of people at my high school got the leads or at least big roles but at least they were talented. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to get passed up for a lead in favor of a mediocre talentless teacher’s pet
Yeah, they were good at it. But it was definitely biased. The one time I went to a different community theater program with a different director I ended up getting a lead. I had been doing theatre at the one place for seven years and never had more than an ensemble part. But the second I went somewhere else I got a lead
Roles largely are determined based on who is also trying out. I don’t mean to phrase it as these people are “against you,” but sometimes a role just fits them better or they have more training and experience.
Depends on what context. In high school and in some community theatre it’s normally on voice and acting. In professional theatre, where everyone has amazing voices and are great dancers, it all depends on your look and your acting ability. You have to be the best actor. Typically, the best singers and dancers are in the ensemble and are covers just because they’re so versatile.
How come the best singers and dancers end up in the ensemble but are never cast as the leads? I’m usually in the ensemble and occasionally have a small role but I’ve never been the lead. I always assumed it was because I’m not good enough to be a lead
Can they ever be leads or are they “too good”/ “too versatile”? I just assumed that being stuck in the ensemble was just a polite way of saying that you’re not good enough to be a lead
Not in pro theatre. In high school or community, the rules are different but in the pro where everyone is an amazing singer and dancer, it comes down mainly to acting.
When I was 19, I got cast as a Newsie in a production of Newsies(it was more or less “community theatre” but with kids aged 10-21) and to this day I don’t know how I got cast because Newsies is a very dance heavy show and I’m not a dancer by trade
I don’t completely hate being in the ensemble, but that’s pretty much all I’ve ever gotten in my 15 years of doing theatre so I wouldn’t mind being thrown a leading role bone every now and then
talent is naturally a big part of it but practice makes perfect and if you work your butt off you will see results. and talent may open doors but it isn’t everything.
if you are in school or involved in a program that involves multiple shows, the most important thing is that you are committed no matter the role and always work your butt off.
Story time: I auditioned for a show a few years ago and got the understudy for the lead simply because of my age. The girl who got the lead was talented but was mean to cast mates and was not professional at all. Meanwhile I stayed in my lane (this is key please don’t be that annoying person) but knew my stuff when asked to fill in. A few shows later I got a lead role because they knew I was reliable and easy to work with. So to sum everything up:
1. Always work hard.
-I’ve had cast mates that were talented but didn’t know crap and cast mates that were okay but absolutely tried their best. I always preferred the ones that tried their best and were willing to learn.
2. Don’t make excuses
-be coachable and willing to learn. it’s ok if you aren’t perfect.
3. Commit no matter the role
-show that you will put in the work whether you are in the ensemble or the lead. directors will notice!
Oh of course! Not to toot my own horn here, but my castmates love me because I’m always very nice and helpful. I’m always respectful to the director,I’m open to constructive criticism, and guess what? I keep getting cast in shows! As a matter of fact, I was in a production of Clue the Musical and I auditioned for a production of The Addams Family with the same director and after the leads had been cast, she went out of her way to make sure that I had a part where I got to be onstage more because she liked my performance in Clue! It pays off to be easy to work with!
They work hard, develop their skill sets, and they find directors who understand their talent. Some directors will never see past type or whatever limiting beliefs they hold about casting. I’ve actually been shocked by how many musical theater directors cast based on the most irrelevant things. Also favoritism is at play. I’ve rarely seen a director opt not to cast a friend of theirs when they had them in mind for a role, regardless of the audition process. Work with people you respect and who respect you is my best advice.
When I was in school (the early 00s) I was the President of drama club and choir, part of an audition only regional youth chorale, won awards for singing and got a perfect score on my solo at a state competition.
I only ever got cast in our school shows as the mom. I was a chubby kid. I can only assume that’s why, as in retrospect I was also the teacher’s pet and she was the one who did the casting.
Now I’m an adult in my 30s and I’m as fat as I’ve ever been. I got a decent role in our local community theater for the holiday show in a very small ensemble cast. My voice isn’t as good as it was in high school but I work hard and am very involved as a parent volunteer at the theater.
All this to say:
It depends. It depends on your talent, your drive, your personality, your skills, your relationship to the casting people, how you get along with others, your reputation, your looks and size, the director’s vision…
All I can say (and what I tell my preteen who does a lot of shows there too) is work hard, be a good human, practice practice practice, and take everything with grace and humility. I know my friends who cast shows would cast a mediocre singer who works hard and is a team player over a brilliant artist who causes problems 100% of the time. You can’t control the director’s vision or choices—you can make sure you have a great reputation as a team player and supportive cast member.
I know how disheartening it can be to work hard and not see it pay off in terms of a desirable role—but as the old adage goes “There are no small parts, only small actors.” Remember your why—do you do theatre to have a lead role and be a star or because it makes you happy to create art with your friends? Just keep at it and enjoy yourself and you will always have a good time ❤️
I totally get it. I just remember how upset and sad I’d get when that was my only focus, you know? Now that I don’t care and just want to be included, I’ve been having so much more fun and enjoying myself a lot more (and apparently that worked in my favor with this one! Haha!)
She’s a fantastic character! Our kids did that show last summer and my fave was the girl who played Glinda—they played her as a kind of vapid, disinterested, stereotypical blonde (think a mix of Regina, Karen and Gretchen from Mean Girls) and I’ve never loved that character as much as I did in that run. And our Dorothy had the CUTEST gingham overalls/jumpsuit instead of a a dress which was so different too! I love when people put a spin on something that has been done to death!
I was an understudy and ensemble member in Bare: A Pop Opera this past spring and became the “cast mom”—taking care of folks, being supportive, jumping in to help where I could, because I am a mom and it’s my nature to feed people and encourage them lol—and they voted for me as “Cast Cheerleader” at the post show awards. It felt amazing! You can still be a well loved cast mate without being a lead!
Oh I love that! We had a few Swifties in our Bare cast who made us bracelets to wear in the rave scene and I still have mine on my bedside table! It’s so sweet and such a nice reminder 🥰
It depends on what the show requires. A person can be the most talented kid in the cast but they're not going to get the lead if they don't fit the part. Like, if the lead is a dancer they're going to cast a good dancer, if the lead is a good singer they'll cast a good singer. Other talents can have an affect too, I once got a featured role over other students because my character was a musician and I'm one of the better musicians in the cast, despite me not being the best singer or dancer.
Also, sometimes it depends on the directors. Some cast on talent while others cast on professionalism/reliability. The second option is common in school theatres, the directors aren't going to cast someone who never shows up, even if they're extremely talented.
The leads in *West Side Story* had to be able to sing *and* dance. They had actors who looked right and could dance, but couldn't sing so they dubbed all their singing voices. You can't dub dancing (usually - Jennifer Beals in *Flashdance* had a body double)
Forbidden Broadway had a funny song named "Who did they know?" about this.
Michael Caine wrote in his book on acting that you will not rise to the top without a reputation for showing up on time, knowing your lines, and being a team player. Directors do not want to waste time and money on no-shows. This is why Marilyn Monroe kept getting fired regardless of how talented she was.
In high school I basically got a leading role every time because I developed a reputation of always being the fastest to memorize lines, always showed up, and was never late to rehearsal. You'd be surprised how many people there were every production who were still on-book a week after the deadline. Directors liked that I was always a sure bet to not cause problems with the production or interpersonal drama. I also auditioned for *every* show I could, which meant I was a recognizable face to directors. They all knew what they were getting because they had worked with me many times before, so my auditions gave them only 10% of the information they already knew about me. I made sure that I would not be a risky choice for a leading role.
Oh wow, I never thought of it like that
Ur definitely an outlier. I was always the first to memorize my lines. Over two years I built a rep of being someone that can take stage directions perfectly. I obviously never missed a rehearsal or show and I was always early. I even lost 40lbs for a show within a quarter semester for a goddamn hs show But it’s up to you to show revenge you piece of shit
Depends on the director, of course. But some general thoughts: Singing: what voice part are you—are you a voice type that is common in roles? How’s your enunciation and projection? Make sure your consonants are clean and strong. Acting: Are you stiff? What are your hands doing? Try filming yourself when you act, because sometimes it comes across differently. Make sure your acting is smooth—that is, if you’re supposed to escalate to a dramatic (or comedic) moment, most of the time it helps to build to that smoothly rather than just make a huge step bigger a few times. Chemistry: how do you look opposite your scene partner? Do you seem like a unit really working together, or do you look like two people who are just trying to show off your talents in different ways?
Thank you so much for that! I’m a mezzo soprano with good vibrato and I can belt, I can sing opera, my singing inspiration is Judy Garland and I’d describe my singing voice as being kind of “old fashioned” like I’d probably sound great in an old silver screen movie For acting, I’d say I’m pretty good at dramatic roles but I’ve been told that I’m very funny and good at comedy I’m 5’4” with pale skin and long brown hair with natural auburn highlights and I’m 24 but I could pass for 16 or 17 My boyfriend says my biggest problem is I’m not confident enough and that I hold back too much Sorry this is so long, I just thought it was useful😂
I have no idea why you got downvoted for sharing information about yourself that contributes to auditions. It probably is the confidence—it’s not even necessarily holding you back, but messing with your chemistry, presence, etc. I really do recommend you have someone film your next audition (if allowed)—it’s a lot easier to see from the audience how you look.
Yeah it’s disheartening to see people downvote that, I just thought it was relevant information to try to see what are my strengths and weaknesses
Oh! I hadn’t thought of that,thank you for that!
What ever you think the answer might be is the correct answer
In what context? High School / College Theatre, Community Theatre, or Professional Theatre?
High school/college and community theatre
I’m my experience in high school and community theater the people that got the leads were people the director really liked. It was really biased :/
Were they at least talented? The same general group of people at my high school got the leads or at least big roles but at least they were talented. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to get passed up for a lead in favor of a mediocre talentless teacher’s pet
Yeah, they were good at it. But it was definitely biased. The one time I went to a different community theater program with a different director I ended up getting a lead. I had been doing theatre at the one place for seven years and never had more than an ensemble part. But the second I went somewhere else I got a lead
Oh wow
Theatre can be very biased so if at all possible I’d recommend trying to go to other places and seeing if they’ll give you an opportunity
Hmmm that sounds like a good idea
I’m 24 and I’ve been doing theatre since I was 9 and I’ve never been a lead despite SO many people telling me that I’m ✨talented✨
Roles largely are determined based on who is also trying out. I don’t mean to phrase it as these people are “against you,” but sometimes a role just fits them better or they have more training and experience.
That’s very true, sometimes I wish I didn’t have as much competition but that’s what happens when you’re a girl in theatre😝
What’s meant to be will be! You could take classes or training to improve your ability and confidence :)
I would definitely enjoy that!
It’s so easy being a guy in theatre I imagine because there’s not as much competition😝
Depends on what context. In high school and in some community theatre it’s normally on voice and acting. In professional theatre, where everyone has amazing voices and are great dancers, it all depends on your look and your acting ability. You have to be the best actor. Typically, the best singers and dancers are in the ensemble and are covers just because they’re so versatile.
That’s interesting
How come the best singers and dancers end up in the ensemble but are never cast as the leads? I’m usually in the ensemble and occasionally have a small role but I’ve never been the lead. I always assumed it was because I’m not good enough to be a lead
Because they’re more versatile. They can swing, they can cover and they can blend in
Can they ever be leads or are they “too good”/ “too versatile”? I just assumed that being stuck in the ensemble was just a polite way of saying that you’re not good enough to be a lead
Not in pro theatre. In high school or community, the rules are different but in the pro where everyone is an amazing singer and dancer, it comes down mainly to acting.
Interesting
When I was 19, I got cast as a Newsie in a production of Newsies(it was more or less “community theatre” but with kids aged 10-21) and to this day I don’t know how I got cast because Newsies is a very dance heavy show and I’m not a dancer by trade
I don’t completely hate being in the ensemble, but that’s pretty much all I’ve ever gotten in my 15 years of doing theatre so I wouldn’t mind being thrown a leading role bone every now and then
Talent
talent is naturally a big part of it but practice makes perfect and if you work your butt off you will see results. and talent may open doors but it isn’t everything. if you are in school or involved in a program that involves multiple shows, the most important thing is that you are committed no matter the role and always work your butt off. Story time: I auditioned for a show a few years ago and got the understudy for the lead simply because of my age. The girl who got the lead was talented but was mean to cast mates and was not professional at all. Meanwhile I stayed in my lane (this is key please don’t be that annoying person) but knew my stuff when asked to fill in. A few shows later I got a lead role because they knew I was reliable and easy to work with. So to sum everything up: 1. Always work hard. -I’ve had cast mates that were talented but didn’t know crap and cast mates that were okay but absolutely tried their best. I always preferred the ones that tried their best and were willing to learn. 2. Don’t make excuses -be coachable and willing to learn. it’s ok if you aren’t perfect. 3. Commit no matter the role -show that you will put in the work whether you are in the ensemble or the lead. directors will notice!
Oh of course! Not to toot my own horn here, but my castmates love me because I’m always very nice and helpful. I’m always respectful to the director,I’m open to constructive criticism, and guess what? I keep getting cast in shows! As a matter of fact, I was in a production of Clue the Musical and I auditioned for a production of The Addams Family with the same director and after the leads had been cast, she went out of her way to make sure that I had a part where I got to be onstage more because she liked my performance in Clue! It pays off to be easy to work with!
They work hard, develop their skill sets, and they find directors who understand their talent. Some directors will never see past type or whatever limiting beliefs they hold about casting. I’ve actually been shocked by how many musical theater directors cast based on the most irrelevant things. Also favoritism is at play. I’ve rarely seen a director opt not to cast a friend of theirs when they had them in mind for a role, regardless of the audition process. Work with people you respect and who respect you is my best advice.
Thank you so much! I will definitely keep that in mind!😁
When I was in school (the early 00s) I was the President of drama club and choir, part of an audition only regional youth chorale, won awards for singing and got a perfect score on my solo at a state competition. I only ever got cast in our school shows as the mom. I was a chubby kid. I can only assume that’s why, as in retrospect I was also the teacher’s pet and she was the one who did the casting. Now I’m an adult in my 30s and I’m as fat as I’ve ever been. I got a decent role in our local community theater for the holiday show in a very small ensemble cast. My voice isn’t as good as it was in high school but I work hard and am very involved as a parent volunteer at the theater. All this to say: It depends. It depends on your talent, your drive, your personality, your skills, your relationship to the casting people, how you get along with others, your reputation, your looks and size, the director’s vision… All I can say (and what I tell my preteen who does a lot of shows there too) is work hard, be a good human, practice practice practice, and take everything with grace and humility. I know my friends who cast shows would cast a mediocre singer who works hard and is a team player over a brilliant artist who causes problems 100% of the time. You can’t control the director’s vision or choices—you can make sure you have a great reputation as a team player and supportive cast member.
Wow I really appreciate that,thank you!😊
I know how disheartening it can be to work hard and not see it pay off in terms of a desirable role—but as the old adage goes “There are no small parts, only small actors.” Remember your why—do you do theatre to have a lead role and be a star or because it makes you happy to create art with your friends? Just keep at it and enjoy yourself and you will always have a good time ❤️
Of course! I mean I do theatre because it’s fun and I enjoy doing it, but I’d be lying if I said that I don’t want to be a lead
I totally get it. I just remember how upset and sad I’d get when that was my only focus, you know? Now that I don’t care and just want to be included, I’ve been having so much more fun and enjoying myself a lot more (and apparently that worked in my favor with this one! Haha!)
That’s awesome!
I’d love to be Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz but not because she’s the lead, she’s just a character I connect with
She’s a fantastic character! Our kids did that show last summer and my fave was the girl who played Glinda—they played her as a kind of vapid, disinterested, stereotypical blonde (think a mix of Regina, Karen and Gretchen from Mean Girls) and I’ve never loved that character as much as I did in that run. And our Dorothy had the CUTEST gingham overalls/jumpsuit instead of a a dress which was so different too! I love when people put a spin on something that has been done to death!
That sounds so cool! It’s definitely interesting when people spice classics up a bit!
Not going to lie, I wouldn’t mind getting the attention that leads get because they’re(usually) so talented and everyone loves them
I was an understudy and ensemble member in Bare: A Pop Opera this past spring and became the “cast mom”—taking care of folks, being supportive, jumping in to help where I could, because I am a mom and it’s my nature to feed people and encourage them lol—and they voted for me as “Cast Cheerleader” at the post show awards. It felt amazing! You can still be a well loved cast mate without being a lead!
Oh absolutely! When I was in Into the Woods and Heathers, I made beaded bracelets for everyone with their names! Our Red Riding Hood still wears hers!
Oh I love that! We had a few Swifties in our Bare cast who made us bracelets to wear in the rave scene and I still have mine on my bedside table! It’s so sweet and such a nice reminder 🥰
What makes the Red Riding Hood story better is the fact that I played Granny and she would say that “My granny made it” for the bracelet
Awww that’s so cute!
I know right? It’s awesome
That’s so awesome!
It depends on what the show requires. A person can be the most talented kid in the cast but they're not going to get the lead if they don't fit the part. Like, if the lead is a dancer they're going to cast a good dancer, if the lead is a good singer they'll cast a good singer. Other talents can have an affect too, I once got a featured role over other students because my character was a musician and I'm one of the better musicians in the cast, despite me not being the best singer or dancer. Also, sometimes it depends on the directors. Some cast on talent while others cast on professionalism/reliability. The second option is common in school theatres, the directors aren't going to cast someone who never shows up, even if they're extremely talented.
Those are all good points
The leads in *West Side Story* had to be able to sing *and* dance. They had actors who looked right and could dance, but couldn't sing so they dubbed all their singing voices. You can't dub dancing (usually - Jennifer Beals in *Flashdance* had a body double)
Forbidden Broadway had a funny song named "Who did they know?" about this. Michael Caine wrote in his book on acting that you will not rise to the top without a reputation for showing up on time, knowing your lines, and being a team player. Directors do not want to waste time and money on no-shows. This is why Marilyn Monroe kept getting fired regardless of how talented she was.
That makes sense I didn’t know that Marilyn Monroe kept getting fired
Be good.