How to get a lead role in a play or musical
How I did it: Now, this part really sucks.
Most of the time, you have to have been in a play by the director before he or she casts you in a large role. You also need experience. Very rarely will you get a lead role on your first try (though there are exceptions!).
For example, I started in a role that had 34 lines. My next play, I was the Rose Seller in Oliver!. Those who know the show will know that the Rose Seller carries the song Who Will Buy?, but really is a very minor role (what they call a "cameo role" in theatre). After that, I got a few chorus roles and more cameos until I finally got a supporting role. This past year, I have (finally!) had two lead roles, and I am currently rehearsing a musical, in which I am the lead female.
So there you have it -- you gotta start from the bottom and work your way up. Believe me, it's worth the effort and time!
Lessons & tips: *Don't be afraid to accept a chorus role! Though I would never advise accepting a chorus role if you don't like the show very well, or would be required to travel for long distances, but chorus CAN be fun! Interacting with people, learning from the other actors, being able to dress up in fun costumes -- if you have a good attitude, these things are so fun!
*Don't bash and criticize the actors who got the leads. You don't have to be happy that you didn't get the part you wanted, but don't be mean to the people who did! Let them enjoy their moment in the spotlight. Yours will come eventually, and you wouldn't want fellow cast members bashing your performance and appearance during your shining moments, would you?
*Don't take casting personally. Sometimes, directors have certain visions in their heads for characters, and they want to cast someone who fits their vision. Maybe you're too tall to fit with any of the guys they have cast. Don't worry! You'd make a great Penny Pingleton from Hairspray (who is traditionally cast as a tall girl), or an excellentJo March from Little Women (who is also supposed to be tall)! It's all about context -- you're cast as your appearance dictates, and just because you don't work for one character doesn't mean you won't be cast in the next show!
*Never give up! Perseverance is absolutely necessary in pursuing your dream! Don't give up just because you didn't win one round. Keep fighting for those roles you want, and eventually, you'll get one. Just imagine the roars of applause and the deafening cheers that will arise as you step out at curtain call! If you love it as much as I do, it's so worth the effort.
Resources: Musical Theatre Audition is a website with tons of articles about improving your acting, singing, and dancing. It also has a list of musical shows so you can see what characters are in the show, what the songs are, and how you should prepare for the audition.
People doing this:
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St. Louis
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New Orleans
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