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Thursday, 5 November 2015

Arts & Humanities: Theater & Acting: “Question: Will I be able to become an actor?” plus 5 more

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Arts & Humanities: Theater & Acting: “Question: Will I be able to become an actor?” plus 5 more

Question: Will I be able to become an actor?

Posted: 05 Nov 2015 08:17 PM PST

Question: Our stage manager is super mean...?

Posted: 05 Nov 2015 07:56 PM PST

Sorry honey - but the stage manager is not mean, she is doing her job.

For whatever reason the director and producers don't want a group of kids hanging out backstage. Maybe they're worried about the noise backstage or that you'll all distract or get in the way of the crew backstage. But they want you in the green room - so instead of getting I mad at the stage manager and complaining, find a way to make it work!

And one of the purposes of a dress rehersals is to help the crew learn where they need to be and what they need to do. What would you think if when you started the rehearsal process and one of the the set crew called out your lines for you? It would be irritating because you need to figure it out for yourself and that's why you're rehearsing. It's the same with the crew - let them learn. And the people who were on stage without their chairs now know that it's a possibility and can come up with what to do f it should happen in a performance.

So basically the stage manager is right. Maybe you don't like the way she said it - but it's a very stressful time for her and it would be nice if the cast and crew could be supportive and understanding.

Question: It's been two months... I'm still jealous?

Posted: 05 Nov 2015 07:22 PM PST

I get that it's tough - but you do have to learn not to take is personally when you don't get the lead. An audition is NOT like a contest or a sports tournament where first place gets the lead and second place gets the second lead or anything like. There's a lot that goes into casting a show beyond the audition - including schedules, looks, who works well (or has "chemistry") with the actor's cast in other roles, who the director can depend on to work hard in the role, who can listen and take direction and is not a diva or feels entitled and things like that.

Even if the director didn't cast you in the lead because he didn't know you - that is a perfectly valid reason! To put a show together requires a TEAM of people. It's not about one actor or about the the lead - it is about how EVERYONE from the cast and crew are important for putting on a show and entertaining the audience. The idea that "there are no small roles only small actors" is true. The director has a lot to do - so they will choose people the know and trust in key roles. And now since you have a different role in the show, the director can get to know you and that can influence future productions. So what impression are you giving him?

Learning how to accept being part of a team (instead of the lead/center of attention) comes easier for some people then others. It's not easy (especially at 13) to look beyond what you want to see the "big picture". But that's one of the important life skills that being involved in theater can teach you. It is a skill you can learn!

And jealousy is often rooted in fear and insecurity. So it might help to recognize that just because the director feels that this other girl will do better in this specific role at this specific time in this specific play does NOT mean he thinks you're a bad actor or that you will never get the lead or that you"failed" in any way. You are part of the TEAM - an important part! You may not have the biggest part on stage but you do have the choice to bring a positive energy to the production.

Rejection or not getting the role you want is a big part of acting. NO ONE is entitled to a role or deserves a role on just an audition. Even if you give the best audition, you might not get cast - happens at all levels of acting, including professional level. You're going to have to learn to be OK with that if you want to keep on acting. And I do think it will get easier as you mature.

Instead of thinking of auditions as contest - view it more as a mini performance. A chance to act for someone - which something you hopefully love doing. And even if you're not right for the role at this time - you can impress people with your audition and your attitude toward acting in general and they'll keep that in mind for next time. And if you're lucky enough to get a different part, any part - embrase it! Stop comparing yourself to others and choose to do the best at the role you got, be a contributing member of the team and be a source of positive energy for all involved.

Good luck.

Question: Broadwaytrax.com?

Posted: 05 Nov 2015 07:21 PM PST

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