Type of actor...
Type of actor...
#0Type of actor...
Posted: 9/6/05 at 8:22pmHas anyone else been depressed by the category they seem to have fallen into when it comes to the type of character they are usually cast as? I find that I always get the sappy romantic lead, when really I would much rather be a more funny, character actor, which I always thought I was. I mean, I'm happy I get cast, just depressed that it's always as the boring guy who's always in love with someone. Anyone else feel upset by where they fall?
I hold a degree in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University. It is useless. Now I'm funny for money. Oh, and I sing.
#1re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/6/05 at 8:26pm
Yeah, but if you can pull off the romantic lead ballads more power to you.
I used to always be considered for the "romantic lead" because of the way I looked, but my voice isn't strong enough to perform the big booming ballads. I can do the character actor stuff pretty well though.
I have went to two seperate open calls for Rent and both times, even though I can sing the heck out of Mark, they had me sing Roger (Glory). They never asked me to sing the Mark audition piece (Halloween). Now, who knows if I would have gotten a call back if they let me sing Mark, but I know that I never got one from doing a mediocre version of Glory.
Grass is always greener I suppose.
Updated On: 9/6/05 at 08:26 PM
#2re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/6/05 at 9:22pmI'm only in high school, but I know what you mean....I guess I'm a bit of a suck up to the drama teachers so they think I'm this little angel, and only cast me as the shy, sweet, boring little darlings with pretty voices. I've never had a chance to do anything funny or interesting.
#3re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/6/05 at 9:29pm
"Grass is always greener I suppose."
Yeah, I know what you mean. It's not even the power ballads that bother me. It's that the romantic lead is just so often boring and unimportant. For example:
How can you compare Edna and Link in Hairspray? I would MUCH rather play Edna...But I look like a Link.
Fiyero? I've never seen a more boring part written for a romantic lead. No songs, no substance, just there. It seems the decent male lead has started to deteriorate. Why can't the lead just once be funny? He always has to be hopelessly in love with someone, and sing songs about dancing with them in the moonlight...
I hold a degree in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University. It is useless. Now I'm funny for money. Oh, and I sing.
#4re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/6/05 at 9:49pm
In musicals I don't always have a problem. I can play the ingenue and I can play the character, since I can sing Ingenue roles and character roles. It just depends which one I think I want to do, then I try harder to pick my song according to who I want to play.
note: I played Luisa in the Fantastiks
and The Witch in Into the Woods.
Though, at my school I would get pigioned holed because I could do accents and could sing. So when I was up for Hero in Much Ado About Nothing, I couldn't do it, because I was the only "singer" so I had to play the minsteral. When I was up for Hermia in Midsummer I got casts as a 'singing fairy', (truthfully i was better for the roles. I had the look of the characters and the ability to do it the best) Then I was up for a few 'Young Woman" roles in a drama called Machinal. I got casted as the mother ( even though I look young and very ingenue like) because I was the only person who could do a brooklyn accent properly. I looked more like a young woman, then one of girls playing my daughter. That show was cast wrong anyways. It was fustrating, but non the less I knew that love it too much to make a big deal out of it. I had fun, and I appreciate the shows for the growth and the sheer performance of it.
The only true type I fit into is the fact that I'm only 5'1. So I can't play things like Ulla in the Producers or Chracters who have to be tall.
"You gotta be original, because if you're like someone else, what do they need you for?" -Bernadette Peters
SUPPORT ALL SHOOK UP!!!
Updated On: 9/6/05 at 09:49 PM
#5re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/6/05 at 9:54pmIt's actually really unfair for me-I have an ingenue voice, can play an ingenue or character role pretty well, and I look like a character role.
blaxx
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/28/05
#6re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/6/05 at 9:55pm
However, I think the ones who complain about leads being plain, boring roles are ignoring many romantic leads that are very interesting and are fully of what you call "funny parts"...
Just think of shows as "Crazy for You", "She Loves Me", "Kiss me Kate", and I'm sure we can come up with many.
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
#7re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/6/05 at 10:01pmI agree with what someone else said, the male lead roles have been pretty dull in the shows i've recently seen. (not including rent)I'm always up for a good laugh so i would like to see more humor in male characters...can't wait to see DRS for that reason.
#8re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/6/05 at 10:37pmBecause I'm fat I always play an old lady, a role written as a male converted to female, or a man. Anything to desexualize the fat woman. I understand that's the way it works but it stinks. It's even odder for me because I have a high soprano voice. I'm really hoping Mr. Menken keeps Sister Mary Patrick a soprano so us younger bigger soprano gals have a role!:)
"This ocean runs more dark and deep than you may think you know...I'll be the fear of the fire at sea."
-Marie Christine
#9re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/6/05 at 11:01pm
Character look in musical theatre is extremely important for many reasons, but the most important is that the characters dont have time to be developed. The book for a musical basically has no character development. The audience, upon first sight, has to believe you ARE that character. Of course there are exceptions, but usually that's the case. In a play, a good actor who is not classically handsome can have the audience eating out of the palm of his hand by the end of his performance, with good acting and a well developed script.
Professional casting is even more particular to look/size/height. I dont take things personal when I dont get cast. It usually has nothing to do with me. You can be an inch short and lose a role, or 15 pounds too heavy/light.Theatre is traditionally more giving with those issues, but the actor has to fit the age range of the cast around him, to name one factor. If you dont like what you are being cast in..change your appearance. If your fat, lose the weight. Too thin, muscle up. Change your hair color. Bald, hair transplant. But dont change so much that you lose who YOU are, because when it all comes down to it, that is what gets you hired!
" I wish that the stage were as narrow as a tightrope wire, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." -- Goethe (he wants you to go to my Myspace page www.myspace.com/jasonklemm
Creative Lunatic
Leading Actor Joined: 5/9/05
#10re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/6/05 at 11:30pm
You mention actors undergoing physical alteration to change their type. Frang Langhella immediately comes to mind. he was not in musical theater, as far as i know but began in film Diary of A mad Housewife. He was smoldering ,dangerous and had real matinee looks. he erupted in the lead role on stage as Dracula. he didn't have an ounce of fat and was sexual and hot that women in the audience were swooning and offering up their necks.
The next time i saw him, he was unrecognizable. i do not know ifit wasthe aging process or deliberate---but he was much heavier and balding.
he was most recently in match on Broadway and so brilliant as a character actor.
#11re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 1:36am
i'm always the dumb blonde/stereotypical comical fat girl. I shouldn't complain...i think playing a doofus is what i was born to do!
Unfortunetly i wish i could be 'cinderella' sometimes instead of the 'fairy godmother'..i know it'll never happen unless i lose weight...alot of it...:S
"talent is wanting something hard enough to work for it" - my drama teacher :)
#12re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 2:54am
I'm always the hopeless damsel in distress. Rapunzel in Into the Woods, Chatherine in Pippin, Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz or anything little girl-ish.
I'd rather be a villian. :)
"You just have to do what your voice tells you to do." -Linda Eder
#13re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 9:42amIt's been my experience that casting people and directors know what I'm better at doing than I do. I might see myself as a Riff but am a MUCH better Action. I think alot of actors are poor judges of what they do best. I know I am.
#14re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 11:05am
I agree with phillyactor and lildogs too. Often times I see myself as a certain part but the casting director/production staff see otherwise. Also, you never know when someone is gonna see you as something completely different from what you normally play and you are given the chance to spread your wings a bit. For instance, in all way shapes and forms most everyone (including myself) see me as El Gallo in THE FANTASTICKS yet I was called back for Matt (The Boy). It totally blew my mind but it gave me a wonderful opportunity to dive into a part that I wouldn't normally go out for. I've worked with one director several times who only sees me as "the sexy heartthrob guy." I've learned this from working with him and I accept that. I may not get considered for parts I would love to play but I am given work with a great director and I always know what to expect.
A very important lesson in this business is knowing what you can and cannot do and knowing your type. That doesn't mean that you won't have the chance to play outside that type or that your type won't change. Just know who you are and where you fit and play up those advantages. I cannot tell you how many actors I know who think they are leading man material yet they are so the minor supporting character actor, at best.
"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds."
~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns
#15re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 11:26amI have to disagree with lildogs. If an actor wants to work professionally, he/she had better find out what type they are. What you can do artistically is totally different from what will make somebody money. You are a product. You will save yourself, and auditors, alot of time if you submit for what you are truly right for. That especially goes for the airbrushed, haired , and made up headshot..you better look like that when you show up, or you wont be showing up too many more times for that casting director. And yes there are exceptions, probably the best story is when they were lookng for a 6'0 blond mid west hunk for the Graduate film. They ended up with 5'6 Jew ffrom NY in the role! Exceptions occur, but play the odds!
" I wish that the stage were as narrow as a tightrope wire, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." -- Goethe (he wants you to go to my Myspace page www.myspace.com/jasonklemm
#16re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 11:35amI think you misunderstood me, phillyactor, i was trying to tell them that many times, actors are unaware of what they really are type-wise. Just because you played certain roles in school doesn't mean that you will ever play that role again, regardless of how good you might have been. Looking like your headshot is entirely different than auditioning for Hamlet and getting cast as Polonius. My point is that many actors are unaware of how others see them.
#17re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 11:42am
No need to explain yourself to me..lol. I basically agree with what you said. I was just taking it one step further, by saying 1.) they had better find out fast..lol. 2.) And to look like your headshot. Last years I helped audit over 300 people at a regional audition, and you would be surprised..lol. Id say 15% had picked proper audition songs/monlougues, proper attire, and realistic headshots. And of that 15% only 25% made it into the call c=back pile. You can feel the boredom and uneasiness when an unprepared "pro" takes the spotlight. It's palpable! Lol
Jason
PS Word of advice : Ladies refrain from Secret Garden, Gentleman for god sakes no more giants in the sky!
" I wish that the stage were as narrow as a tightrope wire, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." -- Goethe (he wants you to go to my Myspace page www.myspace.com/jasonklemm
#18re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 11:57amAs I always say, it's better to be type-cast than to be not cast at all.
touchmeinthemorning
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/3/04
#19re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 11:57am
I generally agree with what has been said...however, we should all also take a lesson from Audra McDonald:
If you want to play a role, go after it!
I can't tell you how many times I've been cast as a part I was TOTALLY wrong for, but I wanted it, and went after it. Casting directors are people, and often don't cast creatively...give them the opportunity to think outside the box, and they usually will.
I've played old men, young men, funny men, serious men, women, children, animals, and the mentally handicapped. And not because I have a great ability to be a character actor, but because I have the thought to ask to read/sing for certain parts that they didn't want me for.
But, be careful, cause there is a very tricky line between asking to read for a part and overstaying your welcome.
"Fundamentalism means never having to say 'I'm wrong.'"
-- unknown
#20re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 12:04pmOnce again I am speaking of professional auditions. I find it very hard to believe Equity casting would cast a young man as an old man, with the wealth of aged talent thats available. Alot of times community theatre and semi-pro has to cast from the pool of talent they have, so the 30 year old gets the cliche hair white on the toothbrush throught the hair! DOnt forget those smile lines with the Rite-Aid eyebrow pencil!
" I wish that the stage were as narrow as a tightrope wire, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." -- Goethe (he wants you to go to my Myspace page www.myspace.com/jasonklemm
#21re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 12:06pm
Wow, phillyactor! I totally agree! I have had to endure many "group auditions" here in the city with 12-14 other people in the room singing with me. Out of that group, maybe 1 or 2 gave a good audition. I saw alot of talent, but really bad auditions.
And touchme, Audra is a great example of a versatile actor, but there's not alot of Audras running around who can sing like Sharon in Master Class and then pull off A Raisin in the Sun.
I too, am cast against type alot and even though I know what my schtick is, i get to do stuff i wasn't thinking of before. Example: audition for Eugene in Grease, get cast as Sonny. I auditioned for The Outsiders, end up in a totally different show. I just go in, do my thing, if they like it, they keep me. Otherwise, I'm off to smoke a bowl with JB or Fadoul...no sweat..
TheBalladeer
Broadway Star Joined: 7/27/03
#22re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 2:13pm
I also agree with PhillyActor and TouchMe to an extent. The professionalism factor has a LOT to do with how you are cast and seen in roles.
Generally, not to be negative, but if you are pretty/handsome, young and Caucasian you have a pretty good chance of getting cast in romantic leads in a professional setting. If you know you are hot, and have the talent to back it up, you should definitely go out for those kind of roles while you can, it will be your bread and butter. And even that is not guaranteed all the time. Most likely all the pretty talented people are cast in the ensemble of musical shows. So get used to that too.
Character actors....like myself, might have to wait a while before they can get work in the roles that they want to play. That's the reality. There are roles that I can play, and have realistically played despite my age, but there is/was a LOT of comepetition for it.
Audra is an excellent example of defying odds against your type. Who would have ever thought to have cast her as Clara in Passion, or the Beggar Woman in Sweeney? That was the biggest shock for me. Brian Stokes Mitchell is another example too. I am ALL about the breaking the color barrier and shooting for the roles that you want, but like it was mentioned before, you have to know your limits, and when not to overstay your welcome.
Do you really want to waste what little time, you have to audition, or even the chances of GETTING a decent audition with trying for a role that you know casting directors won't see you as? I can see if you are too young, but still the right type for a particular role, but if you know that you are the wrong ethnicity, or absolutely the wrong type, you DEFINITELY should not waste your time, and the people behind the table's time. And I am saying this from experience.
(steps off soapbox).
I have played roles that I might have been too young for, but those were for summer stock, and semi-professional theatres. I doubt I would be playing a 40 year old on Broadway. (I'm in my mid-20's.) So the level of professionalism is definitely a factor. I would do shows in stock or something that will give me the experience of playing these type of roles so that when you are the right age, you will have the experience.
Just my 2 cents.
Cheers,
The Balladeer
"Someone tell the story...Someone sing the song...."
#23re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 3:09pm
I totally agree Balladeer...
Of course, pretty white folks get hired. It's called "show" business. I doubt the wisdom, however, of trying to get into the casting director's head and know what he or she wants. Just like with actors, casting directors have varying degrees of ability. So I would imagine there are just as many stupid casting directors as bad actors...whew!
But you're right--the jobs you maybe don't want are the jobs you get. I don't want to play 18 forever either, but until I physically change enough to look older, heavier, buffer, whatever, I'll probably be stuck at Rydell High.
touchmeinthemorning
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/3/04
#24re: Type of actor...
Posted: 9/7/05 at 3:22pm
lildogs brings up a good point, too...there are things you can do to change your look:
new hairstyles and colors
gain/lose weight
more/less time at the gym
diets to sculpt your body type
what you wear
voice lessons can age you or make your voice younger
So, don't assume is it totally out of your control...it is just 98% out of your control. =)
"Fundamentalism means never having to say 'I'm wrong.'"
-- unknown
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