Does Having a Weird Look Hurt You In Musical Theatre?- Page 2

[BroadwaySinger2]

Posted: 4/16/07 at 4:16pm

Well, sometimes it CAN get in the way. If you're looking for a part in the Sound of Music or Anything Goes I would definitely cut your hair and lose weight. Looks do sometimes matter in theatre. Just take Max from "You're the One That I Want". They weren't going to choose him for the role of Danny only because of his looks! The bottom line is to look your best.

[Hank]

Posted: 4/16/07 at 5:17pm

The muscular, handsome hunk look seems to be the standard for chorus boys, but there is plenty of work out there for the "unconventionals". It all depends on the show (think Spamalot).
Just be a character. Many of my favorite performers are out of the ordinary, Sutton (with her eyebrows), and what about Nathan Lane?

[ahmelie]

Posted: 4/16/07 at 6:03pm

I love my body, and if I were to go into any other career than theatre than my weight wouldn't be an issue. But I'm going into the theatre and I need to be aware that it's going to hinder me, and really there's too many good people to not do all you can to get ahead.

That being said, I don't think having a weird face hurts you in theatre just because it's not very important on stage, even someone like Patti LuPone isn't very pretty close up, but her features are practically perfect for the stage because they're very defined. I don't think having a weird look hinders you, but having a weird body shape does.

[OtherDaryl]

Posted: 4/16/07 at 6:12pm

As a director, I don't mind the unusual as long as it's accompanied by talent. "Beautiful" "normal" - those are subjective terms. It all depends on the world of the production.

[nathanlaneismyhero]

Posted: 4/16/07 at 8:53pm

I have talked to casting directors and they have all said, that in theatre, they are more worried about your ability to act, sing, dance, etc. than the way you look.

[nathanlaneismyhero]

Posted: 4/16/07 at 8:55pm

What about Nathan Lane????? He isn't weird looking!!

[Raviolisun]

Posted: 4/16/07 at 8:59pm

Some could argue that.

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 4/16/07 at 9:44pm

so now... what about bald... would most casting directors or producers prefer someone who already has a set of hair rather than using wigs (which, let's face it, aren't always natural looking)... i'm not bald but i have a shaved head (little fuz) and would NEVER grow out my hair because... well... i shaved it because i was balding/thinning and i looked dumb... but i digress... what are your thoughts on this issue?

[Becoz_i_knew_you21]

Posted: 4/16/07 at 9:56pm

Ok we get it Cruel, you have low self-esteem.

[LittleFish8386]

Posted: 4/16/07 at 10:06pm

I think if you want to go into show business, you really have to examine your self objectively. You need to understand and know what roles you are right for. Looks have everything to do with what you will get cast as...I really believe that. Understanding your strengths, weaknesses and the kind of picture you paint of yourself is really the best way to be successful.

For example: I go to school for Vocal Performance, and today the Opera director told me that it's a shame I'm a soprano, b/c I have the perfect physical features to play most Operatic boy and pants roles--which are usually sung by mezzos. Actually, I don't think that's an exact example, since that puts me in a weird place...but I know that when I go into auditions, I have to be aware of my boyish good looks?
Updated On: 4/16/07 at 10:06 PM

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 4/16/07 at 10:06pm

The problem is, looking a certain way does contribute to a character. And it is very important for you to be believable to the audience. There are certain "types" that musical theatre characters have to be, other wise, no matter how great an actor you are, they just won't buy it.

The best advice I can say is learn who you are, accept it, but also find someone to help you find the best possible way to market yourself.

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 4/17/07 at 12:24am

the ethnicity thing is what pisses me off about myself....

I'm pretty caucasion..it doesn't get much more arian race than me


why o why can't I be at leats brunette!! then I could pass for SOMETHING other than...blonde.

[Mistress_Spouzic]

Posted: 4/17/07 at 1:17am

no one mentioned Christian Borle in this thread? I think hes got a weird look, but it works for him.

if your hair is your biggest concern, it grows ya know! I had a friend cut his hair for headshots so people could see what he looked like that way if need be but he quickly grew it back to his preferred length.

[Craww]

Posted: 4/17/07 at 3:27am

Funny, I'm always talking about how unconventional I think the majority of popular actors and actresses on Broadway are. When you've got your conventional pop love stories being played by faces like Christian Borle and Laura Bell Bundy, then you know Broadway is a completely different plain of the entertainment field.

Honestly, character faces are constantly in lead roles on Broadway. The background characters are pretty, and the actual character roles are filled with actors who are verging on ghoulish.

I mean that in a good way, though. It's one of the things I like about Broadway. Updated On: 4/17/07 at 03:27 AM

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 4/17/07 at 11:23am

So what we have learned is that if you are ugly, go to B-B-B-Broadway! This is a proud day for theatre, Broadway, and all actors currently working on Broadway (waiters not excluded).

[Jane2]

Posted: 4/17/07 at 11:30am

I'm pretty sure that losing/gaining weight, changing hair length, etc. will not change your face from character into pretty. Even if you undergo extensive plastic surgery on your face, you will look like a freak. Accept what god gave you! Make the most of it.

[ashers2u]

Posted: 4/17/07 at 12:03pm

Basically whatever you AREN'T can hurt you in musical theater. I am really short, so many times I won't even be considered for roles where they are picturing a taller girl. Same with hair color, age-range, weight, etc. You can't let that discourage you from going for roles that you might not be totally "right" for looks-wise, because you never know! There are definitely casting directors out there who wouldn't mind considering someone who doesn't look like the conventional character, but who has the talent for it. At the same time though, as a musical theater auditioner, you definitely should embrace your "type" and use it to your advantage! There are roles for all types out there and having a very distinct type/look can totally help you out in the right cases.

[acrocksyo]

Posted: 4/17/07 at 12:40pm

I have come to accept the fact that I will never be a dashing leading man, I am tall and skinny. I am good looking, but more of a character actor, and I think it's accepting your limitations in the types of roles you can play, and go for things that you know you will get cast in, like I wouldn't audition for Danny in Grease, because I know I am more of a Eugene. And it's not a bad thing changing your image to be more commercial, lots of people do it, and it's not shallow, it's business.

[rent4life2]

Posted: 4/25/07 at 11:14am

jsnwse-you know jason alexander and been to his house? what's his house like?