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

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.

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.

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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.

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Some could argue that.

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

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.

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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.

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).

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.

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