#1
Posted: 2/8/20 at 11:01pm
Do you need to be a lead in a musical to be successful as a professional trained musical theatre performer or in the industry? Whether its high school or community theatre
#2
Posted: 2/9/20 at 1:20am
Do you mean before you've HAD training? Not everyone blossoms at the same time, nor has the same opportunities. So my answer is no.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Updated On: 2/10/20 at 01:20 AM
#3
Posted: 2/9/20 at 3:42am
I wouldn't say so. There are many leads who get cast as a lead, sometimes even in their debut, and then their careers lead nowhere. How successful is that?
I'd say being able to be constantly involved in projects and showcasing your work is more important. At least that's how I see it.
#4
Posted: 2/9/20 at 11:54pm
I went to a performing arts high school in Florida about 100 years ago.
Of those who played leads in our productions, some went on to careers as leads on Broadway or in films, but some of the chorus people back then ended up working as much as anyone because they had the dancing and singing skills to be cast in many roles. Many others of us who were "actors" in high school never acted again, either getting degrees in other things or going into backstage careers as directors, writers, designers, etc.
I'm assuming the OP is fairly young, based on the question. Don't let anybody tell you NOW what you can or cannot do in the industry if you study and work hard enough and long enough.
It wasn't true where I went to school, but I have seen documentaries on other programs where casting is based as much on how many hours of participation a kid puts in as on talent. Keep that in mind if you are confined to the chorus. Ask yourself why? Maybe casting is based on something other than talent. Maybe you just haven't matured yet. (Most of us don't have fully matured voices until our later 20s or even 30s!)
And good luck to you whatever you decide to do with your life!
(Yes, now that my rant is over, I realize dramamama said all of this in TWO sentences! Listen to her!)
Updated On: 2/9/20 at 11:54 PM
#5
Posted: 2/11/20 at 3:53am
m not in the business so I’m no expert but have followed some careers of ensemble performers that are on Broadway and I’d say that many were leads in their school and local community productions. They seem to work consistently on Broadway or with touring companies. I also find that with musical productions, directors will use many of them in each of their productions, so like any business, if you’re good, people will hire you based on your body of work. One job can lead to another so best wishes to you!
Be Kind
#6
Posted: 5/30/21 at 12:26pm
Like many, Sutton Foster started her career in the ensemble of numerous shows. If your intention is working on Broadway, just focus on getting your Equity Card. That’ll open up opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t be available to you. Talent and personality will let the rest happen as well as luck. Countless actors have played lead on Broadway (and won Tony Awards) and have careers that stay on a treadmill so even a Tony Award doesn’t guarantee career success. Nor does even winning an Academy Award.
#7
Posted: 5/30/21 at 1:49pm
BrodyFosse123 said: "Like many, Sutton Foster started her career in the ensemble of numerous shows. If your intention is working on Broadway, just focus on getting your Equity Card. That’ll open up opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t be available to you. Talent and personality will let the rest happen as well as luck. Countless actors have played lead on Broadway (and won Tony Awards) and have careers that stay on a treadmill so even a Tony Award doesn’t guarantee career success. Nor does even winning an Academy Award. "
Sutton starting in the ensemble on Broadway does not pertain to the OP’s question though. They are asking if someone will only be successful professionally if they were a lead in a non-professional show, which I think really doesn’t mean much.
#8
Posted: 5/30/21 at 8:38pm
I was never cast as the lead during high school shows or local community theatre shows. I only got walk on roles and the only time I played a decent role was when people dropped out of shows.
When I moved away to study musical theatre I begun getting offered lead roles. There was a time when I wouldn’t do a show unless I was the lead but the older I get the more I appreciate the supporting roles and ensemble roles. I found what I was good at and made sure I played every role with the same passion as if I was playing the lead.
While lead roles are great I’ve found that it’s much easier to steal a show and be the most memorable character on stage if you play a smaller role well.
I once won a Best Actor award for playing Bert Healy in ANNIE. He has about five lines and is in one scene. Just be dedicated to whatever role you get and make sure you play it as best you can.
When I moved away to study musical theatre I begun getting offered lead roles. There was a time when I wouldn’t do a show unless I was the lead but the older I get the more I appreciate the supporting roles and ensemble roles. I found what I was good at and made sure I played every role with the same passion as if I was playing the lead.
While lead roles are great I’ve found that it’s much easier to steal a show and be the most memorable character on stage if you play a smaller role well.
I once won a Best Actor award for playing Bert Healy in ANNIE. He has about five lines and is in one scene. Just be dedicated to whatever role you get and make sure you play it as best you can.
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