Acting: Which show?

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Which show?

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Acting
Forum Discription: Q&A about auditions, character development and other aspects of the craft
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5574
Printed Date: 11/21/24 at 3:48pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Which show?

Posted By: hobbyactor
Subject: Which show?
Date Posted: 11/17/14 at 9:24am

A friend of mine posted the following question in another place and I thought I'd see if this community had any other insights to add.

Would you rather have a lead role in a show you weren't in love with, with unknown directors, and in a new place where you aren't sure how good the quality of the show will be OR a smaller role in a well-known theater company, with people and directors you love knowing the show will be spectacular?

Replies:

Posted By: Thudster
Date Posted: 11/17/14 at 9:53pm

I'd go for the smaller role. I don't need to play the lead, and I love it when everything clicks together.

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"Hey look! That's my dad up there whacking himself with silverware!"

Posted By: Majicwrench
Date Posted: 11/18/14 at 3:50pm

"Life is supposed to be an adventure" is how I live my life. It would be a tough decision, but I would enjoy the new people and new challenges.

I have a tiny troupe in our tiny town, yet once a year or so I end up with a bit part in some nearby town for some other tiny troupe. Is always great fun and I learn new things.

Posted By: edh915
Date Posted: 11/21/14 at 6:55pm

"a lead role in a show you weren't in love with"

Do you mean a "show" I'm not in love with? or a "lead role" I'm not in love with?

One of the things I try to do is push myself beyond my comfort level as an actor.

There are roles that I know I can play, and play well. But there are others that represent a challenge.

I can play Neil Simon and Arthur Miller.

Shakespeare is a challenge. So is Samuel Beckett. Also Sarah Ruhl. Even playing Von Helsing in a production of Dracula had elements of challenge to it. Then there's the time I was the entire Second Act, a 45-minute, 19-page monologue.

I tend to go for the challenges.