/theatrical rant

I know this doesn't happen to everyone (since not everyone is an actor) but I think there are applications of this on all levels, and to every occupation that requires you to be approved or hired by someone else (including clients).

Ahem.

I have some dream roles; roles I would love to play, and think I could do very well. Roles that other people (friends, peers) tell me I'd be brilliant in (why thank you). So the question I would put to you is; if I know I'd be good at it (brilliant, even) and everyone around me knows I'd be brilliant at it (we're not boasting here, this happens; some roles you're just brilliant at) why then, don't any of the directors even consider it? Ever?

I get called back. I get cast. I've even gotten some really great, really fun roles. But never one I wanted.

Whine whine! I hear you say; you can't always get what you want, that's life so deal with it.

Yeah, I'm sick of that.

And that's not even true, and you know it; some people get what they want; some people get the parts they want when they audition; some people (and I know a few) have gotten every part they wanted in every show I've known them to audition for. Now it's not even that I'm jealous. That's great for them (though they may be getting spoiled). Some of them are getting this through sheer hard work. And that's really cool.

I'm just wondering why my hard work is getting ignored.

And yes, that is whiny, because it's not entirely true; I have been offered parts I didn't even have to audition for (and that's a really big honor). I'm just being pushed into a rut I don't deserve to fall in. I can do more than what you're giving me; I want to do more. I want to continue to stretch and improve and grow; not be stuck with the same bit parts and easy roles. Yes, I'm a character actor. But that doesn't mean I can't handle a meatier role. Yes, I'm tall, but that doesn't mean the character I want can't be tall. Why can't he be tall? Are you seriously discriminating against me because of my height? Because of my expressiveness?

/boast
If I can be the best part of a really good show and be playing the bit part (2 scenes in the play) don't you think you might have made an error in casting? Bit parts aren't supposed to steal the show. Especially when they're just doing their job. We're not talking about padding a part; I was only in 2 scenes.
/end boast

It's almost like directors live inside their own little bubble with their own little set of favorite actors and stark classifications to pin on everyone so they can feel comfortable about themselves. Can't handle multi-talents? Triple-threats? Quadruple-threats? Don't know what to do with someone who could play anything?

That's a little harsh, but the thing is, I'm not just talking about myself; I know a bunch of actors who are brilliant, and could play most anything, but keep getting the same kind of roles. The circle of directors is small, but that doesn't mean their vision has to be. Especially in an educational setting; that's the time you should be taking chances; breaking molds; making them stretch and grow.

Honestly, we're often better than we're given credit for, and not just with acting. Better at everything.



This is all coming up because of an audition I had today for a dream role of mine; Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest. But like every other audition I've had (excluding a 30 min student production) I'm not even considered for the part; I get called back for the servant, and the old man.

/tangent rant
Why the old man? Why am I always getting the old man? It's not like there aren't old men who are actors. It's not like I walk around with a t-shirt on that says "Oh, by the way, I'm really good at playing an old man." I don't mention it on my resume. I was told I-don't-know-how-many-times during college (as they continually cast me as one) that I'd never get cast as an old man outside of college, because the theaters will want to cast people who are actually old, and not young men.

I have to tell theaters and directors that no, I don't want that part. I'm sick of playing them; I hate it; I loath it; I despise it (name that movie!).
/end tangent rant

So, in all honesty, when I really want something that will make me want to work, and try (and not sleep through rehearsal), it's insulting to be continually be called back for the bit parts. Especially when people tell me I was their favorite part of the show (because bit parts are not supposed to steal shows; I mentioned that already).
And no, I never try to steal the show; I just try to play my part the best I can.

Which brings up a final note; I don't know how much longer I can stand watching someone else play the role I wanted (even if they're doing a good job, but especially if they're not). Shows that I love. Shows I have done just because I like the show, like the director, like the cast, but hated my part. Over and over and over again.

I don't know how many more times I can take that kind of frustration.

I need to go kill something...

/video game
[real time strategy: 623 kills, 0 losses; try not losing a single unit sometime; it's cool.]
/end video game

That's better...

Okay, I think I'm done now...
/end theatrical rant



Note: honestly, I'm not stuck up or prideful about this; just really annoyed. But I'll admit it does sound whiny. Sorry about that.

– Lone Barbarian