Words, Words, Words, Words

I've tried out for a few productions over the years, amateur and professional, and I've learned that there is, of necessity, always a certain amount of whim to a director's choice. I have friends with serious talent who have been passed over because they didn't have the look the director was going for. I've also had to accept the fact that I am not a strong actor, which has been hard for me. I love theatre so much that, when I didn't get a part in our high school production in grade ten, I volunteered to paint sets after school, just so I could be where the play was happening. I always kind of hoped they would see me and say, hey, room for one more! Of course, that never happened. But I did learn a lot that year, just from being around the production. And I had fun--far more than I expected I would.

As a director now myself, I sometimes have to pass people over, and it's a hard decision to make. I guarantee the students that everyone who signs up to be in the play will get a part, but obviously they can't all be the lead. But that doesn't mean I don't count on them just as much or treasure their contribution, especially when it's obvious how much they love being there.

I would take the smaller part, if only for one very selfish reason--you see, I also have friends who have accepted seemingly minor roles in plays and who have ended up stealing the show. :)