Q&A for How to Get Leads in Plays and Musicals

Continue to be patient, as hard as it is. The roles will come. All great actors have to learn to deal with rejection. If theater is your passion you'll keep trying and eventually all your hard work will be rewarded. Don't even worry about what others think - it's probably much more serious to you than it is to them. If someone does say something to you, just walk away. It's not worth your time.

Try not to remind yourself of that, as it could make you less confident. Also, "more dramatic" does not equal "better actor," so remember that.

You should always try. You never know the outcome of the future. Work hard and practice hard. You may get the role.

Watch the movie to really feel the part. Mary Poppins is magical and graceful, but never sassy. If you see who’s getting the other parts, try to make a connection with them.

Practice your singing and take vocal lessons. When you audition, project your voice and be sure to get in character.

Not all directors do, but this isn't uncommon. Usually a director will choose the person that they believe is right for the role. Sometimes this can be someone they know because they might have direct experience working with that actor or seeing a performance of theirs in another show, which gives them an advantage over an unknown actor. It's unfair, but that's why they say that show business is all about who you know, not what you know.

You need to show the director that you really want the role. Use the nerves that you have and put them into your piece. Be the best you can be and don't back down.

The point of an audition is for the casting director to see your acting. Do not worry about wearing a costume; normal clothes are fine, and even preferred. You can choose a bright outfit to mimic the genie's style, but focus more on preparing the acting side of your audition.

That part is comical and villainous. Really put yourself into your character, show how "evil" you can be. Use very exaggerated facial expressions and gestures. Be bold. Use your eyebrows.

Don't block your face with the script; instead, hold the script away from your face and only glance at it when you need to. Use lots of inflection in your voice to convey the character. If it is within your comfort zone, use an English accent, as Mary Poppins is originally voiced in one. Interact with your fellow cast mates/ who your grouped with: doing so will help the director see that you're comfortable and prepared to do whatever it takes to convey the character. Immerse yourself in the scene and take the directors with you into the moment.

Most directors choose talent over looks. If you really want the role, you have to put your all into it. If your director sees that you have what it takes, they could give you the role and give you a costume if needed. Remember, looks don't mean you're a better actor.

If the director knows your qualities, she'll be able to choose a specific role that may be right for you. Don't expect a lead, but try out for the parts you'd like and see how it goes. You might be pleasantly surprised.

If you want to be in the play, don't let them ruin it for you. Hold your head high and do what you're supposed to be doing. If they're rude to you, ignore it. If they prevent you from doing your job, tell the director.

Tinker Bell is a great character. Focus on her personality. Tinker Bell is very stubborn and likes to annoy Peter. Wear a green t-shirt or wear your hair in a bun, but not both. This will show that you're devoted, but not desperate. Drink cool water to loosen your vocal chords.

Just nail the audition. Many actors/actresses are very quiet in real life. Just turn it on when you try out - exaggerated facial expressions, big, loud voice, etc. BE Miss Hannigan. Blow the director away.

Great choice! Belle is very soft spoken, but remember that you can never be too loud in the theater. Perhaps wear a yellow shirt when you go to audition. Smile a lot and be yourself, and do vocal exercises to prepare. Watch the movie the night before for last minute inspiration!

By being really good. Your class level has nothing to do with it, except that older people are likely to have more experience and be better. But you still have a chance if you work hard.

Maybe choose one or the other. Both might be overkill.

I know it's hard not to worry, but try to just focus on your audition. If your friend gets a better part than you, it's okay to be upset but try not to show it, just say "congratulations." There are always more plays and who knows, you may end up loving your part even more!

You might just not have had the right role come along yet. Talk to the director to see if you were lacking in some aspect, and work on it, if necessary. Try out for parts elsewhere to get more experience, such as community theater. If acting is your passion, don't get discouraged.

Look clean and neat and act calm and gentle.

Come prepared, be confident in yourself, and no matter what, have fun!

Don't worry about the competition. Just focus on yourself and preparing for the audition. Follow the steps in the article and practice your lines/songs as much as possible. You can't control what anyone else does, only what you do.

Just strive to be your best. Many directors look for passion in actors, not willingness to be the star or a certain part. Dress, sing and act the part.

Don't worry. Acting is very fun and cool, and Mary is an awesome part. Fake it till you make it. If you pretend to feel confident, you will eventually start to feel that way. Remember that the audience doesn't have a script and probably won't even notice if you mess up.

It depends on the musical. Generally, you want to avoid overused songs, but you also want a song that suits the musical and the character. For example, if you were auditioning for the role of Javert from Les Mis, you'd want to use a song that shows how cruel you can be. If you were auditioning for the role of Belle from Beauty and the Beast, you would want a song that shows how loving you can be. Make sure the song suits your voice. Try recording it and listening back, and don't be afraid of changing the key.

If you're looking to play a villain, you should sing a villain's song. It could be Disney or not - just make sure it's a song directors haven't heard a million times.

Work hard to prepare for the audition. Practice in front of your friends and family to ease your nerves.

Don't be nervous, you'll do great! This article has some excellent tips on How to Memorize Your Lines .

Just keep the part and do your best. You might surprise yourself and find you have a great time. Try to keep an open mind. But if, let's say, your range isn't broad enough to fit the man's low tones, carefully and politely explain your case to the director.