No Small Actors Need Apply

So Las Vegas seems to have hit a saturation point with the number of local theatrical productions and the apparent lack of "talent".  I've mentioned this in a few prior posts, but I restate it here as it relates to this one.

There are no small parts, only small actors.   ~Konstantin Stanislavisky

I've heard this quote many times over the years and always presumed to understand its meaning.  It's not too difficult to comprehend, but I've been seeing a trend around here that I too am guilty of: 

• Not taking roles because you think it's a waste of your talent.  
• Or the opposite, only auditioning for the lead and not accepting smaller roles. 

And it appears to me that many of us could stand to reflect on the above quote and figure out what it means to each of us.

Personally, I have seen myself not appreciating the time and commitment necessary to fulfill the roles of non-principles or ensemble cast members.  I've been there, and never received praise, never got acknowledged beyond the program or by family and friends that attended performances and never expected as much.  I always saw it as paying dues.  Over time, I accepted fewer and fewer roles of that nature.  I don't think I've been in an ensemble in over 10 years.  A recent article on a fellow Sweeney Todd cast member made me realize the importance of a strong ensemble. So I'm reconsidering possible roles for this summers SST lineup (see below).

Actors are driven to certain roles and some productions just call to you.  I was struck with just such a situation with my current production, Next To Normal.  It's a six person cast, and I wanted to play the "Male Lead". (I know. There are four Male roles, two adult and two teen. Technically there are two Male Leads. Whatever.  Let me get back to my point.)  I went into the auditions and did not put the supporting character as one I was interested in.  I wanted to play opposite my girlfriend, and as it was, neither of us were offered the main roles.  (Feel free to read backward in my blog for the deeper story of the casting issues I dealt with.)  As it turned out, I was offered the role of Dr. Fine/Madden.  And after some deliberation, I accepted.  

I want to state, that this show in no way has small roles.  It was never my intention to give any indication that that's what I thought.  I wanted the vocal challenge that the role of Dan would offer, and with the "saturation" issue, I had other role opportunities.  And that's when it dawned on me.  I was considering other roles for shows that didn't speak to me.  I realized, I wanted to be in this show.  When I first heard it was going to be produced here, I was excited.   The story and the characters hit so close to home that up until I accepted the role, I was waking up to myself singing the music in my sleep.  Other shows offered good roles, and some shows I could have gone for the leads.  That didn't interest me.  There are certain shows that I would love to perform in, Street Car, Death of a Salesman, Glengarry Glen Ross, and  more Musicals than I can list, but my time for those will come.  This one is now and powerful and with a great cast.  I wanted to be a part of that.  I wanted to tell my story and be part of the larger story too.  Can't do that if you are always holding out for the lead.

I told that to my girlfriend last night.  We are going to audition together for Music Man (Her for Marian the Librarian and me for Prof. Hill).  I told her that I'd take an ensemble role if she got Marian and I didn't get offered anything.  It's about having the passion to share the tale. Sharing the experience together.  I got to do that last summer with my daughter when we did Joseph together.  It's not about padding your actor's resume........(sometimes it is, but that's another post).  But you have to want it.  The last time I felt that way was Oct 2011 with Avenue Q.  I wasn't cast, but I called the director and told him I'd do anything.  Just be Trekkie's right arm, whatever.  I'd make my schedule work.  As it turned out, I got to be Nicky for a few performances and a Bad Idea Bear for the run.  A great experience.  Ironically, our Kate Monster is playing Diana in Next to Normal and our Princeton is creating the music tracks.


I guess my point is that if the role doesn't speak to you, it doesn't matter what the offer is.  I would never accept a role in a show I wasn't interested in, or had no connection to.  Maybe there's a dollar figure in there somewhere that might change that, but I look at the above quote differently now.  A small minded actor never sees the big picture, only the glory/fame/accolades of a role.  A true actor sees every piece and knows where he/she fits.  Those actors are connected to the story and each other and only by having that connection can the audience see the vision. That's what I want.  I'll get that with Next to Normal.