How to Get Leads in Plays and Musicals

Last Updated: November 5, 2021 Approved

These are simple steps on how to get a lead or a supporting role in a play or musical. This could be your moment to shine but you'll need a good balance of motivation, talent and dedication to have a chance at getting the lead roles.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:
Psyching Yourself Up

1
Be certain that you actually want the role. Ask yourself: "Do I really want to be in this show? Will I be able to dedicate the time needed for it?" If you get into the show, you will have to give up a lot of your personal time. Moreover, dropping out is simply not an option, as you'll be letting down the rest of the cast. Be absolutely certain this is the right choice for you at this point in time.
2
Build up your self confidence. You won't be able to get a lead or supporting role if you don't have self confidence. To build up your self confidence, recognize your flaws and insecurities and learn to love them because they are a part of you. Start feeling good about yourself. A good actor/actress only needs to please herself/himself.^{[1]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:
Preparing for the Audition

1
Become familiar with the play/musical you are planning to try out for. If there's a movie based on it, watch it. If there's a soundtrack, listen to it. Read the book it's based on too, if applicable. Know what the characters are all about and know which one of the lead characters you want to play.^{[2]
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- Go online, and look for scripts, you can even watch a little bit on Youtube, if you find the play or musical.
2
Work on having a strong presence. As soon as you walk into the first audition, you've already started your audition. Practice demonstrating good posture and volunteer in exercises.
3
Be familiar with the details, well in advance of the audition. You will need to know when and where the audition will be taking place. Sometimes nerves can do funny things to you and cause you to get lost, so also know exactly how to get to the place where the audition is being held.^{[3]
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4
Practice your audition piece. You may be able to choose one yourself but normally it's a set piece, maybe an extract from the script.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:
At the Audition

1
Be punctual. On the day of the audition, be on time or perhaps even 10 minutes early. If waiting near other people auditioning bothers you, at least be at the building and find your own quiet corner away from the others.^{[4]
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Warm up. Before you sing your audition piece, warm up your vocal chords.
3
Don't sing bad songs! If you're asked to sing any random song for the audition, don't sing overused songs. The director has probably listening to these songs all day and if you sing it too, they'll probably skip over you. Also never sing a song in the play! That's basically audition suicide. It just shows you are really desperate for the character who sings that songs role.
4
Try to stand out in the crowd. Speak loudly and clearly, the director needs to know how loud you can be. You're never too loud in theatre.
- Also walk in with the attitude of your character you would like to play. If you are auditioning for the villain you can walk in with a mysterious look.
5
Dress the part. Suggest the character you want to play in your dress (i.e. if you were trying out for Sharpay in High School Musical you might want to wear bright pink.) This helps the director(s) see you as that character. But don't overdo it! Full costumes are usually not appropriate for auditions. Also, too much may give you a slight reputation of being desperate or needy.^{[5]
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Digest the script as best you can in the time allotted. Most acting auditions are cold readings. So when given a scene to audition with, look it over until you almost have it memorized. If you're doing a scene with another person, talk to them to help your chemistry on stage. Take the script pages you have to read out of the script, if possible, so that your body is given more freedom to act.
- When reading, hold the pages away from your face, so your words don't get blocked out by having something in front of your face. Don't forget to look at the person you are reading with. Get into the character you are reading.
- Whilst others are auditioning make sure you are reading your audition piece. Look at the people auditioning and see what people like and what they don't like so much.
7
Be respectful, polite and considerate. If you are seen distracting others or being disrespectful, the directors won't want you in their production. Directors look for things off stage too, if you're quiet in your seat, how you react to certain things, and lots more, so be on your best behavior.^{[6]
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Try to show confidence rather than nerves. No matter how nervous you are, never show it. The director wants someone who is not afraid to be big and out going in front of an audience that can act.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:
Enjoying the Role

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Be proud when you get your role. Even if you don't get a lead, be a good sport about the role you did get. "There's never small parts, just small actors!" If you have a good attitude and do your best with the part you get, the director will remember. In the future, he or she might give you a bigger role.
- Even if you don't get the part that you wanted, congratulate the person who got the part you wanted. It shows that you are a nice person.
- Don't worry if you don't get a main part, they'll want to see how well you do with a smaller part first. This is especially true if this is your first performance.

Community Q&A

Question

I have worked so hard to get a lead, I've put all my effort into theater for 5 years, but I got an ensemble part when I had hoped for the lead. I'm afraid of being made fun of. How can I boost my confidence now?

Community Answer

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.
Question

What can I do if my best friend wants the same part as I do in a play and she is very dramatic?

Community Answer

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.
Question

I really want to get belle in Beauty and the Beast but there is a girl who is really good and she has a good chance of being the lead. Should I audition for another part or take my chances?

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Community Answer

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

I would really like the role of Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins and I think I have a decent chance of getting it. Any tips to push me over the edge?

Community Answer

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.
Question

I would really like to get a certain part in Willy Wonka the musical. What should I do?

Community Answer

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

Why do directors only pick people they like for the plays?

Community Answer

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.
Question

I want to get the role of Ophelia in Hamlet, but I have lots of competition and my confidence isn't very high. How can I increase my chances of getting this role?

Community Answer

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.
Question

If I were to try out for a genie from Aladdin, what should I wear as a costume for the audition?

Community Answer

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.
Question

How can I get the part of Cruella de Ville in "101 Dalmatians"?

Community Answer

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.
Question

I have a callback today for Mary Poppins, quite possibly for the role of Mary. What should I try to remember when reading from the script?

Community Answer

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.

Warnings

Never argue with a director's decision.

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Don't become involved with any drama that happens with the actors outside of rehearsal. This can get you in trouble!

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