[broadwaybelle22]

Ok, so I'm auditioning for high school musical soon and I'm kind of tall. 5 foot 6 inches to be exact. The problem is most of the guys at my school are kind of short. I'm wondering if height between boys and girls plays a big part in the casting process, or if some directors overlook it.

[MaryMag]

I have no high school experience, mostly non profit, and a little college and professional. So take my advice with a grain of salt:
yeah, sadly height does have a fair amount to do with casting. Irritating, isn't it? If you and another girl are up for the lead role are equally talented, they will probably pick the girl that's shorter than the leading man. I was reminded of this at a Fiddler audition the other day when the CD has us all stand up next to each other to make sure there weren't any 'female giants.'

That probably came out sounding horribly discouraging, but it's all about finding and accepting your niche. Usually, anything that makes you even slightly different makes you a great character actress. Sometimes it's height, or weight, or a big nose, or a raspy voice, or whatever. Sometimes what we hate about ourselves makes us perfect for character roles. And character roles are generally more dimensional than engenue roles. Engenue roles are notoriously shallow and about as complex as a 2-pieced puzzle. Character roles really are more interesting.

I don't know if that made things any less discouraging. Who knows. Maybe I'm a meanie for writing this. But we all hafta work with what we got. Lord knows I'm learning to take advantage of my 'disadvantages.' You might want to talk to Jazzygirlsings about being tall. I think I recall her saying she's a tad tall.

Oh, here's a good thing about being tall! You can be a Disney princess! You have to be 5'9. I'm only 5'4. I couldn't be a Disney princess.

[jazzygirlsings]

I'm 5'7"...(Technically 5'7 1/2", but nobody has to know that! LOL!)

For high school musicals, I'm not sure if it matters so much. My "little" sister played Eliza Doolittle in her HS play and she was 5'9", whereas their Higgins was shorter...It gave her a sort of gangly look in the beginning and a ultra elegant look at the end...

For SOM, height is good...It's usually best if Maria's a tad taller than the children...

There are a TON of calls for things like The Producers that require the women to be AT LEAST 5'6" tall...

As for when I did my HS musical (LSOH)- my height, along with 3 1/2 inch heels, added to the humor of the situation.

It kind of depends on the role, but at the HS level, I don't think you have much to worry about.

[itsaboutonemoment]

I'm 5'10", and I have always loved my height.

Yes, it has put a damper on certain roles here and there, but once I learned my type and who I am, I've been happy ever since. Unfortunately, at my high school, it did play a bit of a role in terms of who got cast in certain things. There was another girl there who was (and still is!) very talented, and she was only 5'3". When we did Grease, I was Miss Lynch. When we did The Wizard of Oz, I was Auntie Em. I often played the older, character, mom/aunt roles. It took me a little while to realize that it wasn't b/c of my talent, but b/c of my type! Once I learned that, I looked forward to finding what roles I would best fit into, went for those roles, and I've never looked back. It is tough, but tall girls aren't going to shrink over night. When it comes to your type and how you look physically, start working on accepting and loving it now, b/c it is who you are and what you're going to have to work with. If you get upset in this crazy performing world due to what your looks keep you from doing, you will never be happy. Find who you are and fly!

PS. I'm not saying that you're complaining, don't get me wrong! I'm just talking generally now. My senior year of high school, I got chorus while all the female roles went to another senior, a junior, and two sophomores. Because my type didn't fit those roles! I was crushed, but a local production of another show was happening, their lead female had quit, and I was perfect for the role! So also remember that everything happens for a reason! We're all here to support you!!!

[broadwaybelle22]

That was some great advice. I'm trying not to let in discourage me, and just give the best audition I can. I'm not even really that tall, and that's what bothers me! If these guys could just grow a few more inches!
I have the audition on December 6th so I will let all of you guys know how it went, if I got in, ect. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed. And I can't wait to be a disney princess when I grow up!!