[blinke!]

I'm a high school student with a dream to be on broadway someday...And sometimes I worry...Do broadway actresses have to look like Hollywood actresses? As in, a size two? I'm like a six or eight in dresses, and 5'6" so its not like I'm short and chunky. Do you think I've still got a shot?

[The Very Angry Woman]

[sjillian]

dont worry about it.

your body type is always going to be your body type.
not anyone elses.

there are roles out there for every shape and size, so dont sweat it.
audition for every role you can and trustttttt me, if youre good enough, theyll hire you even if youre the opposite of what they were looking for.

my advice: focus more on talent. and good luck with broadway.

[katieanne]

if you have the talent, you're never too ANYTHING for broadway. and a size six or eight is nowhere near fat, so it appears you have nothing to worry about.

[shadowdancer]

a six or eight is just fine If you watched PIazza I noticed (and really liked) that Katie Clarke (who played Clara) was not all stick thin

[Celeste_SM]

You might enjoy this book Til the Fat Girl Sings

[technologic]

Woah, 6 or 8 isn't fat at all.. it's actually right about a healthy size for your height I think. I'd say you're definitely okay there. Plus alooott of broadway actresses aren't Size 0's or 2's. Atleast I haven't seen many like that

[CYTthespian]

there are bigger roles.

but a lot of shows call for thinner actresses. you don't sound fat to me at all, though.

i know that i've had a ton of trouble getting parts because of my weight. i can really sing and i can act well, too, not to sound cocky, but i can't get the roles i want, such as romantic leads, because it's not believable for a gorgeous, muscular guy to fall deeply in love with a huge girl.

[blinke!]

Thanks guys You're really encouraging.

And I know I'm not obese ....Over the years I've been A. anorexic B. overweight and C. still determined to make it onstage. So yeah I tend to get over concerned about weight, but I really try not to be one of those whiny "I'm like soo fat" girls.

It's good to know that it's not all about image these days.

[mannfann714]

I feel the same way and have issues with my size all the time, but at the end of the day, I know that directors will see my talent and my hard-working attitude instead of my waistline.

It might mean being constantly cast as a mother, but I can live with that.

[Holly]

Six or eight sounds extremely skinny to me - I'm a ten or twelve...I wish I was a six! Haha

[MaryMag]

I'm a 4 and I worry about being too big. Sometimes it does seem as if the majority of women on Broadway are abnormally small. When so many women audition for Broadway, producers can pick whatever they want. If they want good looking, they can have the best of the best.

I don't say this to worry you, I only say it justify my own fretting. In no way am I going to develop a disorder concerning my weight, but I hafta admit that I share your worries sometimes. But then I say, ehhhhhhhh what can I do?

[Amy_Vocalist]

[Jenko]

ok here's a blunt FACT.....

FAT PEOPLE GET WORK

you aint got nothing to be worried about love

[MaryMag]

[blinke!]

[katieanne]

[whimsical]

I'm 5'8 and a size 8, and normally I'm more than fine with that. But then I randomly walked by Megan McGinnis and Kate Reinders on the streets on New York and realized they were literally half my size. It was actually kind of funny but I've been fretting about the size of my frame ever since. I'm not exactly petite (height-wise anyway) and I think it might be a problem. If I was as thin as Sutton it might be a different story, but I've got some hips! I think it's us "in-betweens" that have to worry the most. It seems to me that most of the successful people are either character types or very thin ingenues. I know there are exceptions, of course, but in general, that's the way it seems.

Damn this business.

[DramaFreek]

my weight has really fluctuated over the years and i went from a size eight to my current 3 (yes I am soooo proud ) but my roles were never based on size i was Fred in OUAM size 6 and recently Little Girl in Ragtime as a 3.
Don't worry. I mean some of the most well known people on Broadway aren't sticks.

[MademoiselleMusicals]

I don't worry, as everyone's different and besides I like to be an individual. I'm 5"3, size 12 top half and size 14 bottom half lol. I'm quite curvy and have an hourglass shape. Just because I am not that slim, so what? You have to learn to deal with it, and that's what I'm doing. I used to get really depressed but I learnt not to let sadness get the better of me. 'Cos I'm bootylicious baby!'

[Amy_Vocalist]

[jazzygirlsings]

Honestly, the Broadway stage is MUCH MORE FORGIVING than working on camera!

It's not a big deal...seriously...Unless, as has been discussed before, you are a dancer due to the stresses it puts on your body. And in dance shows, there is a pretty specific look they are going for, which I usually don't fit, but I'm cool with that...

People forget successful "normal-sized" people like Sheri-Rene Scott! She's done a TON of work! I'm sure I'll come up with a TON of others, but she immediately strikes me as a normal-sized person...

I'm perfectly comfortable with my 5'7" size 8 frame...

[<3Wilson<3]

[A Wop Bam Boom!]

Ok what size is 6/8 in uk size? cus in uk size 6 is quite small and i dont even think it goes down below a size 4!

[blinke!]

[lalala]

I guess it makes me a size 6 in the US too.. but in Australia, I usually wear a size 10/12 on top, and a size 10/8 in pants and skirts (I hate wearing tight clothes so I generally buy everything a size bigger, much to the chagrin of my boyfriend!). Damn this having breasts business! I'm quite happy with the way I look on stage, but would still like to tone up a bit. Nowadays, I'm fine with it, but I went through a long time of thinking I was too fat (and ugly..) to be on stage.. severe lack of self-esteem. Worrying about weight, unless it's doing bad things to your health, is seriously not worth it - I know it's easier said than done though.

Anyway, don't fret about weight and size - it is usually one of the very least of the factors taken into consideration when casting, and from what you have said, you have a very healthy and normal body - it shouldn't be an issue at all.

[NoOneMournsTheWicked]

Wow, now I feel like an idiot for worrying about being way too small for Broadway.

[blinke!]

[dramababy500]

[NoOneMournsTheWicked]

^ I'm the same size.

I'm always worried about how in big crowd scenes, I tend to get lost in there, since I'm usually the smallest person in the cast. I'm also afraid of being on the stage all by myself- I keep thinking I'll get swallowed up by it. I flipped out until I was finally given a Sky Masterson when I was singing 'If I Were A Bell' for my school's revue- I didn't want to be up there alone.

[IntoTheSpotlight]

I'm nearly six foot tall, wear size twelve dresses (UK size), and I worry about my weight sometimes. But my friend, who is studying musical theatre here, was saying that nowadays there's a lot more emphasis on being a healthy weight for your height.
And besides, if you're at a professional musical theatre or dance college, you'll be dancing and moving around everyday, so you'll loose weight while you're training.

IntoTheSpotlight[/quote]

[lalala]

I envy really tall people like you... I know that you have your own set of insecurities that go with it. I suppose it's a confidence thing for me - being small and short and rather meek, people tend to push me around and overlook me, especially in theatre. I've always thought if I had a more.. formidable build, it wouldn't happen so much.

[TheNextTenMinutes]

I too am short and skinny- although, thanks to dancing, well developed in the thigh and booty area, which gives me this whole white Beyonce look- and I find that stage presence has nothing to do with your actual size. Do you know what it is, most of the time? POSTURE. I would love to be a few inches taller, but as my singing teacher tells me "You're tiny, but no one else has to know it." As you're voice develops you'll find that people are more interested in how your voice is filling the room, not how your thighs are!
Having said that I think it is really important in this industry to remain fit and healthy. A healthy diet keeps energy levels up and exercise keeps you fit and able to breathe deeper and for longer. If I were casting and an extremely overweight girl came in, I would have to question her fitness level rather than her weight. By the same token, someone who is clearly too thin for their own good would also be questioned about fitness. Anyone who looks especially tired or unhealthy should be considered carefully, because god knows there are some chorus numbers that leave you gasping for air.

[Cody]

I really don't think that weight is the biggest concern for musical theatre you know? I mean, I am 5'5" and about 180lbs. And being a guy, you'd think that this would hold me back from getting any of the parts that I would like, you know? Like I could never be the gorgeous lead man that all of the girls are fallnig for. But if you have talent, you can get anything that you want. I have had the opportunity to portay some of the best roles! Like; Nicely Nicely Johnson from Guys and Dolls, or the Phaoroh from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

A few years ago there was a girl in the musical program at my highschool, she was enormous, and when I say big, I mean really big. And I'm not saying that to get her down or anything, but that didn't hold her back. But instead of getting a lead, she was always the most fun to watch on stage because she gave her all the entire show. So even if you think you're to big, you're not.

Being large means nothing, it's talent that defines you.

[Cake_in_Song]

Don't stress about it. Sure, some roles seem to be made for skinny girls, but others are weight unspecific. For example, in Cinderella, the title role is usually played by a thin, pretty girl, but all other female leads could be played by people of any body type. And if you really blow a director away with your audition, you can probably convince him/her to give you a role that was conventionally played by thinner people. Besides, Anorexia has no place in the world of Musical Theatre. The only way that a person can support her voice well is if that person EATS!

[Cody]

agreed!

[audreydarling]

I agree..it's good to be healthy..plus there are tons of roles out there for many different body types..and yeah Broadway performers definitely have to eat to be successfull..there is NO room for annorexia or bullemia on Broadway!! I mean also it's not really about weight it's how you look and feel..if you have a lot of muscle you may wiegh a lot but have a good body...I don't think weight or body type should discourage anyone from following their dreams! I'm almost 5'6" and 138 lbs with an average proportional figure...and I've played so many roles..none of which my body type had an effect on..(I've actually been cast in roles like Jan in Grease because they said the knew it wouldn't danage my self esteem ?? which I thought was weird..lol , and also Adelaide in Guys and Dolls) ..never let anything keep you from doing what you want to do.

[MsDivaKate]

[CYTthespian]

^like she said, they gave it to her because jan is supposed to be an overweight part, but they knew she wouldn't be offended by it because she's so obviously fit.

if they had given it to a girl who was overweight, they feared she might feel like they were telling her she was fat.

[MsDivaKate]

[Amber]

I think one has to be at a rather healthy weight to make it in theatre nowadays. If I were a casting director, I would question whether a very overweight person would have the stamina to put in the effort and the energy required for a live show (same with the extremely thin- I'd worry that they'd not be able to get through) just because I know that carrying extra weight can really drain energy. I do think many roles could be played by people of varying body types, but I think it's great to have a good proportional height and weight to be able to make it far.


That being said, I'm concentrating on losing a lot of weight right now, just so that I might be a little bit more "marketable" as an aspiring actress. (I'm not all THAT overweight- meaning I can dance it out without losing my breath more than anyone else, and have the kind of stamina to give a very, very energetic performance- but today's society wants to see thin people who aren't overweight, and if I need to get thin to have a better chance, I'll do it.)

[Webster]

i've acted opposite someone who's 6'7", someone who's 4'10", someone who's 110 lbs., and someone who's upwards of 350 lbs. Seriously. Size doesn't really matter. Talent does.

[MsDivaKate]

[<3Wilson<3]

[wicked_diva]

I'm 5'10'' and about 225lbs, and I feel that is has prevented me from getting roles I otherwise might get, though it hasn't stop me from being cast. However, I feel that it's much more a height issue than a weight issue. I'm always the tallest girl in the cast, but there have been plenty of times when I wasn't the heaviest. And my weight doesn't stop me from dancing either, hence why I've been cast as a dancer several times. I have been trying to lose weight, though with little success, but even if I never get to my goal weight, it won't stop me from doing theatre.

[phantomuwicked]

Ok when auditioning for a role weight and height doesn't matter! I've seen heavier people in lead roles and small people in lead roles, and Nowadays height is an advantage when playing a lead! Your beautiful the way you are only your talent matters.

[jazzygirlsings]

As much as you want to say that, it DOES matter...ESPECIALLY on the pro level. If you are short or tall or fat or skinny, there is a certain "type" that is kind of expected from you, depending on what you look like...I'm not saying I agree with this AT ALL...It simply is a fact of the biz. As much as it SHOULD be about talent, etc. it isn't always the case.

In many open calls, "typing" occurs. That's when you are lined up like cattle and they look at you and your resume/headshot and literally tell you to go home or stay based on what you look like. They don't even get a chance to hear you sing...

Y'all should read "Making It On Broadway"...It is SO ILLUMINATING! You would be shocked at the stories in there...

One woman was skinny as it is and they told her that she had to sign a contract that said she would lose 10 more pounds because otherwise, she wouldn't fit into Belle's costumes!!!!

People, in a perfect world, it would be about talent...

You either have to accept the biz for what it is or move on because it will eat you alive...

The trick is to embrace who you are and your "type", but still try to expand yourself where you can...

[whimsical]

What jazzy says IS unfortunately true, but there is a place for all bodies, so no one is ever "too fat for Broadway." No worries! The key is realizing your type and not fighting it.

[jazzygirlsings]

[MsDivaKate]

[CYTthespian]

[lalala]

Similar thing happened in my recent production of Les Miserables. I, along with other people who have had leads and are generally well-regarded, didn't even get a callback for the show which was being cast by a pro director.
I'm average weight and proportionate for being 5'2", but I wasn't "interesting looking" enough it seems. When I saw the final show, there were people of all sized and shapes and ages and looks.. every single person on stage looked vastly different from everyone else. Although it would seem that larger people would be shafted at auditions, in the end it all comes down to what the director wants, conventional or not.

Oh, on another note, last night I was practicing a dance downstairs (I live on top of a karate studio) when I found some weighted vests that the national squad train in when they're preparing for competitions. I put on three of these vests, each weighing about 10kg and I couldn't believe how much more tired I felt - I tried doing some of the routines from Anything Goes, and it was practically impossible. Now I'm trying to work it out - is that how tired larger people would get, or is it just that I'm not used to it?

[DramaFreek]

[jazzygirlsings]

But it IS harder on your body to carry around certain amounts of weight, hence why back/knee/other joint problems tend to go hand-in-hand with obesity. It is proven that it is more difficult on your heart as well...

But we digress...let's stay O/T...this is an interesting topic!

[MsDivaKate]

[jazzygirlsings]

[MsDivaKate]

[LisaKitty]

[blinke!]

[MsDivaKate]

[lalala]

Strange.. I always thought that theatre people are generally so happy and sparkly that they couldn't possibly have depression. Maybe they're as good at hiding it as I am!

[MsDivaKate]

[Millie1986]

I have been in 4 different anti depressants, 2 anti anxiety meds, and been hospitalised for depression twice, in addition to a couple of overdoses. And nobody ever guesses that I am depressed, people always think I am really happy and bubbly. I think when you perform you are probably better at concealing it than other people are though.

[Chevstriss]

back to topic, unfortunately, there is a big divide between "funny fat" and "normal" in theatre. We all know what "funny fat" is, a globe shape rolly polly, where the characterization depends on this body type. "Character shape" and "large build" are today's current euphamisms since a breakdown would never use the term "funny fat".

On the other side of the coin, "normal" is extremely thin. I've know MANY broadway actresses practicing anorexia while in a show. Gaining a few lbs can be the end of a career.

And if you are a normal athletic shaped female, you will probably be typed out "heavy" if you fall between the cracks of skinny and funny fat. Mom types can sometimes be cast w/ this normal chunky body, but more often than not you'll see even moms being cast stick thin.

[MsDivaKate]

[shncon]

I struggle with this myself. Although I'm a man, I weigh in at 300 lbs and I have still gotten roles. I got the role as Horton the Elephant in our Seussical production. Sometimes weight has its advantages. In my last play I played Marcellus Washburn in The Music Man. There are some roles that I would covet but there's no way at my present size. I recently got Lap-Band weight loss surgery so I'm losing day by day. My all time wish would be to play Jesus in Godspell or Tevye in Fiddler. Hopefully one day I'll be able to. If it isn't my weight, it will be my hair since I'm balding. I guess I'll have to invest in some Chia hair

[Chevstriss]

I think Tevye is a role where you'll see many really big men. Not always, but often enough.

[MsDivaKate]

[Mistosgurl]

[LisaKitty]

It does seem to be that it's easier for large men to get good roles than it is for larger women. Then again, it's just plain easier for men in general to get good roles than it is for women, so maybe that's it.

[Chevstriss]

[LisaKitty]

[Cake_in_Song]