First off, I am so thrilled to find this site.  I'm actively involved in another one just like this one here in my area, but I don't feel that I can get an un-clique answer.  I've been involved in a near-by community theater for the past 5 years.  I've been cast in all chorus roles in every show that I've done.  I've become good friends with the people there because I've not limited myself in what I do while I'm there.  I do anything from set builds, to costuming, to stage crew, and of course acting.  Anyway, I've tried out for shows and I'm always told by the directors that my auditions were great.  The only problem with that is, if they were so great why didn't they cast me???  I've been past up for roles that I was completely prepared for and did great in auditions, but they would pick someone that would end up becoming a problem during the show.  In auditions, they ask for schedule conflicts and I never have any.  The one's they pick have a lot of conflicts.  If I need to loosen up more during readings, they're not telling me.  If so, how do I go about doing that???  Despite some major dissappointments, I always try to learn from them and get right back up.  The summer show auditions are coming up and I wonder if I should even get back up this time.   I absolutely love the theater.  I just don't know what I can do different to be considered for a part more than the needed chorus parts, or so that I quit being passed by.  I may not be a size 10, but I know that I can do whatever is needed.

Sorry this is so long, but I've been holding all this in for too long.  Can anyone give me some tips or anything????? 

Thank you for reply, Spectrum.  It gives me a different view of things.  I was always told to take anything that was offered just to get my face out there.  I did actually turn down a part in a show that I wanted to do really bad because they wanted me to be a chorus wife (in Joseph).  I really wanted to do the show, but I did stick to my decision.   

Speaking from the casting side of things, I have a couple of points.  First, it may be that you have made yourself so important back stage that you do not get cast.  I do not know how your shows are cast, but I do know that I have never had a director with the groups I work with worry at all about tech.  I would imagine that if an actor is a standout, they will get cast, no matter what they can do back stage.

Secondly, the chorus is important!  I realize that most actors want "the lead", but in most shows a lead with no chorus means there is no show.  The more actors who consider the chorus "settling", the fewer good shows will be available to see.

If an actor continues to be cast in the chorus, then I agree with the previous posts.  Decide before the audition if you will accept a chorus part.  If you will not, then let the director know ahead of time.  If the director  knows you will only play certain parts they will only look at you for those parts.  If you do not tell a director and then do not accept a chorus part, the casting people will take a hard look the next time you audition.

John

Thank you very much for all responses.  I first want to address John's issue of the chorus.  First of all, I never said that the chorus wasn't important.  I am very well aware of how important the chorus is to a show!  I have no problem being in the chorus, just not all the time.  I actually think that the chorus is quite a fun role to be in.  I also do not have to be the lead in the show to be happy.  There are some people that only want to do chorus parts, and then there are those that strive to do a little more than chorus.  Not that chorus isn't important.  I would just like to get a role that would have speaking lines with it as well.  I have absolutely no problem with working my way up in casting if that is what is needed.  I try to learn from every audition/ show that I do so that I come back better the next time I audition for a show, which leads me to Doug's reply.  Thank you.  Actually, I am going to be taking some acting classes.  I know that everyone in this field needs self-improvement along the way if they expect to get anywhere with it. 

I do truly appreciate everyone's perspective on this issue and I am  thinking about how to implement them in my future auditions.

For goodness sake, Kristi, don't give up!  Been where you are, hated it.  No more.  I'm lucky enough these days to have the opposite problem.  "Please, please! Herr Direktor, please give me the part of the Gravedigger:  Hamlet has over 1200 blasted lines!"  The turning point?  Experience, study, and determination gave me the confidence to DEMAND a part through powerful auditioning.  You see, in the beginning I strove for good auditions.  Now, I know that I may have one chance and once chance only to play the character I want, and I PLAY it in auditions, whether the director likes it or not.  To hades with directors - what do they know?  When I audition for Lear, I get to be that old sucker for at least for a few lines: something most folks never get a chance to be (or not to be), and for a brief, floating, untouchable moment I AM Lear.  That's something no one can take away from me, whether I get cast or not.  A good director will see this quality in an auditioner, and, if wise, will make the proper casting.  I can remember the first time it happened to me as if itwere today.  After a slew of small bits, I auditioned for MacBeth, and when I had finished a scene with some Lady MacBeth or another, I could FEEL the breath leave the collective body watching the auditions. I wanted to be MacBeth at least once! and I lost myseft in him for that two page reading.  I didn't get the part of the bloody Scottsman, but I was was granted Banquo, and I worked my poor little self to distraction.  And I was very, very good.  Reviews were great, and my mention especially sweet.  After that... pshaw!  Finding good roles are a piece of cake. Success breeds success. So hang in there.  Your chance will come.  Never surrender. Never let 'em get you down.  Knock 'em dead. 

PS.  I may be alone, and I wonder how others feel about this, but I LOVE the audition process.  It's my favorite part.  Sometimes I will audition for a role knowing full well that I'll be out of town opening night - just for the thrill of it.  I rarely, if ever, study up on the play.  That's bad, I think.  Auditions are the one chance for spontaneous spurts of pure feeling:  no director telling you to "do it this way" or "that."  Just you with nothing to lose but your lunch.  But I've said too much already (I can feel the directors cringing).