Originally posted by jphock  (what do you call al male prima donna?)

prima donald

Congratulations!

I also struggle with turning down roles because I don't want to come across as being a prima donna who will only accept the lead, but just like a previous reply, sometimes, I'll only accept a smaller role because of time and travel considerations.  As an actor, I appreciate when asked what roles I'll accept.  In the last audition I did, I was cast in a part I didn't want.  Readings were to be done in callbacks, but the director decided to cast the show strictly on singing auditions.  I had planned to read for the role I wanted.  If I had been asked on the form or by the director what roles I'd accept, my turning down the role wouldn't have been necessary.  From now on, whether asked or not, I'll let the director know during the first audition what roles I'll consider.  As a director, I always ask upfront so I don't have to recast if someone turns down a role they don't want to begin with. 

Having a place on the audition form for "which roles will you accept" and "will you take another role" are a good route to go, but certainly not foolproof.  I have had people say they will take any role (thinking, perhaps, that it shows what gung-ho troupers they are) only to turn down anything but the lead.  For heaven's sake, be honest!!! If you don't want anything but the lead, tell the director!!! If he is worth his salt as a director, he won't think any less of you and will much prefer that to having you refuse a role after he has spent a lot of time and effort choosing combinations of actors that would work together as an ensemble, or to having you drop out after rehearsals have started. (After reading that last sentence, would you believe I used to teach English?)

However, looking at it from the actor's viewpoint, I once auditioned for a Sondheim musical, listing three roles I would take, and answered that I would not take any others.  The director ignored my choices, and told me that I would be playing another role.....I pointed out to her that I had not indicated that I would be willing to play that role. She looked surprised and upset, saying that she was sure that I had....which indicated to me that she hadn't even looked at that section of the audition sheet.  

I guess what I'm saying is that there is no foolproof method of insuring that someone will take the role offered, or that the director will offer you the role you said you would play.  

I agree with Diva... If they have indicated that that is all they will take, I take them at thier word... If I have talked to them and feel there might be a "Possiblility" that they would take something else and I think it fits them, i will say "I know you said no, but I would just like to run this by you.. If it is still no, I understand, no hard feelings.."

 

 

(Diva.. Hiding already?  "A Sondhiem show"  Go ahead an gripe.. I won't tell... lol)