why is dancing given so much more weight? - 2008/01/02 13:49They're called MUSICALS - music and theatre (acting) yet I see good, meaty vocal roles going all the time to mediocre or bad singers who can dance or move and are only so-so actors. How can trained singers and actors reclaim singing roles that were originally intended for us? Or do we just have to suck it up and learn to dance? What if we can't get to a good enough level of dancing? Are we then forced out of musical theatre altogether?
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margyjohnson
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Re:why is dancing given so much more weight? - 2008/01/02 13:53Ideally I guess we all need to be triple threats. If you can sing, dance and act you have a better chance at roles anywhere than if you can only do 1 or 2 of the 3.
In my theatre group, they tend to pick people who can sing but can't dance OR act over people who sing ALMOST as well but dance & act circles around them. In my group it's ALL about singing...so I guess it varies.
It's all based on the preference of the individual directors.
Oh well!Favorite Shows: Once on this Island, Wicked, Hairspray Dream Roles: Ado Annie/Oklahoma, Galinda/Wicked Last Role: Ti Moune in Once On this Island Jr In Production: Music Man (teen chorus and dancing)
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Annie
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Re:why is dancing given so much more weight? - 2008/01/02 16:13It really does depend on the group. You don't always know what is going on behind the scenes, but here's an example of something that happened to me. I was up for the lead in a musical and the director and theatre owner wanted me in the role. However, the choreographer demanded the lead in exchange for choreographing the show. I'm not saying that all choreographers do this, but it does happen. You also have to think about the fact that the panel already knows them and knows that they like working with them. However, I also know some directors that will let the choreographer walk rather than cast them if they can't sing and act the role that they want.
Here's something that might make you feel better. I was passed over two shows in a row for people that could dance better than me but weren't as strong of singers/actors. Both directors complained to me about it and said they made a mistake. While that didn't make me feel any better (I still didn't have the role/s) knowing that in the future they would take the other two skills into stronger consideration does.
Each director is different and has a different vision. When I did Cats a few years ago I almost didn't audition because the director/choreographer is known for using her dancers in her shows and being a non-dancer I figured that I was out. I talked to her beforehand and learned that she knew the limitaions of the dancers and was only using them for the dance breaks and Jellicle Ball and wanted singer/actors for the roles. However, you'll still find directors out there that only want strong dancers in that show, no matter how vocally demanding it is.
Unfortunately for us non-triple threats, it's all about the director's vision, not ours. So even if we can see why the role could sacrifice the dancing and still be great, they may not.~Annie Currently: Soloist for Night of Jazz fundraiser Recently: Miss Thorn (Ruthless! the Musical), Emma Carew (Jekyll & Hyde)
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KrisTibbles
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Re:why is dancing given so much more weight? - 2008/01/22 22:42I think it'll have to be the "suck it up and learn how to dance" option. If you really want to do musical theatre, even if you're a fantastic singer and actress, you'll have to be able to pass through dance auditions. Because not many people get lead roles from the get-go, they have to work their way up from chorus, and to be in the chorus you probably have to dance.
I'm totally with you- I was passed up for Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie because the other girl they were considering had about a year of ballroom dancing lessons where I only had a little bit of jazz. The directors regretted it later, since she was an awful singer with no comedic timing, but their decision pressed me to "suck it up" and I signed up for jazz and ballet.
That first step is a tough one, and I still feel out of place in dance classes, but hopefully the next time something like that happens, there won't be a question of whether my dancing is competent enough.
Good Luck! Kris*~Kristina~*
Upcoming: Senior Year! Most recent: Maria in Sound of Music
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CwEinDallas
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Re:why is dancing given so much more weight? - 2008/01/23 00:54as actors, we have to keep trying to improve (i.e. suck it up and learn to dance) it's soooo easy to b*tch and moan that the directors have their priorities all out of whack and you really really deserved that role so you could stand stock still in the middle of the stage singing wiht perfect pitch and emoting like hell, even if the audience would love to see a big dance number. most big musicals you'll find the lead roles have the least dancing. because they can;t sing if they're gasping for breath. continue to hone your craft (even if it means struggling through some basic classes). go to auditions at lots of different companies, like the others said: some will want dancers first others will be singers first. most choreographers are willing to teach you the steps if they see that you are willing to try to learn them.Chris
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brucecriesxout
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Re:why is dancing given so much more weight? - 2008/01/23 15:29Oh god, I've thought the same thing many times. & like Annie and CwEinDallas have said I'd the best thing you can do is try to improve and sometimes its different with other casting directors.
I'm also a fellow "non-triple threat" theirs tons of perfomers that aren't all triple threats to the "t" but when theirs a weak point in your peforming and you know what to do to try to improve it, don't hestitate to do so.
Right now I'm doing my best to hone my dancing as well, so good luck to you and all your endeavors! Name: Bruce Current Production: None. Upcoming Auditions:
The Butler Did It Singing (Chandler)
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Christine_wannabe
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Re:why is dancing given so much more weight? - 2008/01/23 18:57I have the same problem, i am a great actress and singer, but i struggle with dancing (stepping on people's feet who aren't even in the row i am dancing in , etc.). All you can do is your best and really listen carefully to the choreographer when they are teaching the steps. And remember if you mess up just continue smiling and act like nothing happened!-Laura
Favorite Musical: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!!!!!!! As for more "happy" musicals i like BATB, Music Man, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Singin' in the rain!!!
Next production: R&H Cinderella?
“Practice as if you are the worst, perform as if you are the best.”
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Oh well!
I'm not saying that all choreographers do this, but it does happen. You also have to think about the fact that the panel already knows them and knows that they like working with them. However, I also know some directors that will let the choreographer walk rather than cast them if they can't sing and act the role that they want. 
, etc.). All you can do is your best and really listen carefully to the choreographer when they are teaching the steps. And remember if you mess up just continue smiling and act like nothing happened!