Typing Myself...For Once

   In a moment of tipsy conversation starting I asked a fellow actress at a bar, "What's my type?"

   "Sexy friend. Bitchy friend. Down-to-earth girl next door. Belter." 

   Cue inner self-perception running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

   I like to sing legit soprano repertoire. My dream roles since I've been 13 have been Christine, Laurey, and more recently, Glinda. I like to wear flowy, pretty dresses. All of my electronic accessories are pink. I'm practically a walking poster for feminine purchasing stereotypes. 

   I do not self-identify as the "sultry" or "sassy" girl. However, when I took a step back, I realized that when I walk into a casting door, when they are looking for a classic looking ingenue, they are going to find just that, a classic ingenue. If they want a blonde, blue eyed, svelte Elle Woods, why would they go with the frizzy, curvy, brunette? 

   I can't fight what my mama gave me. Just because I can sing it, does not mean I will be cast in it. 

   Instead I'm trying to more smartly identify roles that not only fit my talent, but also fit my look. I need to continue to think of myself as a product (as weird as that is when you are objectively evaluating your appearance) and put myself in the most likely market. Its okay to take a step back from how I perceive myself and evaluate how the industry perceives me. I need to rework my audition book. 

   My friend at the bar told me her story, too. She had the flip side; she'd always dreamt of being the sassy alto, but her type pointed her to floatier soprano roles. She had to rework her vocal technique and the image she was presenting to casting personell. 

   Just because they are my dream roles doesn't mean I'm going to have the opportunity to realise them. They will remain my favorite roles, but my dreams and talents will be exercised elsewhere. This is something I'm coming to accept.

(photo courtesy of Ronnie Nelson)

-- Brittany Baratz

 

Comments

[Alison]

This is a good article. I have pondered this, but don't have a clue about my type. I can probably step back and ponder this though.

Thanks for ur thoughts!
Alison

[Brittany Baratz]

Hi Alison. I thought I knew my type until I started asking other people. Once you really your type, casting personelle can know you and place you even better.

[Ann Hu]

And...you seem like a 'Charlotte' type.