In an industry where so much emphasis is put on image, it is important for pop singers to keep in shape. Even the initially "ordinary" Girls Aloud succumbed to the pressure and became extremely thin; but it was pleasant to see that the performers at the MTV Awards this week were slim without being emaciated. But how does this same consciousness of image translate into the acting industry?
I vividly remember taking part in a performance a few years ago for
which we borrowed costumes from the RSC. I understand that the costume
representatives went to great pains to bring back costumes that would
fit the members of the company - the few really decorative items they
borrowed were made for emaciated pixies and only the shortest, thinnest
performer was able to squeeze herself into them. This incident, among
many others, sent me into a panic that I would never be accepted into
drama school on the grounds that unless I was absolutely phenomenal on
a Dame Judi Dench level, only pint-sized Kylie's would be able to get
any acting work.
Within a few weeks of being at drama school (and having met my enormously diverse classmates, both in looks and personality), one of our tutors passed on some wisdom that he was given during his own training: "You can change, or you can accept your reality". I have found this a good motto to live by. True, if you dream about playing a leading lady, then you might want to get surgery on your big nose or sticky-out ears, or consider some liposuction for your rounded belly or big thighs. But while you might not "look the part" for most roles that come along, just remember; 1) If you were a typical 5 ft 5" size 10 brunette, you may be put up for more roles, but you would have a lot more competition; 2) If you don't look right for most roles, then you have something unique to offer... so when that part comes up that describes you, there will be far fewer people who will be in a position to compete.
Within a few weeks of being at drama school (and having met my enormously diverse classmates, both in looks and personality), one of our tutors passed on some wisdom that he was given during his own training: "You can change, or you can accept your reality". I have found this a good motto to live by. True, if you dream about playing a leading lady, then you might want to get surgery on your big nose or sticky-out ears, or consider some liposuction for your rounded belly or big thighs. But while you might not "look the part" for most roles that come along, just remember; 1) If you were a typical 5 ft 5" size 10 brunette, you may be put up for more roles, but you would have a lot more competition; 2) If you don't look right for most roles, then you have something unique to offer... so when that part comes up that describes you, there will be far fewer people who will be in a position to compete.
April, i think you are spot on with this one and you only have to look at the range of different characters on tv and in theatre to realise that there needs to be people who are not 5ft 5, size 10 and brunette. I do however find it difficult when I am always typecast for certain roles but i guess you have to play to your strengths.