<p>Hi, everyone! I have been a long-time lurker, and since you all have wonderful input, I am going to post a few questions about being a plus-sized actress. You see, I haven't been able to even get a job as an extra, and one casting director told me I would probably have to lose a minimum of 100 pounds before I would begin to be considered for even an extra job. The anxiety-riddled part comes in when I think "Well, maybe I shouldn't major in theater/drama/acting, then, if I'm too big..." My parents tells me that this is part of a "self-destruct mode" that I seem to have, but I'm honestly not sure.</p>
<p>Okay, getting that out felt good. Now that I'm done with my rant (sorry about that), here are my questions.</p>
<p>1) For those of you who are plus-sized, or whom have worked with plus-sized actors/actresses, how hard has it been for you/them to find a job, and how hard is it for someone who is plus-sized to get an agent?
2) If you've had insecurities, how have you gotten past them?
3) What schools offer scholarships based only on your audition? Didn't get the best grades in high school and first semester of community college, but I have been told by numerous directors in community theater that I can act quite well.
4) I am taking a break from college to figure out my next step, and wondered if that would be a problem to the admissions department at universities.</p>
<p>Thanks for putting up with me as I start my journey!</p>
<p>@actressWannabe - I can’t answer all your questions- but can give some insight on a couple. In general, BFA programs will not worry about a gap period- not at all uncommon for theater kids
My D went to a PA high school, so has seen kids going off into programs for a number of years. 2 years ago there was a plus size, and talented, young man who had a number of acceptances, including, Northwestern, Pace, Emerson, and his school of choice- Boston. A fuller figured girl from last year also had a number of choices- can’t remember off the top of my head (not a close friend of D, so I wasn’t keeping track) she is at Minn Guthrie. </p>
<p>This is exactly what I needed to hear! Even my dad has said I need to lose a lot of weight, which I probably do, but I’m going to do it over time. Thanks so much, toowonderful! :)</p>
<p>There are definitely professional roles for plus sized women, probably more for straight acting and film/TV than for MT (there are not that many MT professional roles for a large woman, although there are certainly some. A few years ago we saw the Chicago based plus-sized actress Alene Robertson, and were blown away by her talent). When my D worked in a professional show, the woman who played her mother was specifically told by her agent that the woman (in her mid 30s) needed to either gain weight or lose weight, but that being ‘just plump’ was not a good idea. The agent actually recommended she <em>gain</em> weight as she felt she’d have more job opportunities (seriously!). </p>
<p>The most important thing is your health of course, so if you need to lose weight for your health, that would be your first priority. But assuming you are simply plus sized and healthy–YES, there are roles for you. The key is to know your type. Not to be stereotyped, but it will also help you to develop comic skills as there are more roles for plus sized women in comic roles. </p>
<p>As far as scholarships–yes, there are scholarships for talent only. Gap year helps in many situations as well. Good luck.</p>
<p>Sorry it’s taken so long to get back to this. I’ve been prepping for something. Thanks for the help, @connections! That is super awesome! I’m assuming that it would be better if I moved to NYC, Atlanta, LA, or Chicago…right now I’m basically in East Coast suburbia. If you had to pick one, which would you choose? Again, thank you for that info!</p>
<p>Honestly? I think there is something to what you have been told. This business is based on “look” in many cases. Obviously talent is crucial, but you could be brilliant and still told know because you aren’t what they have in mind physically. You want to be as marketable as possible. I’m not saying you couldn’t get a job as a larger woman, what I am saying is that there is a lot of competition out there. Good luck to you! </p>
<p>I understand your concerns…my daughter is a 6’ redhead and there are not a lot of roles for her, but she knows that when they need her look she is one of a kind. The 5’1 blonde, brunettes are a dime a dozen and they have just as much difficulty in being cast as a heavy girl. Know your type and capitalize on it. :)</p>
<p>I simply commend you for going after your dreams, regardless of size. Play up your talents, know your type, and don’t let yourself get in your own way. Do take care of your health, but help make a path for other girls struggling with similar issues to see that it truly is your talent and drive and not your size that determines your success. </p>
<p>Go for it but have a plan B. All theater majors face a precarious financial existence no matter what they look like so make sure you develop skills that translate to other careers. Sharpen you writing skills, learn all you can about marketing, public relations, promotion etc. - these are all necessary skill-sets within the theatrical world but also beyond.</p>
<p>Whoa…head spinning with information and input! Thanks to all of you for the input! I think I’m going to pursue this! I know that this’ll be harder for me, but it’ll be worth it to me! Now all I have to do is find a way to finance this. Thanks again for all the input from everyone!</p>
<p>@ActressWannabe I will just chime in to say that I know of 4 girls from our area who are currently in BFA/BA Theatre programs who are in a range from very curvy to quite overweight. However, I also know several girls at the very curvy/plump end of the spectrum who were advised to lose weight before college auditions, and did so. I also know one girl who is very overweight who has now (safely, slowly) lost 50lbs while in college (through diet and exercise) and she plans to lose at least another 50. </p>
<p>Being an extra is about blending in, not standing out. Being an extra should not be your goal. It isn’t even considered “acting” in the industry and shouldn’t be on your resume. There are definitely actual roles for all physical types, although it is undeniably true that for every Tracy in Hairspray, there are dozens of other roles for less plump girls. </p>
<p>Regardless, I would strive to be physically fit, even if overweight. My daughter has been advised in several summer and pre-college workshops that being physically fit is very important. I don’t think that this is just euphemistic code for being slim. I think that acting is actually a very physically demanding job.</p>
<p>As others have said, do not be deterred. Know and embrace your type, and work hard to make your dreams a reality. Good luck!</p>
<p>It is indeed. At my son’s BFA program, they refer to the body as “your instrument” and stress physical fitness (the movement classes are demanding!), health, good diet, proper posture, etc, etc.</p>
<p>I’ll probably start losing weight after I’m recovered from my surgery, then. Even if I’m never thin, I at least want to be in shape. Also…I want to go to a cheap school, because debt would be no good. Does anyone know about the BYU-I theater program? I figure that, if I go there, I can move to a bigger city after college. Thanks, everyone!</p>
<p>dont know about byu but you are right to keep costs down. We went through that decision last year and my son decided the less costly the better since he might be eating ramen noodles after graduating! i also realized by keeping his college costs down, i would be in better position to help him after he graduates. what bissou, your gal is 6 feet? goodness, i had not realized she was that tall. My guy is tall too but that;s probabably considered a plus for a guy Still, we were wondering in 8th grade where he was giong height wise and were glad he stopped at 6"2". </p>
Still, we were wondering in 8th grade where he was giong height wise and were glad he stopped at 6"2". </p>