Not sure if I should do school show

[AliceSmith2]

So I recently auditioned for my high school's production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. I was really excited because a) I love the show b) I recently added a role from a prestigious theatre to my resume and c) there are a ton of roles with just a couple of lines. As a sophomore, all I wanted was one of those couple of lines roles. But I got into the "ensemble" in which I will basically just walk across the stage like a civilian. This is my second year in an ensemble like that. I know the director really likes me so I was sort of heart broken. On top of that, my best friend who also got into this ensemble doesn't want to do the show. What REALLY pisses me off is that one girl my age is legitimately playing 7 roles, each with several lines. If she only had one of those parts, 6 other girls like myself could have a couple of lines. My mom understands where I am coming from and doesn't think I should do the show. But my vocal teacher thinks that I should do it because it will me help me get a lead role in the future. I am very torn. If I can't get a speaking role in my high school shows, how can I ever be on Broadway one day.

[iLikeGrapes1234]

This sounds ridiculously similar to my plays in high school. I know how much it sucks, but I would still do it, and stay dedicated. The director will see your hard work and might cast you in something bigger in years to come. It's also good to rack up plays to put on a resume, even if you were on crew. The biggest thing is to keep trying and to show the director how dedicated you are.

[Larcen26]

My snarky judgmental answer: "Do you want to perform?  Or do you only want to perform if you get a lead?"  Being the first type of person will bring you joy and years of performing, the second type will lead to frustration and heartache.  Especially once you hit college.

My REAL answer:  High schools give leads to Juniors and Seniors.  They just do.  Freshmen and Sophmores get what's left, and only a few of them.  Personally, if I were directing, would have divided up that 6 character role, but they didn't for some reason.  But most certainly don't assume it was because nobody else was good enough or something like that.

You are being a little fatalistic thinking that the number of speaking roles you get in your High School...particularly if you are already performing outside of school...will have any impact on your future.  Your talent will decide half of it, your attitude and demeanor will decide the other.