How do I convince my theatre coaches that I deserve to have a leading role?

Question:I have some problems with confidence and often find myself reciting the lines perfectly in my head, but not out loud. I have been going to theatre school for about four years now, and have never had a leading role in the end play. Sure, I'm not bad and have gotten some good supporting roles, but I really want to break out and become noticed. How do I do this? I feel like I have all of this potential but I can't show it. Why do I always get supporting roles? Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have some problems with confidence and often find myself reciting the lines perfectly in my head, but not out loud. I have been going to theatre school for about four years now, and have never had a leading role in the end play. Sure, I'm not bad and have gotten some good supporting roles, but I really want to break out and become noticed. How do I do this? I feel like I have all of this potential but I can't show it. Why do I always get supporting roles? Thanks!

You sound like your worse critic! Relax, accept your limitations, but remember you are a good actor and your confidence will shine.

Good luck.

You cant. But Enthusiasm goes a long way.

You are better off being known as a hard working and pleasant person that is not afraid to take any part, that to be a person that thinks she deserves to be a star, with no good reason. Non lead actors are quite often better actors and work steadier than leads.

And who knows why you were not picked for certain parts? Acting is the last job where its often permitted to judge people by their race, height, apparent age, weight or whatever. You just need to unstress and enjoy the whole process. There is nothing as irritating as hanging out with people who think that they should be stars.

when you feel like your low on confidence just think of the good things about yourself and stuff. have euthessiam!

You keep getting the smaller roles because your insecurities show. You need to improve. You may need to study a different approach to acting. Read Tony Barr's Acting for the Camera. It is pertainent to the stage as well. If you do what he says acting is when you are on stage you will be a good actor. When you show the directors that you are a good actor, you will get better roles.

Tell them that you want to be in the play and the role doesn't matter. Do run crew or something. Experience in a play even when it isn't acting is always helpful. Also I know it sounds stupid but from experience I've learned that there really are no small parts just small actors. If you psych yourself out into thinking that you've gotten a small part then your lack of confidence will show in your next audition.