What to do when you're offered a role you don't want

If you have ever auditioned for anything, most likely, you were asked what role you were auditioning for. When starting my career, I always said I would accept any role; as I have grown and begun working in more and more professional settings, I have started narrowing down my options. No matter what stage of your career you are in, there may have been or will be times when you are not cast in the role you wanted, but are offered one you did not originally want to be considered for.

When you get that call or email that says you are offered a role in the ensemble, but you stated you wanted a certain role or nothing, here is what I recommend you do.

First, think long and hard. If you are on the phone simply say you will have to get back to them. You have to decide if the opportunity is good enough for you to take a role you initially didn’t want for whatever reason. Do you have time and energy to dedicate to it? Is it something that will give you good experience and maybe even teach you something? If the answer is no, then thank them very sincerely for seeing you and for wanting to work with you. No matter the company, it is an honor to be offered a role. Then tell them that you are unable to accept their offer, but you can’t wait to see the show when it opens. Leave it at that. They do not need a reason why you turn it down.

If the answer to the above questions was no and you still accept the role things could get a little dicey. I have been in shows in which a person in a supporting role very clearly wanted the lead and is creating issues among the cast due to their hurt feelings. This is, in my opinion, unacceptable. You knew the role, you took the role, end of story. Once you have accepted a role, it becomes your JOB; meaning you are now obligated to make the show the best it can be within the confines of your role. Accepting a role you didn’t want and then behaving immaturely only give you a bad reputation and puts people off of hiring you again.

At the end of the day, only accept roles you want. If you are desperate for the paycheck, then you must understand that it is a job and make the best of the situation. Otherwise, turn down the role and move on to the next audition! Positivity and collaboration will get you everywhere, my friend.