<p>“MT or straight theatre, especially for females, keep in mind there’s usually ONE pretty thin romantic type of girl, rarely more in a play.”</p>
<p>I would not agree with this. For most musicals that are in the “classic” category, in addition to the ingenue lead there is always a young girl chorus of some kind. Which is slim. Roles cast with more weight are usually older. (Note: When I mean more weight I don’t mean buxom and curvy, I mean overweight). Examples of the above - South Pacific, Seven brides for seven brothers, Oklahoma, Carousel, etc. All of these have been in the West End within the past 10 years and all of the younger girls (below playing age 30) cast in these shows here - were slim. Then we have those musicals with a dancing chorus where again, slim young girls are required, such as The Producers, Spamalot, Chicago, Phantom, etc. Yes, some musicals require a mix of sizes and shapes, of course (Jerry Springer comes to mind, Les Mis also for the chorus, young leads have to be slim). However, if you have an ingenue face and voice (especially if you are a lyrical sop) it pays off to be on the slim side. As for plays - for the classics (Shakespeare, Coward, Wilde, etc) I would say 85% of roles under playing age of 30 are cast as slim. You will be hard pressed to find an overweight Juliet in the West End or on Broadway. Modern plays - it varies more.</p>
<p>That said, larger characters ARE needed and what matters is the package - i.e. that your voice and face match your build. Some larger girls have to wait till they are a bit older for better parts (lets face it, Tracey in Hairspray is pretty much a one off part for a larger young girl in MT) but if you have what it takes you should get work at some point.</p>
<p>I am not trying to be negative - just realistic. I have larger friends in the business my age (mid twenties) and a lot of them getting work depends on whether they are a total package, what shows are currently being put on and if casting directors are willing to go against stereotypes, etc. </p>
<p>In terms of opera and classical work - weight matters a lot less. What you have to ask yourself is - am I a sellable package in MT? Or do I have a pretty face that screams Laurey in Oklahoma and a lovely sop voice but not the body to match? Or do I have a character face, am of a larger size and have a huge belt voice? More sellable in a casting director’s eyes. If I were you I would train in MT, see how it goes and if you see your size being an issue do a masters in classical voice training and go down that route. You are certainly young enough. Good luck!</p>