I am a small time actor wondering if I should take an ensemble role of Bye Bye Birdie.Should I accept it, why?

If you are desirous of becoming a professional actor or dancer, then it would be most helpful for you to accept the role that the director wants to offer you. It would give you more experience and add onto your resume. There used to be an old axiom that was widely respected in the theatre: "There are no small roles, only small actors." The most accomplished and professional actors will often accept roles of various calibres, in order to gain more experience and professional exposure. This is especially so in Great Britain, where most actors think nothing of performing in lesser roles than they have done beforehand. It all has to do with professionalism and the desire to keep working in a profession that is very highly competitive.

You play the lead sometimes: You play the Spearbearer #3 sometimes. If you are only willing to take big roles, which unfortunately don't come around all of the time, how will you grow as a performer? You can learn a lot from watching a director work with other actors on stage.

If you pass these things up, you will have a small resume and directors won't want to cast you because they won't feel you're an ensemble player. Directors respect actors willing to play any size role in order to tell the story.

If you had enough time to play a bigger role, you have enough time to play the policeman/chorus. Besides, plays couldn't happen and stories couldn't be told without those actors willing to portray those smaller roles. Stop thinking of yourself as having a small part and start acknowledging you are part of an awesome ensemble of great actors.

I think it depends on a few things: is this a director you hope to work with in the future? If you do, probably you should accept. Is the theatre a good place to work, and will having its name on your resume be a good thing? Then say yes.

Will you miss out on a bigger, better role elsewhere? Then maybe say no.

Probably there are pros and cons to the decision either way. No one part will make or break you, but if you plan to pursue acting professionally, you'd better get used to the idea of being under utilized. If you do turn it down, be diplomatic about it - don't tell them the role isn't big enough and not worth your time. Burning bridges is NEVER a good idea.

If there aren't any other productions going on, and you cna make the time commitment, then do it. Musicals look good on resumes, and who knows, it's always possible the director will like you and expand your role. If I could count the number of times I've been in a show and someone dropped out...

Any role is a good learning experience. It also shows you are a team player and that director is more likely to remember you next time.

It all depends upon the role. I've seen "Birdie" and there are three roles in it that would interest me... any other, and I'd have to say "Pass"...

Why take on a project that you won't have any fun with?

No part is too small. It is experience and helps build your resume. And if you do well, the director may want you in more things, bigger roles.

You didn't explain if this is a school thing or a community thing?

In any event, I would say do it. If in school, it is always something extra to add to your college app. If in the community, they always look to those who started out small for bigger roles in the upcoming productions. Don't go getting all wrapped up in your ego, everyone has to start somewhere.

Depends. Like the director? Think you'll have fun? Have something better to do with your time? Will you get paid?

Yes, everything that helps build up your resume and make it look good.