Embracing Typecasting as a Performer

Typecasting occurs when an actress or actor is given roles to portray that stick close to his own
mannerisms, physique and personality. It also occurs when an actor is cast many times in succession as
a character that resembles the one that made him well-known or successful.

Typecasting is unpleasant, but it's a part of show business that's very real. It's different from an even
uglier part of show business called stereotyping, but both can influence one another. Typecasting more
readily occurs to actors who are truly famous for one part that they've portrayed. For instance, after
a child actor finishes a sitcom, such as when Maureen McCormick finished "The Brady Bunch," she
had a hard time breaking the good girl, sweetness mode. Few actors are able to transcend that and
keep working. The actors that are able to manage that feat are often the ones that simply embrace the
typecasting and play similar parts until the opportunity comes along to transcend it.

Accepting this undesirable part of show business can be puzzling. However, when you are given a
role that's similar to one that is the stereotype of someone of your look, consider it your own puzzle to
solve. Solve it by overcoming limits that were placed on similar characters in the past. For instance, if
you are repeatedly given the role of a wallflower, do something subtle in your performance that gives it
something deeper without straying from the author's intent of the character. Giving a subtle sex appeal
to the misfit can bring a greater depth to the part and project that the director is even sure to approve
of..and remember about you. Challenge the stereotype by portraying it to a higher standard.

If you are like many actors, you'll take on as many parts as you can juggle with your sanity. If you
are given many well-paying typecast parts, consider it a blessing. You can use the time when you're
not shooting those to take on more challenging and diverse parts. When building your reel, you'll
have the bigger budget, typecast parts that will impress some casting directors, and you'll also have a
diverse bit of clips to show your further depth as an actor. It can become a win-win situation for you.

Consider what you truly want to achieve as a performer. Define success for you personally. If you
want to be a recognized, working performer, typecasting may be your best friend. It gets and keeps
you working, and it gives you instant audience recognition. Some of the most successful actors are
consistently typecast with blockbuster roles. It simply boils down to what you want for yourself as an
artist and actor.