Playing villain in musical...help

For some reason I've been cast as Cinderella's wicked stepmother in my school's production of Into the Woods. The directors have made it clear that I've been cast, not based on what I've been doing, but based on what they think I could do with the...

role eventually.

The thing is, in order to play a role, one has to tap into certain parts of one's self. I can do that with lots of things, but evil isn't one of them. I'm being pushed extremely hard and I would like to think I'm generally pretty versatile, but I really don't feel comfortable with the way I'm being forced to sing. I feel like if I can' t make my voice sound the way they want it to naturally I shouldn't have been cast in the role. I don't want to permanently damage my voice for a minor role in a high school production.

It's too late for me to back out, and I'm trying really hard, but it's extremely exhausting and I really don't feel like I can give them what they want. Does anyone have any advice? Please!!!

it sounds like you are into the whole method acting thing
so just research how other actors have delveloped the character and then maybe you can make it your own

heyyy- jillybean, since you posed a question- I will attempt to formulate an answer.

think of something that really torques you off- there are things that do.

gather all of them up mentally, let them set the stage in your mind, and then focus them into that part.

I have heard of directors telling child actors, or other actors in general some truly horrendous things to get their minds where they needed to be in order to play their part.

I know there are things that get you steamed, list them out on paper, get a good mental picture- and channel that into your performance.

I believe your voice will be safe from a little bit of screaming as well, I don't have as great a voice as you do- but I have blown my voice out at rock concerts before- and have suffered no ill effects, except for the hoarsness which took place for sometimes a few days afterwards.

you will be fine.