Main role, middle role, small role

How do I determine whether I have a main role, middle role or a small role in a production?

NORMA uses the definitions below to determine the type of role. The definitions are consistent with each other. You determine your role by weighing up the three definitions in relation to each other and determining which of the three definitions best suits your contribution. If NORMA arrives at a different assessment during the check, it is free to change the type of role.

Main role: The main role carries or determines the storyline or the piece of music, or dominant over other contributions within the production concerned.
It concerns a major part of a production where the performing artist can be seen or heard, by way of indication, for approximately 20% of the duration of the production.

Middle role: A middle role is assigned to all name-bearing performances that do not fall under a main role. Name-bearing roles are specifically defined roles with their own name. In other words, a middle role is assigned to all performances that are essential and at the same time intended to support the main roles. Within musical formats, a middle role is assigned to performances of acts if several separate acts – not being a main act – are part of the production. (Act = commonly known name under which one or more musicians perform.)

Small role: A small role is assigned to performances that are not specifically defined or nameless. That is, performances that are intended to colour or complete scenes. In line with this, small roles are also assigned to the corps de ballet, orchestra members and choir members. That is, a small role is assigned to performances that are intended as intermezzo, for variety or distraction within non-fiction formats.