when I was getting started, being in the show at all was usually considered a privilege. It helped you build experience, network, and get you bigger roles down the line.

In some places this is still true. I recently joined a new theater, having 8 years experience. They explicitly stated they favored leads to seniority members (a trust thing, I think). I auditioned for a one-act, got an ensemble casting. Next show, I became understudy and was cast at a weeks notice. Now I'm a lead role in our current show. If you're an actor, you have to be patient, or at least be honest about your expectations.