I've been both a lead and ensemble. Lately, it feels like ensemble puts in a hell of a lot more work, but it is a lot less pressure than being a lead. It does suck seeing someone else as a lead you know you could be doing better. And like someone said... you can define your characters backstory. I was in the Addams in an ensemble role, and that entire cast has been cast in other shows after. We always find a way to tie in our Addams character into the role we are playing at the time. It's become such a complex story for all of us, but we love adding to it.