My 14-year-old son had to do ensemble for years before he got lead roles in a children's community theater, but he made some really good friends and learned so much. When he finally got lead roles, he learned how much more work it really was.
He got to feel what it was like to have all the lights shining on him as he performed on a stage in front of strangers. He gained so much confidence when he found that he could remember all of his lines and sing and dance well in front of other people--and he could even work through some pain if he had to because he knew the show must go on. I think that was one of the most valuable lessons for him.
With lead roles there was less time for just enjoying himself with the other kids, but he did enjoy it. It was something he had worked hard for.
He could have had a lead role in Pirates of Penzance this last summer--if he hadn't been in a brace. Even ensemble is impossible now. He can only sit and watch. He only talks to friends online now. His theatre friends regularly post on Facebook about all the fun things they are doing, things he can't do.
Your daughter is a very lucky girl.
