You're so excited as you watch the theater director post the cast list for the upcoming school play. You elbow through the crowd and...what?! You didn't get the role you auditioned for! Instead, you're playing a character who's only onstage in the last scene, with a whopping five lines. How to deal? Read on.

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[edit] Steps

Try to understand that you didn't get this one role, but there'll be other plays you can do. You're not the first one to get a role you didn't want and you won't be the last. It's not the end of the world. (please excuse the cliche!)
Think of the positives! Hey, less lines means less work trying to remember them. Less appearances onstage means less after-school rehearsals to go to. A minor role means less pressure to do a perfect job. Think of the good things.
Get a feel for your character. Read the lines a few times, and read what other characters say about your character. Read any descriptions in the script about what the ideal costume and persona for your character is.
Talk with the costumer about what you should wear, based on what you read in the script. He/she can tell you the things you absolutely need, then you can talk to them about finishing touches you want to add. Make it so that you like the costume even more.
Think of ways you can make your character more humorous, if the play is a comedy. Be big! For me, dancing like a spaz before the show really helps! (It's the theatre. Who cares if you're weird?) Just be flat-out hilarious. Make the audience pee themselves! :) When other people laugh at you, it makes it funner for you, which will make you feel better about not getting that role.
Realize that this is a great thing that happened to you. Enjoy that you actually have a part in your play, even though you didn't get your first choice. Realize that there are people who wanted to be in the play that didn't even get a part, or they're just an understudy. There are people who'd love to be in your position. You've got a great opportunity.
HAVE FUN! Invite all your friends and family to come see you. Have your parents take pictures and take a video of it so you can see all of your hard work pay off!

[edit] Tips

Earn a good reputation. Make sure you know your lines and blocking even before the deadline. Read all the papers and show up at all rehearsals on time. If you earn a good rep, your teacher may consider you for a bigger role in the future.
Do something else for the play if your role is small. Make posters. Be the costume shop supervisor. Work on set design. Do anything to contribute to the show!

[edit] Warnings

Don't get sassy about not getting the role you want. This won't get you a good rep and if it escelates, you may even get kicked off the production team. Yikes!