In this field, rejection is common. Sometimes we blow an audition. Sometimes we drop the ball on an interview. Sometimes we get the job and make a mistake…and lose that job. Often in these cases, the blame is on us. We might not have prepared well enough, focused well enough, paid close enough attention, or done enough research. These times are hard, but them’s the breaks. If you don’t do the work, you don’t get (or keep) the job.
Read MoreThe entertainment industry is rough, man. We actors pound the pavement day after day to book one job, but you know what? It’s totally worth it. However, after some speculation, I began to wonder what Casting Directors could do to help us actors book that job more easily? What can they do to make our audition experience less stressful? They give us do’s and don’ts of what they need from us in the room. What if we did the same for them?
Read MoreI have noticed something that is becoming a larger problem. It's a virus that seems to be creeping into the communities these local theatre inhabit which, I feel, can lead to catastrophic results. It's called complicity.
Read MoreTwo days ago, when responding to a tweet regarding a potential National tour of Groundhog Day, composer Tim Minchin stated that, unfortunately, plans for the tour had been scrapped.
Read MoreThe weight and overall health of performers is something that is under constant scrutiny. I've written in the past about the pressures to stay thin in order to look like a more desirable candidate for a gig. Unfortunately, that pressure can lead to catastrophic results such as eating disorders and drug abuse.
Read MoreWhen going back and thinking on my past experiences, I can say that while I never sexually harassed or abused anyone, I know that there was an instance where I failed to properly put an end to it.
Read MoreI think overall, that I have learned it doesn’t matter when you audition. What matters is that you go and give it your best shot. Because when you audition won't matter, if you are what the director wants and you are right for the role, you will wind up getting the part.
Read MoreThe works of Joe Iconis are becoming something of an audition standard right now. In my latest rounds of college auditions, I've heard more people use "Michael in the Bathroom" than ever before.
Read MoreI know what you’re thinking, “um no, that’s stupid”. You may be right, but let’s talk about this for a second. “It” was the breakout movie of the summer, gaining critical and audience acclaim. “It”, also managed to become the highest grossing September release of all time. “It”, also, has a huge following among young adult audiences. So, to recap, financial success, well received, and loved by young people. If only Broadway had a history of turning movies with those three things into successful shows. That would be as crazy as turning “Legally Blonde” into a musical, or “Catch Me If You Can”, or “School of Rock”, or even that weird cult movie from the 80’s, “Heathers” ….
Read MoreThese have tremendous advantages and again are used already very widely. Having simplistic but multi-dimensional set pieces, for instance blocks that fold out or have different colours on various sides, can make a piece of theatre both more slick-looking and more emphatic. If there are fewer things to look at in a set, those things become instantly more important because they draw more focus. In a grandiose Edward Gordon Craig inspired set, there'll be loads to take in, to the point where the design means something as a whole, and creates a strong impression, but has less specificity in memory. If all one sees on stage is a keyboard, its meaning and implications run with the story and character and serve to empower them.
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