I've heard from many a theatre person that one of the big influences on them becoming passionate about musical theatre, was watching animated musicals throughout their youth. It's no secret that given the quality of some of these movies, it's inspired an entire generation of performers.
So when it comes to animated musicals, does Disney reign supreme? Do comedies or more dramatic musicals work better in animated form? Do they all have to be rated G?
Read MoreI am honored anytime I get to perform up on stage in any capacity, and I promise you, there is nothing embarrassing or disappointing in receiving an incredibly powerful "smaller role.
A role is not measured in the number of lines or lyrics or minutes on stage, but rather by the amount of heart a performer puts into their role.
Read MoreA year ago I decided to put acting on hold. I told people I was tired of trying to fight my way into Equity auditions, tired of working for free and needed a breather to focus on playwrighting. All these things were true, but the biggest, truest (and most embarrassing) thing was that I’d suddenly and unexpectedly developed debilitating stage fright.
Read MoreI recently finished a show in my community theatre and have been feeling the post-show-depression really bad. My dad asked me the other day why it was such a big deal - "You're going to see those people again, and you have auditions for your next show in less than a month."
Read MoreNow that we are towards the conclusion of the audition season for Musical Theatre and Acting BFA programs, I know that everyone involved may be a little stressed out. However, it's never to early to turn attention to the Juniors who are preparing for this process next year. As an audition coach, let me offer some observations to both students auditioning and faculty members who are adjudicating auditions next year. Hopefully, my observations will make the process a little less stressful.
Read MoreThe unknown can be daunting, but it can also be fantastically fun and thrilling. Let's be honest: improv is certainly a risky endeavor – especially for the introverts out there. It not only involves a wide-eyed expectant audience anticipating a funny scene; it involves no rehearsal, little time to think, and ultimately a whole lot of unpredictable.
Read MoreA few months ago, I was working on the set building crew, fussing over a detail when someone came up to me and said, “It’s good enough; it’s just community theatre; it doesn’t matter.”
I wanted to scream in frustration and throttle the individual, but I liked him so I said with a calm that belied my feelings, “Of course it matters. Just because it’s community theatre doesn’t mean I should do less than my best.” He grumbled an “I suppose you’re right” and thankfully left me alone to my fussing.
Read MoreSir Andrew Lloyd Webber has been a Broadway fixture for the past 50 years. He wrote his first show with Tim Rice, The Likes of Us, in 1965. Today the theatre icon turns 70 years old.
So what better time to look back on this polarizing icon of musical theatre by ranking, what I feel, are his best 10 pieces of work.
Read MoreDearest Theatre Lovely,
Hello. Everything is gonna be okay.
We all know how hard it is to make a living with theatre. You might be having a hard time today coping with that. If not you’ve probably had at least one moment in the past where you’ve wondered if you’re cut out for life in theatre. Maybe you work backstage or onstage. Either way, things are gonna be fine.
Read MoreI’ve been living in New York City for about a year and a half now, as of this article. Since moving here soon after college, I’ve had the chance to have my own plays produced in various festivals, as well as the chance to go see plenty of shows on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and loads of indie productions throughout the city. Yet it hasn’t always felt easy, and when you get here, you realize that it’s not always as glamorous of a life, as it might sound.
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