I’ve even made a job out of doing social media marketing, and actually, I love it. From a business point of view, it’s a great way of promoting yourself, but as an individual and for your mental health, I’m not sure I agree. Is social media good for performers?
Read MoreMany people living on low incomes often get left out of the accessibility discussions in theatre, but there are several ways to reach low-income communities with your theatre, and these communities are some who need theatre the most.
Read MoreFor many people, theatre IS their outlet- a way to escape from the average, everyday, 9-5 grind. However, when your 9-5 grind consists of singing "9 to 5" and dancing full out to all the other numbers in that show (while in 3" heels), it may not be the most relaxing thing to leave your paid rehearsal and go to an unpaid rehearsal for a show you're doing 'just for fun'.
Read MoreThis community is big but small at the same time. You'll likely encounter a lot of the same people at auditions. Stick around long enough, and you'll end up doing a show together.
Read MoreCommunity theatre is forever thriving and expanding, with a wonderful mixture of big, bold productions and small, intimate performances across the country. But putting on a show doesn’t come cheap. Why is it so hard to make a profit in community theatre?
Read MoreWhile theater aficionados are familiar with many titles and shows the average theater goer can only name a handful of show titles that aren’t musicals. Bluntly put, musicals fill seats, for the most part they are less risky as well.
Read MoreStarting a new show is always an exciting time for an actor/ actress, and it’s an excitement I live for whether I’m doing tech on the show or acting in it myself. But I’ve noticed something particular happening in my theatre community. There is inherent sexism that is prevailing over every single theatre group in my hometown. We have about 12 different groups, and we all run into the same problem- the shortage of men.
Read MoreOne thing that I have seen a lot more often around my theatre community is that people are bad mouthing their first theatre community. Sometimes we don’t realize that other people in our theatre circle are listening to what we have to say about different topics. Including this one which has so much to do with how we are viewed by others, especially potential directors you might work with in the future.
Read MoreWhether you’re a big commercial theatre company, regional theater, community theater, conservatory, or high school, picking a season should never be random and thoughtless. The shows an organization produce are integral to how it's perceived by potential theater-goers. When choosing a season, it’s important to keep the actors and director in mind, as well as the type of theater-goers you’re trying to attract.
Read MoreThe idea of "theatre" is a fascinating concept. People actually choose to bare their souls on stage, allowing themselves and their audiences a chance to experience life through a different lens. They put their bodies and mental health into a state of constant exhaustion while learning lines, perfecting choreography, and mastering songs. We always find ourselves as theatre-lovers romanticizing over the lights of Broadway and the stars we see perform on the Tony Awards.
But what about the "unsung hero" of theatre--community theatre?
Read MoreI want you to imagine something. Imagine huge crowds of people filing into a special venue to witness a display by professionals working at the highest tiers of their field. The tickets were expensive, the seats aren’t quite comfortable, the drink prices are outrageous. Specialized, high-powered lights illuminate the playing area and loud music fills the air. The professionals emerge, dressed in specialized clothing and equipment, and begin their hours-long display. The action is intense, sometimes exciting, sometimes heartbreaking, and about halfway through, there is a break for everyone to recover and chat. When it’s all over, the crowd will cheer for a job well done and grumble if their expectations weren’t met, but they’ll probably go to a similar event in the future. Those same fans will gather around their televisions once a year in a celebration of the best of the best, usually with friends, food and drinks at the ready.
Now, here’s my question: did you picture a Broadway show, or a sporting event?
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