Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
The Stage's Best Companion: Why Paper Playbills Matter in a Digital World
“Recently, one of the most common cost-cutting strategies for theatres looking to save money is using digital programs over the traditional printed variety. While this may seem like a small, harmless change, it actually hurts the theater-going experience a lot, and I would encourage companies to re-think this change and bring back some paper programs as soon as possible.”
Sometimes In Theatre, We Forget To Take Care Of Ourselves
“Ambition, motivation, and determination are all great qualities to possess. They help us keep fighting for our dreams. It’s important to fight the good fight. But it’s important to care for yourself as well.”
What are the best ways to warm up your voice to sing?
“Remember, warming up your voice should be a gradual process, starting with gentle exercises and gradually increasing the intensity. It's essential to listen to your body and avoid pushing your voice too hard during warm-up routines.”
Stop Worrying About Being a Triple Threat
“Take pride in your strengths and work to turn your weaknesses into strengths. Every snowflake that comes down in a blizzard is unique, as is every actor that walks across the stage.”
The Challenge of Performing "Assassins" After an Assassination Attempt on the Former President
In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, we spoke to two community theatres that are in the midst of performing Sondheim’s musical, ‘Assassins’.
Dear Theatre Students, Don't Throw Away Your Shot!
Dear theatre students,
We’ve met before, but as a reminder, my name is Chris and I am a theatre professor. While I might not be YOUR theatre professor, and while I don’t claim to speak for ALL theatre professors, I wanted to take just a moment to talk about your futures. I think what I have to say is important to those of you in college theatre programs, and also those of you who are hoping to go into a college theatre program—but perhaps other theatre artists, in various stages in their careers, might find some utility in my advice.
It's Still Important to See Shakespeare Performances
“Shakespeare is a bit of a touchy subject in the theatre industry, and that’s for one reason: either you love it or you hate it.”
Yes, 'Starry' Deserves a Broadway Run
“Vincent van Gogh’s life might not seem like the kind of material that would lend itself to pop-rock musical theater, but take a listen and you will be surprised.”
The Truth About Method Acting
“Let’s be clear – true method acting does not mean losing yourself in a role to the degree that you are no longer in control of your actions, or that you are physically or emotionally hurting yourself or other people.”
Protests should never interrupt theatre performances
“Interrupting a theatre performance is never acceptable, regardless of the cause. It disrespects the performers, violates the audience's rights, undermines the art form, and is ultimately ineffective.”
Why "She Kills Monsters" Matters
“What’s refreshing about Nguyen’s She Kills Monsters is that not only does it shine a spotlight on LGBTQ characters, but that it does not use their sexuality as a placeholder for personality.”
Yes, 1776 Should Be Authentically Cast
“Hamilton is, of course, a musical that represents, among other things, a way for BIPOC communities to celebrate the story of our nation’s founding. As we and many others have correctly noted, it should be told by BIPOC performers only. But, if we are being consistent, 1776 should be performed by white performers only as well.”