Interns are not meant to be indispensable to operating the theatre or running the show. If you’re solely responsible for lighting Scene 4, laundering costumes, checking props for Act I, keeping the actor playing Hamlet from missing his entrance, and acting as the understudy for Gertrude, you’re indispensable and therefore not an intern.

When I sat down to do all these projects, I stared blankly at my computer screen. I had very little motivation or inspiration to do any of these projects. The reality was, I was mourning.

It’s a tricky tightrope to walk, working with friends, isn’t it? We have an idea we are excited about, we want to see it through, but how do we navigate the lines which are so blurred between personal and professional?

The Madison Square Garden performance certainly had the desired effect on this oft-overlooked demographic, and if their interest in theatre holds, we may be able to further introduce them to a world previously inaccessible to these children.

Vulcan Theatre Company’s production of Macbeth is about to take the stage in New York City, focusing on the play’s gender politics, cycles of violence, fate vs. coincidence, and more in this iteration of the well known Scottish Play by The Bard.  But there’s a twist.

Academy award winning actor Morgan Freeman offers wise advice to Los Angeles Community College students at the rededication of The Morgan Freeman Theater in the Cinema Building.

I cannot stress enough what I am about to say: have a hobby. Find something you enjoy doing for its own sake, something separate from your primary artistic pursuit.

Sometimes life will throw a monkey wrench into your plans. It happens to all of us eventually. This is why you need to plan ahead, have several backup plans, and most importantly, ask for help when you need it. You never know who might offer a hand to help you up.

For actors, directors, and writers alike, the process of creating and pursuing a creative career can often feel like a daunting and isolating way of life. Then, if you are fortunate, you find a group that envelops you in support, acceptance, and understanding. It is the most sought after commodity; it is your tribe.

Nobody really knows where or when theater started. Some posit that it was initially a way to help understand what was going on in the world, “why has it rained so much?” “why isn’t it raining enough?” Maybe they thought that portraying an event for all to see would appease some all-knowing and all-seeing deity.

I’m guilty of using the same monologue for almost every audition. I can’t help that Miss Alma from Summer and Smoke just feels so right for me. 

If you don’t know the play, it’s about a minister’s daughter, Miss Alma, who is in love with her childhood friend, John Buchanan, a handsome doctor who seeks pleasure in gambling and sex.

Do you ever feel like everything is becoming ‘too much’ in life? If yes read on. If no wow how great it is to be you, please stop flaunting you’re amazing-ness here.

But seriously poor mental health affects everybody at some point in our lives so we must all read this no matter what your current state of mind. According to Mind U.K. statistics show that 1 in every four people experience mental health problems in a year. Say there are 20 people in your cast, that’s five whole people that could potentially be suffering, and one of them could be you. According to the NAMI 1 in every five adults experience mental health issues in America within a year. Due to these statistics don’t you think we should all educate ourselves on the matter of mental health and self-help? I sure do.

“The stage was a great proving ground for me. I don’t think I would be doing the things I’m doing if not for all that time on stage.”

Nicole Vukov is an international stage, motion picture and TV actress you should probably get to know. Creator of NV Productions, graduate of the esteemed American Academy of Dramatic Arts, starring roles in such shows as Three Eyes on Pinocchio and Sketch of New York, Vukov credits her theatrical background for her now success on the screen.

Because the New York theatre community at times has a very odd relationship with our international artists.

We can all agree that the inclusion of international perspectives and talents makes for better art.

Everyone triumphantly joins in on “Immigrants, we get the job done” should the Hamilton cast album happen to start playing at a party.

But most of us are not aware of the the daily struggles and catch-22s faced by international artists as they navigate life, art, and the ever-daunting visa process in the US.

What is it like to be an international artist in NYC?

Don’t ask me.

Let’s ask an international artist!

Broadway favorite Catherine Ricafort (Spongebob, Allegiance) recently made her debut as a director and choreographer with the release of a new hip-hop video from her brother Juan Drigo Ricafort, also known as "Super Smack."

The video, titled "Choose," is a "jazzy anthem that tells Super Smack's origin story as a software engineer who became a musical theatre actor, who ultimately became a rapper. Catherine, who was awarded the Broadway Legacy Robe in 2017 with Miss Saigon, skillfully handles this story telling by leveraging video games - one of her and her brother's common interests - as a metaphor for choosing one's unique path in life."

Auditions for any community theatre company can be a challenge. However, for a new theatre company auditioning for their first show, that comes with a slew of addition challenges. But the Connecticut Arts Players is afraid of the challenge. Not only are they starting their company by producing one of the technical demanding shows in recent memory, but one that requires a diverse cast. The latter can be hard to find in the mostly white Fairfield County theatre community. I followed up with producer Dr. William Trebing to see how auditions went.

While cruising for a living may seem glamorous, being at sea for six months at a stretch has its challenges. Aimee Lake has traveled the world while performing as a lead vocalist on Silversea cruise ships, and she compares the experience to drama school: “Ship life is a lot like drama school: you are in your own little bubble. You find yourself spending time with the same people over and over again in a confined space for months on end, and it can be extremely intense and challenging. Having to sleep where you work is the biggest challenge of all, as you cannot leave your work for the day and head home; the ship is, in fact, your home.”

It is a daunting task to not only form a new theatre company but also get its first show off the ground onto the stage. The brand new Connecticut Arts Players are producing Avenue Q as their inaugural show. Over the next couple of months, OnStage Blog will be documenting their journey from auditions to opening night.

Of the 323 creative leadership positions in the 2017-2018 season, only 17% were held by women. This statistic is staggering considering that Broadway is the epicenter of American theatre and that women comprise 66% of Broadway audiences overall. It’s time to change the stage and prioritize a level playing field.