Every year, it comes around to the beautiful time of falling leaves, and
Legally Blonde
Bring bring! It's back to school, and who else would you want to go with than your best friend Elle Woods and her prettier than pink personality? Head back to class with your head in the clouds and a little dog in your purse.
Into the Woods
Who's afraid of, well, just about anything? With the movie coming out, it's time to relive the twistedness of your favorite childhood stories.
Big Fish
Edward Bloom's incredible stories frustrate his son Will, but he soon faces his own adventures has his father's stories unfold in front of him, discovering the truth behind his father's tall tales.
Once
Walk the streets to the sound of music and maybe fall in love. Spend a week with a guy and a girl was they find out for themselves.
Cripple of Inishmann
This is the big break for anyone in west Ireland. On little islands, people stir and fritter to be able to have just a second of fame, including Cripple Billy.
Next to Normal
Just what is normal? Hardening anxiety? Devastating depression? A risky show with a tremendous pay off, come see how normal hides secrets in a suburban household.
Beauty and the Beast
Autumn is known for adventure, so why not seek it in France? Join Belle as she travels through an enchanted castle, a fantasy only ever in her books, and learns a tattered cover holds the best kind of book.
Of Mice and Men
Come back in time to America's hardship of the Great Depression with George and Lennie in their search for work out in California.
The Addams Family
The Addams family is put to the test when outsiders come to dinner, hurling Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Grandmama and Lurch headlong into a night that will change the family forever.
To Kill a Mockingbird
How old does one have to be to realize the unjust in the world? Scout finds that her own town in subject to deep racism when her father defends a black man accused of raping a white girl.
Pippin
Join the cast as they put on an impressive show of self discovery and self worth. (See our other article all about this show!)
Wicked
Is there another show that reminds us more of the Halloween spirit? A prequel to the beloved Wizard of Oz, Wicked follows the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with Galinda, the Good Witch of the North.
Sorry this is kind of late! Rehearsals until 9 pm aren't exactly my forte. But this one I thought was a little more fun.
Again, comment below or on Twitter if you have any questions, comments, or a show you would like to add to the list!
Break a leg,
Kendall
Monday, October 6, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
How do I make a career out of theatre?
As theatre nerds, we get this question too many time to
count. From our parents, teachers, and friends, people always ask us how we are
going to make a career out of theatre. And to be honest, sometimes we can’t
really answer that. Theatre is such a risky work field that the chances of
success are pretty darn slim. Not meaning to sound rude or mean, but it’s true.
And people on Broadway will tell you the exact same thing. I’m going to
hopefully answer some of these questions that you may have or even help you
answer the questions your parents ask when you tell them you want to move to
New York. But first, let’s go through some steps of what you can do to better
your chances of making it big on the Great White Way.
1.
EDUCATION IS KEY
I am not saying you aren’t talented. I am not saying that
you need improvement. Again, my advice comes from my teachers and professionals
who I’ve heard say this a gajillion times before. We all need classes. Whether
that be a theatre class in high school, or a voice teacher as you star in a
show on Broadway, we can always, always, ALWAYS improve. My genuine advice? Go
to college. Get a degree in theatre. Because I promise you this, it gives you
the edge over those who just went straight to NYC after high school. Who would
you rather hire? That’s the question you want to answer. There are so many
great schools out there that can give you a phenomenal education and it will
definitely strengthen your resume. Look at all the schools. Some state school
are better than straight theatre conservatories, and some New York based
schools are better than schools that are out of state. I am a sophomore at a
state school studying theatre, and I can honestly say, we are better at getting
the students professional jobs than some New York schools. Also, we mix up our
productions and who we cast. No one is played a favorite and almost every
student gets at least one lead role. That sort of thing is hard to find in
colleges. So research the schools. Talk to current students and find out what
they did to get to where they are now.
2.
CONNECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT
Whether it’s friending the cast members that you just saw in
a show on Facebook or just through the director of a show you were in,
connections are sooooooooo important in the theatre world. I did a show
recently and I was only cast because I friended the director on Facebook after
seeing him in a show. He posted that he needed male dancers, and I quickly
responded. After we did the show, he invited me to come work the next summer
for a PAID position. Take advantage of the opportunities that theatre gives
you! I’m not saying you have to brown nose your way to the top, but be polite
and respectful and most of all, yourself. So go ahead and start making your
mark! Make those connections so you can start building that resume!
3.
DON’T UNDERVALUE OPPORTUNITIES
Please look at all opportunities equally when looking for
acting jobs. Whether it just be a high school production or you’re starting to
get Equity points, the connections and the experience should be worth it. Don’t
worry about how little the part is that you might get. I have loved doing
ensemble work in the past just as much as getting lead roles. Take every single
role you get with gusto and be happy with the chance that you get to perform! When
you’re in New York, you take anything you get, whether it be just a reading or
a big part in a workshop. Get used to taking what you get, y’all.
That’s about it, folks! Feel free to ask any questions about
finding a college or talking about the college where I go, cause mine’s pretty
freakin’ sweet. Have fun looking at careers in theatre!
Andrew
Monday, September 15, 2014
Dealing With Your Cast
For a few months, your cast mates turn into your family. Just like with any other family, there are those who will get on your nerves, but you shouldn't let these people destroy your experience, especially if this is your first show. Here are just a few types of people you might meet.
Younger Cast
This is usually in a show where the ages range, or a whole cast of just kids, such as in a youth theatre. Younger cast, primarily elementary school age, can be chaotic. They are less likely to focus and tend to make the rehearsal atmosphere more tense. If you have to work with younger children, the best is to be patient and keep the rehearsals from getting monotonous.
Older Cast
Just as there can be kids, you can have a much older cast as well. There are many different types of the people who make up the older cast. The first is the bitter seniors, who probably have done theatre a long time and don't want to deal with inconveniences. You also have the really jolly ones, who are very sweet, but I've noticed that they can be a little scattered brained and could need your extra help.
People Who Went To College For This
More than once you'll come across an theatre major in a community theatre, and they may correct you or try to give you advice on what you're doing, especially if you're still in primary or secondary school. Don't take what they say as an offense. It's kind of like when you're teacher tells how to reword a sentence to make it more effective. Not completely change it, but rework it to make it better.
Techies
Love your techies. If actors are the meat to a show, techies are the skeleton. Depending on the show, they could be in a million places at once, so if someone isn't right there to take your prop, simply wait or set it down on the prop table yourself. Many actors get there start as techies to get the feel of theatre, so be kind and support them as well.
Frenemies
Ego and drama end at the door. Don't bring any hate or intolerance of anyone into a rehearsal space. The negative energy brings the entire cast down without you realizing. Ignoring someone you have a problem with isn't always the easiest, but it can keep the tension down. Don't try to push anybody's buttons, because if it becomes too much, you are someone else could be asked to leave the show.
Directors/Choreographers/Stage Managers
So we have the meat and the skeleton, and these people are like the nerve endings. A signal from the brain, or the director, goes through the others and eventually ends up to the cast and crew. Follow any demands without question, because if you are asked, it must be done to keep moving forward, in the production.
Every cast is different, so not all the techniques used to get along with people will work each time. Always remember this: theatre brings people together, but drama tears people apart.
Sorry that this was a little late, I've been hammered with so much work and hope to get back on track very soon. As anytime before, you can always ask us questions or leave your comments. You can find me personally on twitter with @Kendall_Shepard if you would like to reach me there. Until next time, good luck.
Kendall
Younger Cast
This is usually in a show where the ages range, or a whole cast of just kids, such as in a youth theatre. Younger cast, primarily elementary school age, can be chaotic. They are less likely to focus and tend to make the rehearsal atmosphere more tense. If you have to work with younger children, the best is to be patient and keep the rehearsals from getting monotonous.
Older Cast
Just as there can be kids, you can have a much older cast as well. There are many different types of the people who make up the older cast. The first is the bitter seniors, who probably have done theatre a long time and don't want to deal with inconveniences. You also have the really jolly ones, who are very sweet, but I've noticed that they can be a little scattered brained and could need your extra help.
People Who Went To College For This
More than once you'll come across an theatre major in a community theatre, and they may correct you or try to give you advice on what you're doing, especially if you're still in primary or secondary school. Don't take what they say as an offense. It's kind of like when you're teacher tells how to reword a sentence to make it more effective. Not completely change it, but rework it to make it better.
Techies
Love your techies. If actors are the meat to a show, techies are the skeleton. Depending on the show, they could be in a million places at once, so if someone isn't right there to take your prop, simply wait or set it down on the prop table yourself. Many actors get there start as techies to get the feel of theatre, so be kind and support them as well.
Frenemies
Ego and drama end at the door. Don't bring any hate or intolerance of anyone into a rehearsal space. The negative energy brings the entire cast down without you realizing. Ignoring someone you have a problem with isn't always the easiest, but it can keep the tension down. Don't try to push anybody's buttons, because if it becomes too much, you are someone else could be asked to leave the show.
Directors/Choreographers/Stage Managers
So we have the meat and the skeleton, and these people are like the nerve endings. A signal from the brain, or the director, goes through the others and eventually ends up to the cast and crew. Follow any demands without question, because if you are asked, it must be done to keep moving forward, in the production.
Every cast is different, so not all the techniques used to get along with people will work each time. Always remember this: theatre brings people together, but drama tears people apart.
Sorry that this was a little late, I've been hammered with so much work and hope to get back on track very soon. As anytime before, you can always ask us questions or leave your comments. You can find me personally on twitter with @Kendall_Shepard if you would like to reach me there. Until next time, good luck.
Kendall
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Spotlight: The Last 5 Years
Guys. One of my favorite shows of all time is finally coming to the screen after YEARS of waiting. Words cannot express my excitement! For those of you who do not know, I would like to take a moment to really talk about this unique show, and what you can expect from the film.
The plot is centered on one couple, two people, and their 5 year relationship. Jamie’s perspective is told from beginning to end, while Cathy’s perspective starts at the end and works backwards til they meet in the middle at their wedding. This story is partly based on Jason Robert Brown’s own relationship with his ex-wife.
In 2001, Jason Robert Brown premiered The Last 5 Years in Chicago with Norbert Leo Butz (Catch Me If You Can, Wicked) as Jamie and Lauren Kennedy as Cathy, but Kennedy was replaced by Sherie Rene Scott due to scheduling conflicts. The production ran for two months before transferring to Off-Broadway with the same cast, where it ran for an additional two months. An Off-Broadway revival with Adam Kantor (Rent) and Betsy Wolfe (Bullets Over Broadway) was staged in 2013 where it ran for a limited engagement.
A film had always been in development, but it was only confirmed 2013 when it finally got a director, Richard LaGravenese, and a cast, Jeremy Jordan (SMASH, Newsies) as Jamie and Anna Kendrick (pitch Perfect, Up in the Air). The project was filmed independently and it has just been screened at the Toronto Film Festival. It has also just been announced that RADiUS has picked up the film as the production company and it is now slated to open in theaters everywhere next Valentine’s Day.
Intrigued? Good! I love this casting for the film, and I have high hopes. I love both of the stars and they are flawless. Don't believe me?
Here’s a recently released clip of Anna Kendrick belting “I Can Do Better Than That”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtG2DJnLBEk
And if you want to see Jeremy Jordan singing some Last 5 Years, check him out singing “Moving Too Fast” at a concert. He officially starts at 2:43.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuXzprnappg
Well, short article! But it’s a short show! Please get to know this show because the plot is so real and the music is unreal. Hope y’all enjoyed this! Like always, comment below or find me on the twitter! Have a great week!
Andrew
The plot is centered on one couple, two people, and their 5 year relationship. Jamie’s perspective is told from beginning to end, while Cathy’s perspective starts at the end and works backwards til they meet in the middle at their wedding. This story is partly based on Jason Robert Brown’s own relationship with his ex-wife.
In 2001, Jason Robert Brown premiered The Last 5 Years in Chicago with Norbert Leo Butz (Catch Me If You Can, Wicked) as Jamie and Lauren Kennedy as Cathy, but Kennedy was replaced by Sherie Rene Scott due to scheduling conflicts. The production ran for two months before transferring to Off-Broadway with the same cast, where it ran for an additional two months. An Off-Broadway revival with Adam Kantor (Rent) and Betsy Wolfe (Bullets Over Broadway) was staged in 2013 where it ran for a limited engagement.
A film had always been in development, but it was only confirmed 2013 when it finally got a director, Richard LaGravenese, and a cast, Jeremy Jordan (SMASH, Newsies) as Jamie and Anna Kendrick (pitch Perfect, Up in the Air). The project was filmed independently and it has just been screened at the Toronto Film Festival. It has also just been announced that RADiUS has picked up the film as the production company and it is now slated to open in theaters everywhere next Valentine’s Day.
Intrigued? Good! I love this casting for the film, and I have high hopes. I love both of the stars and they are flawless. Don't believe me?
Here’s a recently released clip of Anna Kendrick belting “I Can Do Better Than That”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtG2DJnLBEk
And if you want to see Jeremy Jordan singing some Last 5 Years, check him out singing “Moving Too Fast” at a concert. He officially starts at 2:43.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuXzprnappg
Well, short article! But it’s a short show! Please get to know this show because the plot is so real and the music is unreal. Hope y’all enjoyed this! Like always, comment below or find me on the twitter! Have a great week!
Andrew
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Coast to Coast Theaters: Alaska
For about 60 years, the Anchorage Community Theater has made it their mission to educate those wishing to expand their knowledge of the dramatic arts. In 1953, three of Alaska's more prominent members of the arts, came together to create Anchorage Little Theatre.
In 1957, Boris Karloff gave his earnings from Arsenic and Old Lace to the theater, where they were able to move to their now permanent home and changed from a little theatre to a community theatre.
Looking at the list of past shows, the theater has maintained a good balance of musicals and plays, both older shows and more newer ones.
During the summer, the theater held multiple camps and classes for children, teens, adults, and senior citizens. The theater takes a lot of support from their community, and they always want to give back. During the season, the theater also offers many classes for people and does outreach programs to support the community.
The theater allows many volunteers of all types, with any skills requested. Contacting the theater will allow to to find all the requirements needed for each role. Under their list, they look for managers, designers, directors, crew members, facility workers, and photographers.
The 2014-2015 season:
I Hate Hamlet
Bell, Book, and Candle
Christmas Belles
Crimes of the Heart
The Trip to Bountiful
A Day in Hollywood, A Night in the Ukraine
You can find the ACT's website at actalaska.org.
Where does your theatre lay on the map? Leave us comments below on what you think.
Kendall
In 1957, Boris Karloff gave his earnings from Arsenic and Old Lace to the theater, where they were able to move to their now permanent home and changed from a little theatre to a community theatre.
Looking at the list of past shows, the theater has maintained a good balance of musicals and plays, both older shows and more newer ones.
During the summer, the theater held multiple camps and classes for children, teens, adults, and senior citizens. The theater takes a lot of support from their community, and they always want to give back. During the season, the theater also offers many classes for people and does outreach programs to support the community.
The theater allows many volunteers of all types, with any skills requested. Contacting the theater will allow to to find all the requirements needed for each role. Under their list, they look for managers, designers, directors, crew members, facility workers, and photographers.
The 2014-2015 season:
I Hate Hamlet
Bell, Book, and Candle
Christmas Belles
Crimes of the Heart
The Trip to Bountiful
A Day in Hollywood, A Night in the Ukraine
You can find the ACT's website at actalaska.org.
Where does your theatre lay on the map? Leave us comments below on what you think.
Kendall
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Audition Songs
We've had a lot of questions about auditions recently so I’m doing this to answer some of the questions you may have! Let’s face it. Audition songs can be extremely hard to find. They have to be perfect, because they’re one of the main reasons why theaters want you to audition for their shows. They have to know how good you are! But how do you find songs like these? Especially when auditions are looking for a specific type? Well, let me tell you all about them in four easy steps!
1) LOOK AT THE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
One of the main things that the audition sign up will tell you is how long should your song be. The 2 lengths are usually 16 bars and 32 bars. 16 bars, for those of you do not know music theory that well (which is completely fine by the way, Ramin Karimloo cannot read music), is about 30 seconds. Most big auditions, like national auditions or college auditions, will ask for this amount just so that they can see everyone as quickly as possible. 32 bars is just about a minute. This may be for smaller auditions, maybe college musicals or community theaters. So how do you count the bars? Easy peasy.
Each bar is a measure. Just count however you need!
Now most places ask for a 16-32 bar range. So basically anyplace between 30-60 seconds. Give them basically enough to prove to them that you can hold your own if you got a lead role. Also, on the sheet it should say what types of audition songs they want to hear. Now you got all the information you need, let’s go hunting.
2) FIND THE SHOW TYPE
If you are going into an audition for Next to Normal, you probably don’t want to sing something from Oklahoma! There are two types of musicals, classical and contemporary. Classical would be like Rodgers and Hammerstein, Comden and Green, Frank Loesser. Contemporary would be Sondheim, Schwartz, Jason Robert Brown, and Duncan Sheik. Please, research composers when trying to find audition cuts. Get familiar with their work and find what you’re comfortable with. Look at the composers for the musical that you are auditioning for, and try to match that with other shows that they have done or look at shows that opened on Broadway about the same time that yours did. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.
3) FIND YOUR RANGE
Once you know what you want, try finding your range. And when I say range, I just don’t mean your vocal range. I mean your character type, what role are you going for, is there more than one character that you can play in that show? Look at your past theatre history and look at what other actors have done in those roles and you should be able to see a pattern with what you’ve been typecast as. Maybe it’s the protégé, or the girl next door, or the best friend. Find your strengths! If you want to be Natalie from Next to Normal, you need a belty, edgy, teen angst song that shows off your high notes. If you’re going to be Johanna from Sweeney Todd (even though it’s Sondheim, it has a classical feel), you need a light, airish, flowing high soprano song. What matters is what look do you want to go for?
4) FIND YOUR CUT
My advice is to find something near the end so you can show off your range and those crazy belting skills. Be confident in your starting point, and make sure you tell a story! YOU MUST TELL A STORY. THAT’S WHAT ACTING’S FOR! You’re not only showing off your singing skills, you’re showing the directors that you can convey the meaning of a song easily and portray the feelings that the character is singing about. If you follow all of these, it will show that you are professional and confident about auditioning.
That’s about it guys! Again, feel free to comment or ask us questions! This blog was created so that we can help the fans with all of their “actor problems” (sorry couldn’t resist) and also so that we can see their progress and try to tell people our experiences! I know I personally want to be able to communicate with all of you and help you in any way imaginable! Like always, comment below OR find us on twitter! You can find me at @theatreginger for any questions about auditioning or shows! Love y’all and thank you always for your support!
Andrew
1) LOOK AT THE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
One of the main things that the audition sign up will tell you is how long should your song be. The 2 lengths are usually 16 bars and 32 bars. 16 bars, for those of you do not know music theory that well (which is completely fine by the way, Ramin Karimloo cannot read music), is about 30 seconds. Most big auditions, like national auditions or college auditions, will ask for this amount just so that they can see everyone as quickly as possible. 32 bars is just about a minute. This may be for smaller auditions, maybe college musicals or community theaters. So how do you count the bars? Easy peasy.
Each bar is a measure. Just count however you need!
Now most places ask for a 16-32 bar range. So basically anyplace between 30-60 seconds. Give them basically enough to prove to them that you can hold your own if you got a lead role. Also, on the sheet it should say what types of audition songs they want to hear. Now you got all the information you need, let’s go hunting.
2) FIND THE SHOW TYPE
If you are going into an audition for Next to Normal, you probably don’t want to sing something from Oklahoma! There are two types of musicals, classical and contemporary. Classical would be like Rodgers and Hammerstein, Comden and Green, Frank Loesser. Contemporary would be Sondheim, Schwartz, Jason Robert Brown, and Duncan Sheik. Please, research composers when trying to find audition cuts. Get familiar with their work and find what you’re comfortable with. Look at the composers for the musical that you are auditioning for, and try to match that with other shows that they have done or look at shows that opened on Broadway about the same time that yours did. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.
3) FIND YOUR RANGE
Once you know what you want, try finding your range. And when I say range, I just don’t mean your vocal range. I mean your character type, what role are you going for, is there more than one character that you can play in that show? Look at your past theatre history and look at what other actors have done in those roles and you should be able to see a pattern with what you’ve been typecast as. Maybe it’s the protégé, or the girl next door, or the best friend. Find your strengths! If you want to be Natalie from Next to Normal, you need a belty, edgy, teen angst song that shows off your high notes. If you’re going to be Johanna from Sweeney Todd (even though it’s Sondheim, it has a classical feel), you need a light, airish, flowing high soprano song. What matters is what look do you want to go for?
4) FIND YOUR CUT
My advice is to find something near the end so you can show off your range and those crazy belting skills. Be confident in your starting point, and make sure you tell a story! YOU MUST TELL A STORY. THAT’S WHAT ACTING’S FOR! You’re not only showing off your singing skills, you’re showing the directors that you can convey the meaning of a song easily and portray the feelings that the character is singing about. If you follow all of these, it will show that you are professional and confident about auditioning.
That’s about it guys! Again, feel free to comment or ask us questions! This blog was created so that we can help the fans with all of their “actor problems” (sorry couldn’t resist) and also so that we can see their progress and try to tell people our experiences! I know I personally want to be able to communicate with all of you and help you in any way imaginable! Like always, comment below OR find us on twitter! You can find me at @theatreginger for any questions about auditioning or shows! Love y’all and thank you always for your support!
Andrew
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Spotlight: Newsies
Happy Labor Day weekend! It's the perfect time to take a trip to NY for a Broadway binge. Wish I was there for sure.
But you know one show you won't be able to see? Newsies. Okay, that was kinda harsh. It seems as if everyone in ¿the Broadway fandom? had an uproar over the closing of Newsies. It seemed like the show that was going to run forever.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. But a beautiful end, if that.
The musical takes you back in time to 1899, in the heart if New York City. Following a group of (very attractive) newsboys, the audience is caught in the middle of the famous Newsboy Strike. When the price of purchasing the paper is raised ten cents per one hundred papers, Jack Kelly rallies the newsies of New York to fight against the man.
Littered with friendship and courage, the show contains infamous songs such as "Santa Fe" and "Seize the Day".
Based on the 1992 Disney film, directed by Kenny Ortega, Newsies opened in 2011 at The Paper Mill Playhouse. In 2012, Newsies found it's home at the Nederlander Theatre. Even though it has closed as of August 2014, there are rumors of a London production, as well as a North American tour that starts in October 2014.
The magic of Newsies is still able to live on a little longer, and it will continue to be a dear favorite to some. We greatly anticipate a revival.
Have a question? Want to comment? Leave it below.
Kendall
But you know one show you won't be able to see? Newsies. Okay, that was kinda harsh. It seems as if everyone in ¿the Broadway fandom? had an uproar over the closing of Newsies. It seemed like the show that was going to run forever.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. But a beautiful end, if that.
The musical takes you back in time to 1899, in the heart if New York City. Following a group of (very attractive) newsboys, the audience is caught in the middle of the famous Newsboy Strike. When the price of purchasing the paper is raised ten cents per one hundred papers, Jack Kelly rallies the newsies of New York to fight against the man.
Littered with friendship and courage, the show contains infamous songs such as "Santa Fe" and "Seize the Day".
Based on the 1992 Disney film, directed by Kenny Ortega, Newsies opened in 2011 at The Paper Mill Playhouse. In 2012, Newsies found it's home at the Nederlander Theatre. Even though it has closed as of August 2014, there are rumors of a London production, as well as a North American tour that starts in October 2014.
The magic of Newsies is still able to live on a little longer, and it will continue to be a dear favorite to some. We greatly anticipate a revival.
Have a question? Want to comment? Leave it below.
Kendall
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