1. Everything That’s Off-Broadway — Literally!

There are so many performing options in the heart of the Big Apple, so why not take a bite performing in the following types of projects?

• Off-Broadway (theatres with 100–499 seats)
• Off-Off-Broadway (intimate theatres with 99 seats or fewer)
• Showcases and workshops, where many new works and up-and-coming shows get produced Cabaret
• Immersive theatre (check out Punchdrunk, Speakeasy Dollhouse and Third Rail Projects)
• Theatre festivals, such as Broadway Bound Theatre Festival and New York Musical Festival

All this and more exists as performing options when you start to pound the pavement in New York City, and they can be great stepping stones toward landing that coveted Broadway gig. And, if you’re lucky, the work is sometimes great and transfers to Broadway, such as the previous production of “Rock of Ages”.

2. Travel the Country on a National Tour

All across the country, performers are having the time of their lives as part of national tours. Big musical hits, recent or currently running Broadway musicals and numerous other theatre shows with different audience bases tour the United States all the time. If you love to travel, want to get paid to perform and don’t mind long days and nights on a tour bus, this is a great gig for you.

3. See the World Sailing the Open Seas

The cast of “Hairspray” on the Oasis of the Seas certainly gave a stellar performance when they had the amazing opportunity to perform at the Tony Awards several years back. Though this may have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, this video does give an inside look into how cruise ships now offer some of the most elaborate musical revues, cabarets and even shortened versions of recent and currently running Broadway hits. If you are willing to sail the open seas for six months or more (and, not to mention, see the world for free), this is a great place to perform, gain experience and build a hefty financial nest egg.

4. Theme Parks Aren’t Just for Your Inner Kid Anymore!

It’s safe to say this is an amazing rendition of “Let It Go” from “Frozen Live” at Disney’s California Adventure Theme Park. With entertainment ranging from cabarets and musical revues to full-blown production shows, both U.S. and international theme parks are a great place to show off your talent and get paid for it. Keep in mind, this does mean you’ll have to do numerous shows a day, and the turnaround is usually pretty short, but it’s certainly worth it to build your resume. As an added bonus, think of all the fun you can have on your performing breaks!

5. Regional Theatre

Paper Mill Playhouse is one of the best regional theatres in the country. In fact, it was honored with the Regional Theatre Tony Award in 2016! Its previous productions of “Newsies” and “Bandstand” originated here.

The “Regions,” as theatre folk like to call it, have some of the best theatre around and often offer productions that rival Broadway. Keep in mind that most seasons consist of a mix of union and non-union talents (whom they job in from auditions held in New York City, Chicago and/or Los Angeles) as well as local performers to round out the cast in their shows. Seasons vary in length and performances, as do pay scales.

6. Summer Stock, Dinner Theatre and Melodramas, Oh My!

The Muny is one of the oldest and largest outdoor summer stock theatres in the country. Its previous production of “The Wizard of Oz” certainly goes over the rainbow.

There are hundreds of summer stocks, dinner theatres and melodramas across the United States, and while much of it tends to be seasonal, it’s a great performing outlet. Keep in mind that each venue is very unique and the skill sets that will get you hired vary greatly. You may work outside, in a fast-paced, barebones environment, in numerous productions at once or gain experience in more avant garde performing styles of the past you would otherwise only read about in a textbook. You can even learn the special skill of waiting tables, should your dinner theatre venue require this type of multitasking. Regardless, it’s all a plus if you’re gaining resume credits and the possibility to perform with some of the big-name Broadway talents who often grace these stages in starring roles.

7. Kid-Friendly Theatre

Theatreworks USA is one of the top companies that produces shows for the younger set, but it is not alone. Theatre for Young Audiences is a huge market and can provide ample opportunities for actors. There are numerous theatres and touring companies that produce this work. If you love to work and/or perform for children and potentially tour the country, this is the gig for you!

8. Corporate America Loves Artists

Corporate theatre, industrials and brand ambassadors are very lucrative work for performers, and depending on what you’re doing, potentially fulfilling as well. It could involve anything from hosting team-building events and conferences to selling products at trade shows or even doing a musical theatre interactive revue, such as The Water Coolers seen in the video above. If your skill set includes the ability to improvise, memorizing large amounts of dialogue and the ability to work a crowd or even alone, this is a great place to keep up your performing skills while raking in the dough.

Even if you aren’t on Broadway, there are plenty of opportunities to flex your performing arts muscles. Let us know where you’ve performed in the comments below…

The post 8 Great Performance Opportunities Beyond Broadway appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

This idea has since evolved. The songs still leave a lasting impression, but now they’re not always placed at the end of the show. In terms of plot, the songs often serve as a way for major characters to come to an important realization or turning point.

Here are 11 of our favorite 11 o’clock numbers for women:

1. ‘Memory’ from ‘Cats’

2. ‘Rose’s Turn’ from ‘Gypsy’

3. ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’ from ‘Dreamgirls’

4. ‘The Music and the Mirror’ from ‘A Chorus Line’

5. ‘I’m Here’ from ‘The Color Purple’

6. ‘Gimme Gimme’ from ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’

7. ‘Back to Before’ from ‘Ragtime’

8. ‘I’m a Brass Band’ from ‘Sweet Charity’

9. ‘Cabaret’ from ‘Cabaret’

10. ‘The Miller’s Son’ from ‘A Little Night Music’

11. ‘The Winner Takes It All’ from ‘Mamma Mia’

What are some of your favorite 11 o’clock numbers for women? Let us know in the comments below…

The post 11 Of Our Favorite 11 O’Clock Numbers For Women appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. Collaborate

When you collaborate with others, you have a lot of minds, strengths and talents working to create something great. Collaboration also makes things way more affordable, since any cost can be split among those participating. So, get together with your friends and start making some performing magic!

2. Use Technology

Most people now have a cell phone, laptop/computer or iPad (and if you don’t, you can borrow one from your local library or a family member). Record yourself using the video or audio feature of your device, then use a free app to edit clips together into a video, audio track or other creative project that shows off your unique talents. The greatest part here is that you won’t spend a dime!

3. Social Media

Whether you’re singing, reciting a monologue, appearing in a short movie or performing in a recital, upload your video or audio recording to YouTube, SoundCloud and any other free, applicable social media sites. You’ll get great exposure without shelling out any money.

4. Karaoke or Open Mics

With just a bit of research online, you can find local places that offer open mic nights or karaoke that caters to almost every taste and age bracket. Go show off your pipes and record your performance to later share with the world.

Can’t find one you like? Start your own! Visit local community centers and restaurants to see whether you can start a new weekly tradition.

5. Charitable Organizations

All over the world, charities, community and senior centers, hospitals and more are in need of talented performers to volunteer their time to entertain members, patients or fundraiser attendees. This is a great opportunity to try out new material in a nurturing environment, feel fulfilled for your art and give back to the community.

Have any other ideas for performing on a budget? Let us know in the comments below…

The post 5 Hacks To Create Your Own Performance Work On A Budget appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. ‘Being Alive’ from ‘Company’

2. ‘Gethsemane’ from ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

3. ‘Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat’ from ‘Guys and Dolls’

4. ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’ from ‘Les Misérables’

5. ‘The American Dream’ from ‘Miss Saigon’

6. ‘Hold Me in Your Heart’ from ‘Kinky Boots’

7. ‘Betrayed’ from ‘The Producers’

8. ‘This Nearly Was Mine’ from ‘South Pacific’

9. ‘Your Eyes’ from ‘Rent’

10. ‘Brotherhood of Man’ from ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’

11. ‘Make Them Hear You’ from ‘Ragtime’

Did we miss any of your favorites? Share in the comments below…

The post 11 Of Our Favorite 11 O’Clock Numbers For Men appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. ‘Every Little Step’

This riveting documentary, which highlights the road to the Broadway revival of “A Chorus Line,” offers a great inside look at the audition process. Get it on DVD on Amazon, or watch it on YouTube and Google Play.

2. ‘ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway’

This documentary bills itself as “going behind the curtain to capture the most controversial, passionate, risky and high-profile Broadway season in decades.” It highlights the ups and downs of four amazing musicals: “Wicked,” “Avenue Q,” “Taboo” and “Caroline or Change.” Get the DVD on Amazon or via Netflix, or watch it on YouTube.

3. ‘Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened’

Directed by Lonny Price, this documentary showcases Sondheim’s flop musical “Merrily We Roll Along,” which opened in 1981 and closed after only 16 performances. Not only does it document a unique audition process in which a bunch of very young Broadway newcomers are cast, but it also shows how the performers dealt with newfound fame and failure. This show influenced the trajectory of the rest of their lives, with some leaving the business entirely and others going on to become well-known stars. You can currently stream it on Netflix.

4. ‘Broadway Idiot’

Watch this documentary to see Green Day’s album-turned-Broadway-show come to life. Rent it on YouTube, Google Play, iTunes and Amazon.

5. ‘Annie: It’s the Hard-Knock Life, From Script to Stage’

Originally airing on PBS, this documentary delves into the most recent revival of this beloved show and its journey to Broadway. It showcases the casting process for all the orphans and is a great inside look for parents or children who want to get into the business. Watch it on YouTube.

6. ‘Broadway’s New Annie: Search for a Star’

Similar to the documentary above, this film documents the casting of the 1997 revival of “Annie.” It was originally aired as a 20/20 special but consequently became controversial because the girl cast didn’t actually end up staying with the show to open on Broadway. Regardless, this documentary is yet another very real insider look at the casting process, with no frills. Watch it on YouTube.

7. ‘Life After Tomorrow’

This is another “Annie” documentary, but instead of highlighting the show’s beginnings, it revisits the now-adult orphans and others from the original production to find out how the show influenced their lives and careers. It shows how such an early experience with success onstage can influence your choice of whether to say in the business as an adult and even reveals some great and not-so-great aspects of their journey with the musical. Rent it on Amazon or Google Play, or watch it on YouTube.

8. ‘The Standbys’

This documentary focuses on three standbys (Alena Watters, Ben Crawford and Merwin Foard) and their lives as they wait to perform their standby roles in their Broadway shows. Viewers get a real look at the job of a standby and the life of a performer. Watch it on iTunes.

9. ‘Hamilton’s America’

Originally airing on PBS, this documentary gives an inside look at the creation and behind-the-scenes rehearsal process of “Hamilton.” Make sure to check it out on PBS.org, or watch your local listings for the next showing on TV.

What are your favorite Broadway documentaries? Let us know in the comments below…

The post 9 Of Our Favorite Broadway Documentaries appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

Think you know theatre lingo? Here are eight of our favorites:

1. Chew the Scenery

“Chewing the scenery” can be a good or bad thing, depending on its context. It usually means a performer who is over-acting and being larger than life. However, in some circumstances, it can also mean that the actor is taking center stage and stealing the scene in the best way.

2. Break a Leg

This theatre saying is used today to wish theatre performers good luck without actually saying that unlucky phrase. “Break a leg” is based on the “leg line,” an area in the wings that was marked so actors would know when the audience could see them. Any performer who crossed the leg line and appeared in front of the audience would get paid. Thus, people wished actors would break a leg in hopes they would pass the line and get their paycheck.

3. Booked It

This is by far our favorite saying, because it means we booked the job!

4. The Show Must Go On

This is a very iconic showbiz saying that basically means despite falling scenery, sick cast members or forgotten lines, the show must happen as long as there are patrons with tickets waiting to see it.

5. Wait in the Wings

This phrase has a double meaning. For obvious reasons, it means a performer is literally waiting in the wings to go onstage for their performance. However, it also refers to understudies who wait in the wings to go on in place of sick or unavailable performers.

6. Strut Your Stuff

Using this phrase refers to confidently showing off your performing prowess to an audience.

7. Think on Your Feet

If you are performing and you forget a line, step or movement, you have to make something else up to get through it — literally thinking on your feet. And thus this phrase was born.

8. A Tough Act to Follow

A tough act to follow is any performance that is so wonderful and amazing that no other performer would want to perform afterward for fear they aren’t as good.

9. Get the Show on the Road

Not just used for theatre anymore, this phrase appears a lot in everyday life. However, it was born from touring companies in the vaudeville circuit packing up their show belongings and taking it “on the road” to the next venue.

Which theatre phrases do you love? Let us know in the comments below…

The post 9 Theatre Sayings To Boost Your Backstage Lingo appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

Here are eight of our favorites:

1. Annie in ‘Annie’

Whether singing “Tomorrow,” dancing with the other orphans or giving some cute love to Sandy the dog, this spunky, red-haired orphan is the centerpiece of “Annie.” Andrea McArdle, Sarah Jessica Parker and more got their start starring in this beloved role.

2. Oliver in ‘Oliver!’

Another titular role, orphan Oliver spends the show looking for a home and encountering the shenanigans of the Artful Dodger, the clever Fagin and the down-and-out Nancy. Our hearts and minds will forever remember him asking if he can have some more and singing “Where Is Love?”

3. Mary Lennox in ‘The Secret Garden’

Based on the beloved children’s book by Frances Hodgson Burnett, “The Secret Garden” centers around Mary Lennox leaving her home in India to live with her uncle, Lord Archibald Craven. After finding an overgrown garden behind the house, she and others in the house bring the garden and those around her back to life. Mary’s beautiful songs and heartfelt scenes really pull at the heartstrings.

Daisy Eagan, who played Mary in the original Broadway company, was the youngest person to win the Tony Award for her portrayal at 11 years old. The show is set to be revived in the 2018–2019 Broadway season, and we can’t wait!

4. The Von Trapp Children in ‘The Sound of Music’

We love every kid role in the “Sound of Music” because the show fits so many young performers like a glove. It’s no wonder it’s been revived so many times around the world. The Von Trapp roles represent a wide variety of voice types, abilities and dynamic personalities.

5. Dorothy in ‘The Wizard of Oz’

Dorothy, the leading lady in the iconic “The Wizard of Oz,” is a coveted role for young female performers everywhere. Imagine not only getting to sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” not leaving the stage for the entire show and performing the role alongside a live dog playing Toto. While there has never been an official Broadway production, it has been on tour and in theatres around the world.

6. Young Nala and Young Simba in ‘The Lion King’

The first act of “The Lion King” revolves around young Nala and Simba as they encounter evil hyenas and Scar and  play in the jungle. Any young performer would love the opportunity to interact with puppets, sing the fun, “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and perform alongside larger-than-life characters.

7. Winthrop in ‘The Music Man’

Winthrop may be a secondary lead in “The Music Man,” but when this young boy sings the memorable song, “Gary Indiana,” audience members inevitably fall in love with him. This role needs only minor training, making it a great start for young boys who want to try their hand onstage.

8. Charlie Bucket in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Charlie may not sing too many tunes in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” but the action certainly centers around him. Any young performer would love experiencing the antics of traveling through Willy Wonka’s factory, flying in the bubble machine and interacting with the zany characters in this show.

9. Chip in ‘Beauty and the Beast’

This chipped teacup in “Beauty and the Beast” warms everyone’s heart throughout the show. This role requires minimal singing and no dancing required, as it’s just the actor’s head that is visible. Fun fact, Nick Jonas played this role on Broadway!

Have you played any of these memorable roles? Let us know in the comments below…

The post 9 Of Our Favorite Musical Theatre Roles For Young Performers appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

Broadway and Beyond Blooper Montage

Check out this great montage of stage bloopers from TPMvideos, including one from the Broadway company of “Mary Poppins.”

Why the Phantom Needs His Mask

Here is a great insider video from cast members of “The Phantom of the Opera” that talks about an actor getting stabbed in the eye! Don’t worry, it was an accident, but watch to hear the full story.

No Laughing Matter!

Courtesy of TheatreMania, the three hyenas of “The Lion King” on Broadway discuss how one of their acrobatic skills saved him from falling into the pit.

A Smooth Entrance

This hilarious video shows a school play certainly not going off without a hitch.

Nutcracker Fall

How many of you have done a production of “The Nutcracker?” How many of you have fallen off the stage with such vigor?

Frozen Music Mishap

When you have recorded music, there is a chance it may not play on cue. Check out how the performers in “Frozen” handle this unfortunate setback like pros.

‘Into the Woods’ Milky White Funny Fail

Last, check out this “Into the Woods” Milky White mishap. Brian Acker as Jack handles it beautifully and, low and behold, he was lucky enough to capture it on video as well. We know this one will leave you laughing.

Did we miss one of your favorites? Do you have your own mishap to share? Let us know in the comments below…

The post The Best Theatre Mishaps And Fails To Make You LOL appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

Spitting Removes Blood

via GIPHY

This may sound gross, but if you catch someone getting cut and then bleeding on a costume, have them spit on it and then rub gently. It will come right out. Please note that this is a remedy for small stains or drops of blood.

For larger bloodstains (or if this completely grosses you out), just use a little hydrogen peroxide or soak the garment immediately in hot water before washing it right away with detergent.

A Razor Is a Handy Pill Remover

via GIPHY

If a garment is starting to pill, get a cheap razor and rub it gently over the fabric to take the bumps right off.

Vodka Cures Odors

Vodka is the natural smelly fixer-upper. Put some in a spray bottle, and spray on anything that needs to be refreshed (armpits are a great place to start). Let the clothing dry before you let someone wear it again — you don’t want anyone to smell like a liquor cabinet.

You Can Use Baby Wipes to Remove Stains On the Go

When it only takes two wipes.

Remove stains by gently rubbing non-perfumed baby wipes on the garment.

Hairspray Takes Away a ‘Kiss’

via GIPHY

Well, not literally. But if an actor gets any lipstick on a white starched collar, just spray hairspray on it until it’s moist, let it seep into the fabric and then rub gently with a wet cloth. Rubbing alcohol works, too.

Also, hairspray is great for stopping runs in stockings and tights, as well as avoiding static cling.

Dryer Sheets Do Away With Deodorant Stains

Have a nasty white deodorant mark on your shirt? Take a dryer sheet to it. Rub gently, and it will come right off. A baby wipe will also work.

Sharpie Your Shoes

via GIPHY

Got marked-up shoes you can’t use shoe polish on? Clear up any scuff marks and stains by just using a Sharpie marker (or fabric/shoe paints). Sharpies come in an array of colors and can help make shoes look as good as new.

Use these tips to keep your costumes in tip-top shape, no matter what emergency befalls them.

What secrets can you share about taking care of costumes? Let us know in the comments below…

The post Broadway Wardrobe Dresser Secrets Revealed appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. Headshot and Resume

If you are currently in audition mode, make sure to always carry a headshot and resume with you. These are your basic tools of your business as a performer, and there is absolutely no excuse to not have them.

2. Show Information/Postcards

If you’re currently involved with a school show or theatre production, make sure you carry the show’s postcards and/or information with the performance information so you can pass it along to anyone who asks you about it. Don’t be shy! Get the word out and make sure people can see you show off your talents.

3. Your Business Card

No matter what level of performer you are, invest in business cards. Your business card should contain your contact email, website, headshot and any other tidbits you feel someone should know if they’re interested in what you do as a performer. However, it isn’t necessary to list your personal phone number or your address on it — an email is enough.

4. Writing Utensils

Asking to borrow a pen, pencil or highlighter from a castmate is a big no-no. Make sure you always bring a writing utensil from home so you’re prepared to write things down, whether you’re at an audition or rehearsal. Also, keep in mind that while it may seem easier to keep your notes on an iPad or iPhone, these devices could possibly get lost or accidentally erased. Instead, have your notes written in a notebook (another thing you should always have with you), so you can always go back and reference them.

5. Recording/Video Device

Bring an iPad, iPhone or other type of recording device with you for lessons, rehearsals and auditions so you can always record or film your material. This way, you can always practice your music, choreography or blocking on your own time at home or in a rehearsal room.

6. Dance Clothes/Shoes

If you’re a dancer or a mover and are heading out to auditions or rehearsals, make sure you have your dance attire and shoes with you so you’re prepared to show off your moves. For a mover, relaxed clothing, stretchy materials and comfortable sneakers work great.

7. Audition Log

A notebook is a great place to keep a log of your auditions. Include what you wore, what you performed, who was in the room and the feedback you received. Keep it with you for easy reference. This way, when you meet people or re-introduce yourself to someone you have already met, you can reference how they reacted to you in the past. Or, you can use the notebook as a reminder of what you did in a first audition when preparing for a callback

8. Script/Sides/Music

Always bring your scripts, sides and music to any rehearsal or audition. Be a prepared performer instead of the schmuck who prints them out at the last minute, asks for copies from the monitor or borrows music from a friend.

9. Directions

Figure out how to get to your audition or rehearsal before you leave your home. Write out your directions ahead of time or make sure your phone is fully charged and that your maps app is working. You don’t want to be the performer who gets lost or is late because you couldn’t find your way.

What are some items you carry with you? Share in the comments below…

The post 9 Items Performers Should Always Have With Them appeared first on Theatre Nerds.