1. You’ll Get Emotional Support

Having a group of fellow actors to meet with on the regular and share your rejection stories and audition mishaps is good for the soul. In this industry, you definitely need someone to laugh and cry with while forging your way to the top.

2. You Can Do Cold Reads

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Cold reading is a skill that’s best to stay on top of. Having a group of actor chums who can practice with you in a relaxed atmosphere is pure gold.

3. You’ll Have Access to New Material

Tired of that old monologue? Give it away to someone in your posse who is perfect for it. They’ll relish the new material and hopefully send something wonderful in your direction.

4. You’ll Have Great Camaraderie

Aside from emotional support, it’s just great to have a crew you can joke and laugh with through the ups and downs. Sometimes you just need to blow off steam by laughing at a few YouTube videos with your actor group, grabbing a coffee, swapping stories or just putting around in general on those slow audition days.

5. You Can Put Yourself on Tape

Putting yourself on tape has become the norm for many actors, which is exactly why it’s imperative to have a community of artists around. You have a built-in group of people to take turns recording you, reading off-camera for you and helping you with the technical stuff, such as lights, sound and editing.

6. You’ll See Shows Together

So, your significant other loves you but not going to see shows? No worries — that’s why you have your actor group! These theatre nerds would love to take that extra ticket off your hands and comb over every detail of the first act over intermission.

7. You’ll Have Networking Buddies

Have a networking event to go to but you won’t know anyone there? Good news, you have an actor group full of plus-one prospects that you can bring along. Now you have someone to stand next to the punch bowl with, and hopefully, they’re also good at coming up with icebreakers to help you meet promising contacts.

8. You’ll Have Built-In Partner Reads

You want to go to that casting workshop, but they’re asking for partner reads. Good thing you have a thespian hangout every other week. You now have many built-in options anytime you need a partner for a partner read. Aren’t you glad you started that group?

9. You’ll Get Informed Opinions

Sure, your mom thinks you look adorable in all your headshots, but an actor group will have more educated insights for you, such as “That looks great for commercials,” or “I love the smile, but not the lighting.” Not to mention, they’ll have opinions about the best casting workshops in town, photographers, classes and venues.

10. You’ll Have More Audience Members

Thanks to your actor group, you have built-in audience members for your open-mic night, your one-person show, your cabaret — you name it. You’ll also be an active audience member by returning the favor, which will lead to the chance to see even more shows.

After reading this list, you’ll hopefully be in a hurry to create your own little actor gang. Have one already? Let us know about your actor group and what you like to do together in the comments below!

The post 10 Reasons To Start Your Own Acting Group appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

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Here are seven ways to create a stronger community between you and your castmates:

1. Host a Potluck Dinner

Getting together with your entire cast before rehearsal and sharing a meal can be a wonderful connecting experience. Really, though, when does food not bring people together?

2. Relate Over Reviews

Those first reviews can be nerve-wracking, so why not do it as a team and endure the anxiety together? Adding a little coffee or cronut to the mix will help sweeten the deal.

3. See Another Show

Go hit the theatre and see another production to get you psyched up for the one you’re all working on. Nothing sparks conversation among thespians like seeing a show.

4. Play Stage Games

OK, so this one is tricky and you shouldn’t do it during an actual performance. But who doesn’t love a good stage game (or, shall we say, stage shenanigan?) One popular option is sneakily passing a small object from actor to actor without the audience or director knowing. Just don’t get caught!

5. Go on a Group Outing

What better way to build togetherness than going out for a group hike, hitting the lanes for some bowling or even playing some mini golf? Quietly getting to know one another in the wings is one thing, but hiking up a snowy mountaintop is quite another. Of course, there’s always karaoke for the less outdoorsy types.

6. Watch the Movie of Your Show

If there’s a movie version of the production you’re in, gather together and watch it as a group — with the bonus of popcorn!

7. Do Community Outreach

Round up the cast and crew, pick a cause, don your show shirts and give back to your theatre-loving community. Host some volunteer classes for kids, pick up litter in the area or sing at your local retirement home. Performing acts of kindness as a group will surely bring you and your cast together.

What other ways do you like to bond with your castmates? Let us know in the comments below…

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1. What I Learned From 100 Days of Rejection: Jia Jiang

Rejection is part of any actor’s life. Even the best of the best still deal with rejection, and learning to cope is an ongoing and ever-evolving experience. That’s why Jia Jiang’s TED Talk about his 100-day rejection challenge is perfect for every actor.

In this entertaining and enlightening talk, Jiang discusses how to turn rejections into opportunities through a 100-day rejection challenge where he does everything from asking strangers for money to asking for burger refills. His experiences will leave you with a new and profound respect for what it means to be rejected and how to turn those rejections into opportunities for growth.

2. Keep Your Goals to Yourself: Derek Sivers

Actors are constantly creating new goals for themselves. Whether it’s getting a new agent, producing a play or adding new songs to your repertoire, there’s always new ways to push yourself. In this podcast, Derek Sivers talks about the importance of keeping your goals to yourself in order for them to actually become a reality.

3. My Journey from Marine to Actor: Adam Driver

Need some inspiration? In this heartfelt TED Talk, Adam Driver tells his story of going from flailing actor to joining the Marines to re-entering the acting world. He shares his difficult journey from soldier to civilian while describing the unique similarities between the theatre world and the military world. It’s through these experiences that he was led to begin his nonprofit, Arts in the Armed Forces, which brings theatre to the military.

4. Why Women Should Tell the Stories of Humanity: Jude Kelly

In this extremely well-articulated talk, theatre director Jude Kelly discusses the importance of women’s voices in storytelling and art. She rallies artists of all kinds to see the world in a more gender-neutral light. Regardless of whether you are an actor, director, set designer or even an accountant, you should hear this talk.

5. 8 Secrets to Success: Richard St. John

In this lightning-fast TED Talk, analyst Richard St. John teaches the eight most important things that lead to success. Is your acting career on the road to success? Is it all luck? Or is there something more to it than that? If you have three minutes, use this TED Talk to find out.

Want more actor-friendly talks? Check out “Talks for Theatre Geeks,” a nine-talk playlist assembled by TED.

The post 5 Amazing TED Talks For Actors appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. Her Vocabulary Was Always Up to Snuff

While other moms said things like, “You looked great when you spun around a whole bunch,” the Stage Mom learned the technical terms so she could properly critique your fouette en tournant.

2. She Was a Jill of All Trades

She has signed up for every backstage job at one time or another. Her resume boasts stage lighting, seamstress, stage manager, set designer, etc. She’ll do anything to help her help you get that bigger and better part.

3. Theatre Directors Feared Her

Every run-in with your mom was a chance for her to bend them to her will, whether to land you a bigger part or complain about how short your solo was.

4. She Hijacked Your Social Life

Your weekends were always spent practicing your dance moves or your vocal selections, instead of riding bikes and playing with your friends. You loved it, but your mom loved it even more.

5. She Was Way More Into It Than You Were

She was cracking open the bubbly when you got your first speaking role; meanwhile, you were still unsure whether you were cool with public speaking.

6. She Took the Same Classes as You

To better correct your form, of course.

7. Every Celebration Was a Chance to Celebrate You

There wasn’t a barbecue or family reunion that passed without your mom demanding you perform in front of the whole family, much to the chagrin of your relatives, who were too polite to tell her you were flat.

8. She Was Your Own Personal PR Rep

When you got the solo in school choir, everyone had to hear about it — including your waiter at TGI Fridays.

9. Her Money Was Where Your Mouth Was

She spent your family’s vacation money on your voice lessons, demo tapes and teeth bleaching. Your siblings still resent this, but were relieved they weren’t the center of your mother’s crazed attention.

10. She Was Off-Book Before You Were

Seriously, she knew your lines by heart and relished the opportunity to tell you when you missed a word or phase. She also knew exactly how many lines you had, and didn’t hesitate to share that information with her coworkers or friends.

11. She Put Your Career Over Your Education

She offered to homeschool you so you’d have more time to hone your craft.

12. She Had a Certain Flair for the Dramatic

Don’t worry, Mom just locked herself in the bathroom for hours because you didn’t make the cast list.

13. Her Nagging Sounded Different Than the Other Moms’

Instead of, “Don’t forget your coat,” it was, “Don’t forget your lines.” Instead of “You’re not leaving the house wearing all that makeup,” it was, “That’s not enough blush, and where are your false eyelashes?”

Tell us your stage mom horror stories in the comments below…

Cover Photo Credit: Johan Persson

The post 13 Times You Knew Your Mom Was A Stage Mom appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

While you may wish to invest in your career and produce the highest-quality pictures possible, keep in mind that some people spend thousands on headshots that never get them sent out on auditions, while others cut corners and have high success rates with their photos. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of trial and error to find the perfect headshot, which leads to a lot of time and money spent on pictures.

Whether you’re working on getting your very first headshots or you’re just trying to find a better look that will get you more auditions, here are nine creative ways to cut corners on cost while you navigate the choppy waters of finding that perfect shot:

1. Shutterbug Chum

Have a friend who is just starting out with photography do a free shoot (or bribe them with coffee, if you’re feeling nice). Even if they aren’t the professional shots you’re hoping for, you can use this experience as a dry run for the real thing. See which looks and colors worked and which didn’t. Then, when you’re paying big bucks for a three-look package, you’ll know which three you want. And, as a bonus, if your friend’s shots are good enough, you just got yourself free headshots!

2. Trade’sies

Find a photographer that is just starting out, and trade them. Free headshots… and in return they get a portfolio to show future clients.

3. Borrow and Beg

Borrow clothes from your friend with that walk-in closet full of possibilities to amp up your photo session for free. Just be sure to clean and iron them before you return them.

4. Free Makeover

Some places, such as Sephora, offer “free” makeovers if you spent $50 in the store. If you know you need to buy foundation and blush anyway, you might as well time it out so you do it on the day of your headshots. You can get your makeup done by a pro for the price of a few makeup essentials you were going to buy anyway.

Just be clear about what you want so it doesn’t come out overdone. Make sure they know it’s for on-camera, because on-camera makeup is different than regular makeup. As always, make sure you still look like you.

5. Makeup Student

Hire a student studying makeup at a cosmetology school. Most of them need to build portfolios and will do it for free (or in exchange for lunch). The best part is they need you to look good for their portfolio, so they’ll be doing their best work. Plus, they will most likely be willing to go to the studio with you to touch you up as you go or change your look to a more dramatic one as you progress.

6. iPhone Shoot

Don’t do this for your main pics, of course, but use an iPhone for a trial run. Have a fun photoshoot with a friend and your iPhone to practice that million-dollar smile and mysterious dramatic allure. This way, you’ll be ready to make magic once you get into a more expensive session with the clock ticking.

7. Shop Around

Don’t just go with the most expensive photographer everyone is talking about. There are tons of smaller, lesser-known photographers who do great work — just take the time to do some research. If you’re on the fence, show the lesser-known photographers’ work to your agent or manager to get their opinion. If they think the shots are good enough to land auditions, book an appointment. Not only did you save money, but your shots won’t have the same cookie-cutter look that some of the big shots have.

8. Look for Deals

This may be obvious, but like many other businesses, photographers do offer specials from time to time. It’s not a bad idea to ask if and when they offer discounts.

9. Research

Take the time to know what you’re looking for in a headshot. Are you aiming for that perfect commercial shot, dramatic daytime TV actor look or Broadway baby? Spend some time looking at other professionals in the realm of what you’re going for and see what they did that worked. Pay attention to the wardrobe and color choices for the style you’re going for and whether they used natural lighting. These are all factors you’ll want to consider before you arrive. The photographer isn’t going to have all the answers or the time to make those decisions for you. Only you and your agent know what exactly you’re trying to sell, so be as prepared as possible so you don’t have to take multiple rounds of headshots.

What thrifty tips do you have to save on photos? Share in the comments below…

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Suddenly, there’s a shift. A feeling, an unforeseen face in the room, a phrase thrown out. There’s been a change. Expectations are altered, and you have suddenly found yourself in the hot seat dealing with an audition curveball. But don’t panic! Check out these tactics below to help you navigate these choppy waters:

1. You Prepared a Comedy and They Ask For a Drama

Whether you prepared a cartoony piece and they suddenly want realism, or you picked a modern piece and they’re looking for Shakespeare, you’re now in a situation where you have no choice but to find a new angle on what you’ve prepped. If your scene is comedic and they’re looking for drama, simply adjust your performance to a more grounded one. No matter the vehicle, you can still find your way toward the vibe they’re looking for.

2. Your Material Gets Cut in Half

You’ve prepped a two-minute monologue, and they ask for a 30-second piece because they’re running behind. Instead of getting upset and worrying how they’ll ever see your range in 30 seconds, remind yourself that you can blow this thing out of the ballpark in any amount of time. They wouldn’t ask for 30 seconds if they didn’t think they could find what they needed in that amount of time. Besides, what’s wrong with leaving them thirsty for more? Just make sure you make the proper cuts to leave yourself with a nice jumping off hook and wrap up with a clear ending.

3. Your Reader Is as Lifeless as a Can of Paint

Sometimes readers are just readers and they aren’t there to give you anything to work with. Instead of letting it throw you, just do your thing and be thankful that the full attention is on you. Use your imagination and pretend they’re giving you what you need.

4. The Direction Given to You Doesn’t Make Sense

Don’t worry about it. It doesn’t have to make sense to play the scene or the character. They’re probably just trying to see how pliable you are. Show them you are a beautiful piece of clay ready and waiting to be molded. Even if it doesn’t make sense, enjoy the lunacy of the direction and have fun with it. Sometimes, an offbeat way of taking a scene will open all kinds of insights into your character that you would have never discovered during a traditional approach.

5. You’re Assigned to Read for a New Character That You Haven’t Prepped For

Don’t sweat this! It’s a good sign! It means you walked in the door and they visualized you as a potential candidate to land a particular role. Who cares that you didn’t prep for it? You’re already in the running on your looks alone. Allow this shift to make you feel confident, not panicked. Take a few moments to go over the new material and ask questions. The casting director knows you just got the materials, so you don’t need to make excuses or worry about looking down at the lines too much. Do the best you can and tell yourself you’ve already got a giant foot in the door because of this exciting curveball.

6. Casting Is Eating Lunch

The casting team works all day, so it’s natural they get hungry. However, they do this every day, and just because they’re tackling a sloppy turkey club sandwich while you’re pouring your heart out doesn’t mean they aren’t paying attention. You might not like it, but look at the bright side — well-fed people are happy people. It may actually be better if they’re chomping on potato chips rather than daydreaming during your monologue because they have hunger pangs. Also, regardless of whether you feel like you’re the center of attention, this is still your time. You’ve performed through chaos before (hello, tech week!). Use this time to work on your material and enjoy just doing it for yourself.

7. They’re Running Late and You’re in a Hurry

You have to pick up your kid or get to your survival job, and the audition is running super behind. Before you panic and throw a diva hissy fit, simply speak to the monitor running the auditions. Politely explain your situation and ask whether there’s any way you can be seen sooner rather than later. You’d be surprised how willing the monitor and other actors can be to help you out — they’ve definitely all been there before. Just remember to pay it forward next time you’re not in a hurry and see that familiar look of panic on another actor’s face while in the waiting room.

8. You’re Underdressed or Overdressed

So, everyone around you is dressed for the role more literally than you. Unless you have a wardrobe in your car or satchel, there’s not much you can do about this one. who cares? Sure, you’d like to give off the vibe of the character to help you out, but it ultimately comes down to your acting. Besides, what actor hasn’t had a wardrobe malfunction some time or another?

9. You’re the Opposite Type of Everyone Else in the Room

You’re the only short blonde in a sea of tall brunettes. Basically, you’re the guinea pig. Casting is pretty sure they want a tall brunette, but just in case, they threw in a few randoms to see what the producers think of a different direction. The best thing to do is shrug it off and not let it bother you. Hey, you’re there, you get to audition, and who knows, maybe they’ll decide to go the other way with it after all!

10. You Freeze Up When They Ask You to Improvise

You didn’t plan on improvising, then casting asks you to do a take with lots of adlibs. It’s natural to want to freeze up, but you have to fight the feeling. Put all the negative thoughts out of your mind about how you hate doing improv and how you’re kicking yourself for never taking that class. Instead, take a deep breath, be present and remember that you actually improvise in some way every day — this is no different. Negative thoughts won’t help, so do your best to be in the moment and fake self-confidence even when you’re not feeling it. Then, afterward, sign up for that improv class.

11. There’s Suddenly Choreography

You’re an actor, not an actor/dancer, and now they’re asking you to count and step pivot, step. Just roll with it. It’s likely they just want to see you move. Nobody expects you to be Baryshnikov.

12. You’re Asked to Demonstrate Your Special Skills

“So, you do a crying baby. Can we hear it?” If it’s listed as one of your special skills, someone somewhere down the line can ask you to do it on the spot. The best way to avoid catastrophe is to take off anything on your resume that you don’t want to do at the drop of a hat at an audition. If you’re too late, suck it up and demonstrate your wailing baby or Al Pacino impersonation with pride.

13. You Forgot Your Headshot/Resume

Don’t forget your headshot and resume! Always have a copy in the trunk of your car or in your binder of sheet music. With that said, it’s still going to happen eventually. After several years in the business, you will at one point leave it on the counter or just plain forget to print it out. The best thing to do is to ‘fess up right away and apologize. Leave the excuses at home on the counter with your MIA headshot. No one needs to hear about how hectic your morning was. Just say you’re sorry, move on and be thankful everything is digital today anyway.

As you can see by now, the best way to deal with most curveballs is to take a deep breath and go with the flow. Much like life, the business is all about resilience, thinking on your feet and being in the moment. We can plan until we’re blue in the face, but ultimately, things will veer off course and when they do, the best way to deal with it is with grace, flexibility and humor.

What audition curveballs have you been thrown, and how did you deal? Let us know in the comments below…

The post Audition Curveballs And How To Deal With Them appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

1. ‘Wicked’ Delicious Punch

Serve up this refreshing beverage at your next Wicked-themed cast party. Find the recipe here

2. ‘Mary Poppins’ Umbrella Appetizers

These tasty umbrella cheese treats are practically perfect in every way. Get more “Mary Poppins” ideas here

3. ‘Grease’ Cookies and Fry Shooters

These nostalgic 1950s treats will get you hand-jiving in no time. Besides, sweet and salty go together like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong. Check out more ideas here

4. ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Roses

These roses inspired by “The Phantom of the Opera” will make any Christine melt for any Erik. Get the recipe here

5. Bend and Snap Cocktail From ‘Legally Blonde’

Who could forget the famous Bend and Snap from “Legally Blonde?” It’s certainly a moment worth toasting! So, next time you get tickets to the show, say “Cheers!” and sip this tasty treat. For those below 21-ers, orange juice will make for a good substitute for a delicious mocktail! Find the recipe here

6. ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Audrey II Cupcakes

You’ll be saying, “Feed me, Seymour!” after you bake these “Little Shop of Horrors” cupcakes for your next cast party. Find out how to make them here

7. ‘Sweeney Todd’ Meat Pies

Don’t worry, there aren’t any kitty cats in these — it’s just a traditional English meat pie! This is just the thing to get you in the mood for “Sweeney Todd” rehearsals. Find the recipe here

8. The Mermaid Pie From ‘Waitress’

Whose mouth didn’t water after seeing and hearing about all the delicious pies made in “Waitress?” It’s a creation of the imagination for sure. Get the recipe here

What musical theatre-themed party treats have you served up in the past? Let us know in the comments below…

The post 8 Broadway-Inspired Treats To Serve At Your Next Party appeared first on Theatre Nerds.