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Anyone who watches “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” knows that the writers of the show love a good broadway reference. Titus Andromadon, Kimmy’s would-be actor roommate (played by Broadway veteran Tituss Burgess) who moonlights as a werewolf/waiter is always ready with a pithy jab at James Monroe Iglehart (aka Genie in Aladdin) or improvisational compositions such as “Outside bones, outside bones, never forget your teeth are outside bones.” Titus is our broadway-diva-spirit-animal who suffers wardrobe malfunctions, audition struggles, and occasionally a little cultural misappropriation. He reminds us that you don’t actually have to be in a show to sing on Broadway. He is the theatre nerd everyman that we all need and love. So, in an unabashed celebration of Titus and all of his glory...
From wearing a silk robe at home to a “Baby Slut” T-shirt in public, Titus certainly knows how to pull off an outfit no one else — literally no one else — can.
Kimmy and Titus certainly have some ups and downs over the course of the series, but they always patch things up in the end.
We feel you, Titus. We really feel you.
It isn’t easy to be super confident when you’re constantly being rejected audition after audition. But through it all, Titus retains his sense of self and that arrogant swagger we’ve all grown to love.
All. The. Sass.
[post_title] => 5 Amazing Songs From Lesser Known Musicals
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[post_content] => 
It’s that time again! Summer is preparing to take its final bows and make way for Autumn to take the stage. Which means it’s time to prepare for your role reprisal as you return to the halls and classrooms of your high school/college. And what better place to look for style inspirations than the stages of Broadway and the West End?
Let everyone know you are not throwing away your shot by giving your look some revolutionary flare with a military inspired jacket. Or decorate your room or new dorm Founding Fathers style with some patriotic accessories.
Macy’s In Awe of You by Awesomeness TV Juniors' Military-Style Blaze
Urban Outfitters Large American Flag Tapestry
Her Shot Tote Bag (from right here at our Theatre Nerds Swag Shop)
Potter fever has returned with the release of the new stage show on the West End. While we all wish Hogwarts were a real school (I don’t remember them ever having to take Calculus) we can bring a little of Hogwarts to the muggle world. So break out your house colors and keep your pumpkin juice fresh.
Barnes & Noble Harry Potter Marauder’s Map Insulated Tumbler 24 oz
Hot Topic Harry Potter Varsity Hoodie
Paris is always a good idea, both for musicals and style. Try a Parisian chic look or some ballet inspired apparel as you head back into the halls of academia.
H&M Long-sleeved T-shirt
Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Elastic Cross-Strap Flat
Rifle Paper Co. I Love Paris Everyday Iphone 6 Clear Case
Get ready to fight the man and pledge your loyalty to the band. Show that you’ve done your music homework as you prepare for your school’s Battle of the Bands with these rock inspired pieces.
Hot Topic Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon Tour T-Shirt
ModCloth Be With You in a Spinet Bag
I just couldn’t leave out The Bard, especially with Kenneth Branagh’s version of the beloved Shakespearean classic wrapping up it’s run in the West End. Float through the halls of your school like a dreamy Juliet or join the King’s Players as you brush up on your Elizabethan vocabulary.
Kathleen White Floral Maxi Dress
ModCloth A Man for All Elizabethans Men’s Tee
Prepare your monologues and brush up for your fall production auditions as you head back to school, daydreaming about the theatre and the city that never sleeps.
The third, and last (so far) was very recent. Story old as time- this was it, the role of a lifetime, the breakthrough moment for my career. The creator of the show, members of the cast and the casting directors applauded as I exited the soundproof recording booth, they shared their accolades and ended with, “We’ll see you soon.”
Weeks went by and I never heard a thing. Like all auditions, this too had an expiration date. I gave it a lengthy one to take into account the holidays- but enough time had passed that I knew that this too had spoiled. My loveseat, now so dingy, coffee stained, and threadbare that it’s tucked away in the bedroom where guests can’t see its unworthiness. Ragged and sad as it may be, it’s still there to cradle me as I climb into its old loving embrace to shed my ritual tears and mourn for the possibilities lost.
Tired phrases such as: auditioning is your job, booking is just the cherry on top; actors have to have tough skin; or, never compare, never despair, run through my mind as I sob. I feel guilt and shame for letting it get to me, I should know better. But then I think of the hundreds of auditions that I didn’t cry for.
If you think about it, each audition is a dream. A possibility. We visualize ourselves in each part we get to try out for, we envision the booking, the moment our phone rings, the conversation with our family, or let’s face it, sometimes the gleeful boasting. We imagine the money for some jobs, sometimes it’s the project we’re excited about, and other times it’s the role, but most of the time we’re just happy to have work, period.
The loss of these possibilities deserves to be mourned from time to time; maybe it’s just more effective to do so in bulk. Because each time we mourn a loss, after we’ve wrung out all the sadness, we get to buck up, wipe away the tears and tell ourselves that dream just wasn’t it- but maybe the next time it will be. It’s with this newfound sense of strength that we are able to stand up again and face another hundred rejections without so much as a flinch.
It’s true that no matter where we are in our careers there will always be rejection; it’s also true that no matter where we are in our careers we’ll always be striving to get to the next rung on the ladder. For all of this, we know we must put on the all- elusive thick skin. But first, I’ll pick myself up of my off-off-white loveseat, shuffle towards the car, drive to Ralphs, and pick up a pint of Häagen-Dazs.
Ali Ewoldt (Christine) & Jordan Donica (Raoul)[/caption]
You never know how these things will go, there are many personalities that exist on the great white way. It didn't take long to discover that Ali was not only amazingly talented but she's also extremely kind and warm-hearted. Though I blabbered on and occasionally appeared star-struck, she answered your questions with thoughtfulness and gave us an amazing inside look at this dream come true. Her generosity and professionalism made it easy for me, and I really enjoyed our chat.
We covered a multitude of topics including her childhood, journey to Broadway, getting the role of Christine, and advice for young actors/actresses wanting to pursue a career in theatre. I hope you enjoy my interview with Ali Ewoldt, thanks for watching!
You've been dying to get back in the theatre after a "severe" 3 week break from the last show. New auditions are announced, which means it's game time.
Korin credits – in addition to “Hamilton” include “Misery,” “Annie,” and “Motown.” His design for Hamilton provides a perfect example of the set growing along with the story. When the curtain rises on act two of the show, the incomplete brick wall that served as the backdrop to the production has grown. New bricks have been laid on the old in a communication of progress though it is subtle. Over the course of the musical, spare chairs give way to more richly detailed Federal-style ones, suggesting the passage of time and the growth of fortunes. These subtle changes make a real, subconscious impression on you as an audience member even if they are not consciously observed.
Set design takes months of intensive labor. Set designers work in collaboration with a lighting designer, tech director, prop master and set shop, all of whose contributions are essential to bring the show to life. But they also have to logistically gather materials and work out how to build, store and transport these pieces. Most of the time the set is built in a shop at a separate location, crafted until every piece is right and then taken apart and brought into the performance space where it is reassembled. The set is then used and abused and largely ignored by the audience until the run ends and the hard work is broken down.
In true Carrie form, I couldn’t help but wonder why, in spite of that fact that this art form, in particular, is so time-consuming and yet so ephemeral, is it worth it to the designer to pour their heart and soul and time into it?
I have tried to put into words my thoughts but Ms. Sherie Rene Scott said it best,
"That's the scary thing about theater—it doesn't live on. But that's actually the most beautiful thing about it, too. That's why it's more beautiful than film and certainly more beautiful than television because it's like life. Real life. Any picture that you take or any video that you make of yourself is not really you, it's only an image that represents the experience you had. In theater, the process of it is the experience. Everyone goes through the process, and everyone has the experience together. It doesn't last—only in people's memories and in their hearts. That's the beauty and sadness of it. But that's life—beauty and the sadness. And that is why theater is life."
[post_title] => 10 Stages Of Trying To Memorize The Hamilton Album
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[post_content] => Most people know what slapstick is. When we think of physical comedy, we may think of TV classics such as the pratfalls of Charlie Chaplin or Chevy Chase, the slap-fights of The Three Stooges, or the exaggerated facial reactions of Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett. Using physicality to sell the joke, however, goes all the way back to Commedia dell’Arte in about 1550, when Italian troupes literally cataloged and numbered the funny “bits” (tropes) that could be used over and over, without fail, to produce a laugh. The site Laugh Button identifies some of humanity’s favorite slapstick as shticks like “the fall, the slip, the trip, the collide and the double take.” Commedia dell’Arte is shortened from a name which means “the comedy of the craft of comedic improvisation.” Our famous performers today are still practicing this art!
Modern movies, Broadway shows, TV and youtube shorts frequently use the same reliable comedic routines as those Renaissance Italians, and we’re still laughing--hard. Think of current comedy masters like James Cordon, Melissa McCarthy, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Zach Galifianakis, Jim Carey, Conan O’Brien—they are all masters of what boils down to the Commedia dell’Arte playbook. The comedic actors of Commedia were usually trickster servants called Zanni, from which we get the English word “zany.” The Zanni over time were broken down and divided into various subtypes, like the famous Harlequin that goes back as far as the 14th Century. These masterful performers would have a hundred stock physical joke scenarios memorized so that they could plug them into a scene improvisationally.
The stock jokes, or gags, were called lazzi (pronounced ˈlɑ-tsi) which is the plural of “lazzo,” meaning “joke or witticism.” Mel Gordon’s book, Lazzi: The Comic Routines of the Commedia dell’Arte, categorizes 250 routines from 1550-1750, many of which survive today, some in modified forms. For example, the “Running around the Balcony Lazzo” is just as you’d imagine, and you can see this timeless joke in the Disney ride Pirates of the Caribbean where the pirates are chasing women around the town, but in the next balcony, a large threatening woman has turned the tables and is chasing a pirate around her house with a broom. Some other predictable lazzi are “The Chair” being pulled out from under someone or breaking under them; The Laughter and Tears Lazzo where hilarious laughing turns into crying mid-scene; and the Lazzo of the Foreign Language, where a character is forced to pretend to know another language and makes up gibberish in the style of that language they don’t know, while another character translates the language. This last one is the central comedic situation driving the plot of the famous play The Foreigner, by Larry Shue.
In addition, The Routledge Companion to Commedia dell'Arte, 2014, is a full-sized university text covering a thorough grounding in the subject by Judith Chaffee and Olly Crick. “From Commedia dell’Arte came archetypal characters that are still with us today, such as Harlequin and Pantalone, and the rediscovered craft of writing comic dramas and masked theatre. From it came the forces that helped create and influence Opera, Ballet, Pantomime, Shakespeare, Moliere, Lopes de Vega, Goldoni, Meyerhold, and even the glove puppet, Mr. Punch.”
[post_title] => Make ‘Em Laugh: Tracing Modern Physical Comedy Back To Commedia dell’arte
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[post_title] => Which Iconic Broadway Star Are You?
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[post_content] => All artists have a set of tools. A painter has their canvasses and brushes. A photographer has her camera. A musician has their instrument. But as actors, we only have one tool…our bodies.
Because of this, a huge amount of attention is placed on our appearance. Much more than if we were doctors or teachers. Add in societal pressures of what the “perfect body” looks like, and this attention can quickly turn to obsession.
Raskopf’s love for costume design began at an early age. In elementary school, she loved drawing sketches of clothes and had a strong interest in fashion. And though she also developed a love for theatre, she didn’t combine her two interests together until middle school when she finally discovered the world of costume design. Raskopf took an independent study course in fashion design in high school before receiving her bachelor’s degree in theatre with a dual concentration in performance and design from Suny New Paltz and her MSA from Southern Methodist University in stage design with a concentration in costume design.
But what exactly is an assistant costume designer’s job? Well, as Raskopf explains, their task is much more complex and difficult than one may think. “There are a lot of different jobs that go into costume design depending if it’s [a] contemporary [show], if it’s a period piece, etc.,” she tells Theatre Nerds. “If things are being built (meaning that a costume is created specifically for the production, sewn from scratch rather than assembled from existing pieces). A lot of the time assistants will do this thing called swatching where you go around to all the different fabric stores and look for fabric options that match the color scheme and texture that the costume designer wants. I have often been put in charge of bras and underwear because if you don’t have the right garments underneath the clothes, the clothes are never going to look right. Sometimes the assistants go to fittings or, once the show is running, put-ins. You also have to keep up with continuity during the run of a show. If a new cast member comes in, you will need to go out and get the fabric to make the costume that fits their body.”
“There are a lot of different options that go into something as simple as a shirt,” Raskopf explains, “and the assistants are responsible for bringing the right options into the room so that the designer can look at it all together and decide on what they want.”
Raskopf left us with her advice for those aspiring to work in costume design.
“It’s always about if you have that drive. You can like theatre and you can like fashion and you can like a lot of the elements of what we do, but if you’re not willing to sweat and twist your ankle and be carrying forty pounds of shopping bags in the rain, then you’re not going to really make it. It’s about having a desire and a passion for what you do. If there is anything else you can see yourself doing, then you should do that. It’s a really physically grueling job and it’s not like you’re getting a ton of recognition. You aren’t doing it for fame or glory, you’re doing it because it’s the one thing you want to do.”
Follow Jennifer on twitter @IAmJenRa
[post_title] => Dressing A Revolution: Interview With Hamilton's Assistant Costume Designer Jennifer Raskopf
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[post_content] => A recent study that I made up shows that theatre kids might be susceptible to the following side-effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately because you might be a theatre kid.
Late rehearsals… enough said.
No one has heard your audition piece more than that wall.
With late nights and early mornings… you’re like a ghost in your own house.
One day you love them, the next day you hate them.
Embrace yourself even when others don’t.
Having free time is so foreign.
If only you could go to school… and just do rehearsal.
Someone else always wears the same show shirt as you to school.
They might get all the glory, but we know where to find the real talent!
“Theater” refers to a building and “Theatre” refers to an art-form.
The only people you are able to hang out with are the people listed in the program with you.
School + Rehearsal + Homework + Responsibilities + Everyone Else’s Problems = No Sleep
You don’t have time for a job and all the fees add up.
No matter how much it hurts sometimes… the reward is always worth it!
The procrastinator shows up unprepared, hasn’t learned their lines or blocking, but nonetheless creates pure magic on stage. You love to hate them but are secretly envious of their effortless approach.
The Superstitious actor wears the same underwear three nights in a row, they’d never dream of uttering anything other than a “Merde” or “Break a leg” backstage, and they have a pre-show routine that they’re sticking to no matter how monotonous.
You’re warmed up and ready to go, yet somehow the Overly Warmed Up actor is still going strong, ‘toy boat, toy boat, toy boat, toy boat, toy boat...’
The inspirational quote actor’s dressing room mirror is plastered with positivity. “I’m great, you’re great, we’re all great!”
My character’s birthstone is Amethyst, she was born at 3:45am on a Wednesday, her first word was Pop-Tart, she doesn’t like socks and she loves trees....
The silent type is stoic and reserved. You’ll most likely catch them chugging Throat Coat and sucking on lozenges. Must. Preserve. Vocal. Integrity.
The researcher knows everything about the show from the type of undies worn during the time period to what was happening in the news that week. You can catch the researcher scrolling through Wikipedia while waiting in the wings.
There’s a crash dieter in every cast. Whether it’s their nerves or body consciousness, they’re bound to give the costume department grief. I
“I don’t even care if I’m cast or not but I WISH THEY WOULD JUST TELL ME ALREADY!” That seemingly eternal wait to find out if you’ve been cast is the worst kind of tedious purgatory an actor could imagine. A day feels like a week, two days-- a month, three days-- you don’t even know because you’ve gone crazy with anticipation.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been cast as the titular role or you’ve been cast as Background Tree #3-- The director saw something they liked and chose you! You’re in a show, and this calls for celebration! Say goodbye to the residual post-show-depression from the last show you were in because you have a new show to get excited about! Some joyful dancing around the room is definitely in order!
Time to alert the presses! You post that shameless self-promotional “I’m so excited to be cast as *insert role* in *insert show*!” status and you invite everyone you know to the Facebook event.
You’re ready to dive head-first into this show! You know “I can’t, I have rehearsal” will become your motto for a while, and you’re totally okay with that.
If you have the script already, you’ve probably already read it at least twice before the show begins. If the show is a musical, you’re definitely playing the Broadway Original Cast Album and any revival album on repeat. There’s a movie? Netflix here you come! And of course you’re all over YouTube looking for inspiration. You have important research to do!
Don’t lie, you know we all do it. If you don’t know your fellow cast members already, you are definitely spending more time than you should scrolling through their Facebooks and Instagrams (with nimble fingers so you don’t accidentally like something they posted a year ago).
You have such high hopes for this show that you start to wonder if you’re setting your expectations too high. You start to think...“What if the director regrets casting me?”, “What if I don’t get along with the cast?”, “What if this role is my downfall as an actor, everyone hates me and nobody ever wants to cast me again?” You know you’re overreacting, but you can’t help but wonder...
The next month or so of your life will be filled with new people, new experiences, and giving everything you’ve got to creating some amazing live theatre-- How much better does it get?! You’re counting down the days until your rehearsals begin because you just know that you are in for a great time and a great show! Isn’t theatre the best?
Post by TN Contributor Rachel Brudner
This was my high noon moment. I could see Midge, cowering in the box office. But I had had enough.
“Well, do you know who I am?” I asked her.
“Who?”
“I’m a kid that had a badge and a clipboard thrown at me that says I’m the house manager. And there are rules here on this clipboard that I’m supposed to follow and I’m going to. So report me to the dean if you have to but don’t flash that bulb again or I’ll throw you out of here.”
She must have seen the look in my eyes because she backed off. I took off my badge and went over to Midge’s desk. I threw the clipboard on her desk and told her I quit. She smiled at me and told me the sentence that changed everything.
“What if I made House Managing count for all of your scholarship requirements. You wouldn’t have to work backstage ever again.”
And suddenly the gig didn’t seem so bad after all...
And so I stayed for two years. I recruited some good ushers before I graduated, made a fake “Out of Order” sign for the vending machines. I didn’t win all the battles, but I found my backbone. I also have a healthy appreciation for ushers and all that they go through. It’s a tough job but somebody has got to do it.
[post_title] => To Nude Or Not To Nude: Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Bare All On Stage
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[post_content] => Match the photo to the Babs musical and see how well you know this superstar!
[viralQuiz id=9]
[post_title] => Can You Name That Barbra Streisand Musical?
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[post_content] => No matter how many cast albums fill your Spotify playlists, how many times you’ve basked in the glowing lights of Broadway or how many stage doors you’ve stood in front of waving a copy of Playbill, you’ll never forget your first Broadway musical.
The first musical I ever saw on Broadway was “Wicked,” which my mom bought tickets for me to see after months and months of me belting out “Defy Gravity” in the car, shower, living room, front yard, kitchen, grocery store...well, you get the gist.
“Wicked” was my gateway musical, the one that took me from someone who liked catching a community theater production of “Guys and Dolls” with my grandma to a full-blown theater aficionado determined to memorize every line, lyric, and piece of trivia I could.
New York City is a wonder to behold for any theater-obsessed Broadway newbie. There’s something so thrilling about wandering around the gritty, noisy streets of Time Square and gazing up at the dazzling marquees boasting the names of the shows and actors you’ve only been able to enjoy through your headphones and computer screen. Of course, all this exploring will fill you with an insatiable desire to dish out cash to see every single one of them, but knowing there’s a ticket tucked in your pocket that will let you experience at least one is enough — for now.
Whether you’re in the front row of the orchestra or tucked all the way in the nosebleed seats, those seemingly miserable minutes spent mentally begging the lights to dim are actually some of the most memorable. These minutes are best spent thumbing through your Playbill program to see the names you recognize, running your finger down the list of songs, and devouring all the credits and notes from the director. The waiting is tough but absolutely worth it.
From the moment the first note of your first Broadway musical is played, it’s very clear that this is not your high school pit orchestra. Even if you know every note by heart, it somehow feels like you’re really hearing it for the first time. The slight nuances and subtle changes from the album you know and love — an unexpected riff, an ambitious option-up, a reprise not featured on the album — is enough to take you aback and make you fall in love all over again.
Beyond the overwhelming music, sets, and lights, there’s something amazing about putting all those little puzzle pieces of a show together and finally seeing it as a cohesive production. Small asides finally make sense, musical shifts are accompanied by complementary lights, and a piece of information is revealed that changes the entire way you see the show. I didn’t know I could still be shocked until I saw “Wicked Witch of the East” performed for the first time and my entire perception shifted.
It wouldn’t be a Broadway show without a triple-threat onstage completely knocking your socks off. No matter if you’re watching a superstar you’ve followed for years or someone just getting their big break, Broadway shows have some of the most talented people strutting their stuff — and your first one sets the stage for all others to follow.
It’s nearly impossible to leave your first Broadway show without making one (or two) pit stops at the souvenir stands in the lobby. After all, when’s the next time you can drop all your savings on musical-themed sweatshirts, jewelry, sheet music, mugs or posters? This first show is the start of your bedroom inevitably turning into a show tune shrine.
Even though most shows run less than three hours, they leave memories that last. I might not exactly remember every note or line, but I certainly remember the feeling in my chest when the orchestra first launched into “No One Mourns the Wicked” or the fact that I spent all of intermission embarrassingly sobbing to myself after “Defy Gravity.” In the end, that’s what theater is all about — how it makes you feel, how it becomes a part of you.
For any Broadway nerd, your first show can be mind-boggling, emotional and worth every penny. And, if you’re lucky, that first one will set the stage for a lifelong love of theater and encourage you to attend your second, your third — and so on and so forth.
It can be a gamble when composers flock to the stage from other genres. In the case of “Waitress”, the Sara Bareilles-coined musical, it was match made (or should we say “mixed”) in heaven! Nominated for four Tony Awards this season, “Waitress” is a cast recording that’s perfect for both sob sessions and car jamming. Bareilles’ “pop soul” style lends itself to the stage in a deliciously artful way. You need to add this one to your playlist, like, now.
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While we’re totally advocates for listening to “Hamilton” 4,000 times a day, we’re going to supply you with another great rap musical: “In the Heights” (Yes, it’s also by our king, Lin-Manuel Miranda). Though it shares notes of rap in common, the show is radically different than Miranda’s latest hit. This musical also combines hip hop and Latin-inspired song. It’s perfect for when you need a good beat.
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Triple-threat (composer/lyricist/playwright) Jason Robert Brown is no stranger to shattering traditional Broadway stereotypes. His critically-acclaimed show, “The Last 5 Years”, dives into the relationship between an average husband and wife. The twist? One is telling their story from beginning-to-end while the other tells their story from end-to-beginning. The music is jam-packed with witty, modern, all-too-relatable duets that are so good you won’t know how to stop listening.
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Fans of punk rock will have a field day with this one. Set to the music of Green Day, “American Idiot” includes familiar tunes such as “Wake Me Up When September Ends”, “Holiday” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”. Whether you’re a feeling a little angsty or simply in the mood to ditch Rodgers and Hammerstein for something a little more... hardcore, “American Idiot” is always a great choice.
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This season’s Tony-nominated “Bright Star” brings bluegrass to Broadway. Is there anything better? Created by Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin!) and Edie Brickell, this show covers themes of love, loss, regret and hope. These Country-inspired, banjo-clad tunes are your next obsession if you’re into bands like “Mumford and Sons”.
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Everyone needs a good cry. At least do it to some Jason Robert Brown music. Brown’s adaptation of the film our moms love to watch is strikingly beautiful. It’s full of slow, soulful ballads that are unlike any other show to take the stage. Add the vocals of Kelli O'Hara and Steven Pasquale and what more could you need? You’ll certainly dig this one if you’re in a melancholy mood.
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This show combines rock and roll with power ballads that you’ll be singing to for days. Looking for music to dance around you house to while you belt at the top of your lungs? Let Neil Patrick Harris help you channel your inner Hedwig!
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With a simple love story at its core, “Once” proves that less is often more. Its small-scale orchestra mirrors live music that you might find in a cozy Irish pub. It’s folk-y style, encompassing the perfect amount of guitar and violin, makes this the perfect soundtrack to studying, strolling or spending time with someone you love.
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What to do: They may ask you to put your hands on their “womb space” while they focus on some grounding breaths. Do not. I repeat DO NOT engage. Also, three words for you: Noise. Cancelling. Headphones. Pop those suckers in your ears, enjoy a meditative space and focus on your own (hopefully less intrusive) warm ups.
What to do: Trust that you’ve done your homework. Your choices and unique energy will differentiate you from the crowd. If anything, take it as a reminder that you need to bring your own essence into the character. Yes my friends, as cliche as it sounds, always be yourself.
What to do: Similar to Doppelganger. Trust that your take will be enough to differentiate yourself. Also, it might be worth an emergency revisiting of your tool kit. Experiment with “Playing Opposites” (aka, making choices for your character that are opposite of expected...like playing with having the character laugh after your being told that their mom died,r whispering when the script says “scream”). Chances are, Mr. Doppelganger is making obvious, boring choices. Do not be like Mr. Doppelganger, be the opposite
What to do: Don’t indulge them. Also don’t let yourself catch their crummy energy. Get as far away as you can (while still being able to hear if they call you. Obvs.) Maybe do some meditating or listen to a song that gets you in the zone.
What to do: They may have a fancier resume but y’all are still here at the same audition. The playing field is level. Just get in there, do the work, and peace out, girl scout
What to do: Say something along the lines of “You know, I think I’m up soon. So I don’t think we’d have time.” Do not let someone’s lack of preparation distract you from your own warm up time. You’re not being mean, you’re being smart. You’re here because you are ready to work your butt off and book the role. This person, however, is not. Running lines with someone who is prepared and ready can be stimulating and full of discoveries. Running lines with someone just to help them get the lines right is doing nothing but costing you time and energy. Sidenote: this actually happened to me at college auditions. Dude...you knew this day was coming for like months.
Whether it’s Shakespeare, Simon, Sophocles, or Sorkin. Whether you just graduated grade school or Yale University. If you don’t have your lines memorized, your fellow actors will have (to quote the aforementioned Billy Shakes) “no more faith in thee than in a stewed prune.”
Having a friend or fellow cast member with you can keep you accountable, I mean who doesn't want to look good in front of their peers. Even better, invite your scene partner to go through lines with you. Not only will this help you get off book, but odds are you will get comfortable with each other during the process. This will reap further rewards when it's time to perform together on stage.
*Just make sure the friend is someone you know will help keep you accountable, not the one who just wants to talk about last nights GoT.
I have nothing against D.M. Larson or Kellie Powell, but I have all their monologues memorized now. Time to read some more plays, people!
You just came up with that monologue on the spot? I had no idea…
Please don’t look me in the eyes while you perform a monologue about “me” attacking you.
Your monologue was hilarious, but I don’t think Hamlet is supposed to be funny…
You would think people would censor themselves with teachers in the room… alas… they do not.
I’m starting to think this monologue is about short-term memory loss. If it is… brilliant.
This one is only unfortunate because the seniors are going to whine that they were beat out by a freshman.
The senioritis is strong with this one… so I’m giving your part to a freshman.
You can act and sing too?! Great, now who’s going to build the set?
You’re so sick that you weren’t at school today, but theatre is life, so… wipe your nose and try not to cough on the directors.
At any moment these students think a shark will appear and eat them whole. (I have yet to see this shark).
Thank you for signing up last too… I was hoping to wait around for no one.
I really want to cast you… unfortunately the only character you can play doesn’t really fit in this show.
Must every original monologue be a dark and depressing window into your inner-thoughts?
Remember, you’re allowed to act and sing simultaneously!
Don’t worry, we’ll put you in the back.
I can’t cast you when you’re failing everything except Theatre and Choir.
Anyone who watches “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” knows that the writers of the show love a good broadway reference. Titus Andromadon, Kimmy’s would-be actor roommate (played by Broadway veteran Tituss Burgess) who moonlights as a werewolf/waiter is always ready with a pithy jab at James Monroe Iglehart (aka Genie in Aladdin) or improvisational compositions such as “Outside bones, outside bones, never forget your teeth are outside bones.” Titus is our broadway-diva-spirit-animal who suffers wardrobe malfunctions, audition struggles, and occasionally a little cultural misappropriation. He reminds us that you don’t actually have to be in a show to sing on Broadway. He is the theatre nerd everyman that we all need and love. So, in an unabashed celebration of Titus and all of his glory...
From wearing a silk robe at home to a “Baby Slut” T-shirt in public, Titus certainly knows how to pull off an outfit no one else — literally no one else — can.
Kimmy and Titus certainly have some ups and downs over the course of the series, but they always patch things up in the end.
We feel you, Titus. We really feel you.
It isn’t easy to be super confident when you’re constantly being rejected audition after audition. But through it all, Titus retains his sense of self and that arrogant swagger we’ve all grown to love.
All. The. Sass.
Anyone who watches “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” knows that the writers of the show love a good broadway reference. Titus Andromadon, Kimmy’s would-be actor roommate (played by Broadway veteran Tituss Burgess) who moonlights as a werewolf/waiter is always ready with a pithy jab at James Monroe Iglehart (aka Genie in Aladdin) or improvisational compositions such as “Outside bones, outside bones, never forget your teeth are outside bones.” Titus is our broadway-diva-spirit-animal who suffers wardrobe malfunctions, audition struggles, and occasionally a little cultural misappropriation. He reminds us that you don’t actually have to be in a show to sing on Broadway. He is the theatre nerd everyman that we all need and love. So, in an unabashed celebration of Titus and all of his glory...
Here are 10 reasons why Titus Andromedon is the best character on TV right now:
1. He doesn’t need a costume designer to show off his fabulous style.
From wearing a silk robe at home to a “Baby Slut” T-shirt in public, Titus certainly knows how to pull off an outfit no one else — literally no one else — can.
2. He is a deeply loyal friend — despite sometimes being a bad one.
Kimmy and Titus certainly have some ups and downs over the course of the series, but they always patch things up in the end.
3. He’s fiercely driven towards his Broadway dreams, but knows when enough is enough for one day.
We feel you, Titus. We really feel you.
4. He knows when to treat himself. With three pizzas. For one person.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVByzL8VfGQ If this isn’t a relatable jingle, I don’t know what is.5. He personally turned the words “Pinot Noir” from a humdrum red wine to a cultural phenomenon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6yttOfIvOw Pinot Noir, leather bar, oh-so-close and yet so far. You’re welcome and I’m sorry — that song’s going to be in your head for the rest of the day.6. He’s willing to go the extra (and super weird) mile to get a role.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBSFZbm2cto Forget Disney’s acclaimed “Lion King,” this is the show we’d all like to see on the Great White Way!7. He doesn’t doubt how perfectly awesome he is.
It isn’t easy to be super confident when you’re constantly being rejected audition after audition. But through it all, Titus retains his sense of self and that arrogant swagger we’ve all grown to love.
8. He isn’t afraid to improvise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taA5bbLpA0s FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT! Titus might have been sick as a dog when performing this off-the-cuff jingle at an audition, but anyone who equates teeth with bats that hang from your face is an actual genius. Trident, take note.9. He knows how to exit a room
All. The. Sass.
10. He has big-time “Hamilton” dreams, just like the rest of us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F--W1BWeME Rap, rap, rappity, rap. Even though Titus said in a previous episode that the “Hamilton” show creators are “prejudiced because I can't rap or walk quickly in a circle,” he puts his own Titus spin on the show and auditions anyway. A callback is unlikely, but none of us are complaining.What’s your favorite Titus moment? What are you looking forward to next season? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => Why Titus Andromedon Is The Best Character On TV Right Now [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => why-titus-andromedon-is-the-best-character-on-tv-right-now [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://theatrenerds.com/stages-of-trying-to-memorize-the-hamilton-album/ [post_modified] => 2016-08-19 11:35:12 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-08-19 15:35:12 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3615 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3750 [post_author] => 639 [post_date] => 2016-08-15 12:18:20 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-08-15 16:18:20 [post_content] => Before and between musicals such as Wicked and Hamilton, there were many musicals that had very short runs and have since been forgotten about. Though some of these musicals were critically successful, they did have the commercial success they needed to become breakout hits.Here is a list of five great songs from some shows that have been overlooked:
“Michael in the Bathroom” - Be More Chill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFQ2YeM2ERI This contemporary musical, based on the novel by Ned Vizzini, is the classic tale of a guy in high school who is tired of being a loser. Throw in some robotic pill that has the ability to make you cool, and you have a story. With a score by Joe Iconis, this musical has tons of amazing songs. With only a short run Off Broadway, this musical did not get much commercial success. MIchael in the Bathroom is one of the best tracks from the show because it embodies every teen’s anxiety of just wanting to fit in. The whole album is definitely worth a listen.“Love is a Question Mark” - Taboo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNrUlL1PAZw This musical is a little out there. Set during the New Romantics scene, it’s the story of artists trying to make it in that world, while it also heavily focuses on the life of Boy George. George wrote the music for this show that only had 100 performances, despite its four Tony nods in 2004. Love is a Question Mark is a stand out in this show. Just listen to the harmonies.“Sirens” - Jane Eyre: The Musical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT5HBa6pae8 Ok, before you envision Charlotte Bronte rolling over in her grave, just hear me out. No, I do not think this is the best idea for a musical. At least it wasn’t Wuthering Heights, right? Anyway, this musical was only open for six months. It was nominated for five Tony awards and has now barely been spoken about since. Best song by far in the musical is “Sirens”, which is great portrayal of Jane and Rochester’s love story. This show’s musical style is very reminiscent of other musicals, such as Les Mis. Very dramatic and very satisfying.“One Knight” - Wonderland: A New Alice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWUnmEyp_wk This is probably one of the most random songs on the list. With only 33 official performances in 2011, this musical came and went very quickly. The musical tells the story about Alice after Wonderland and how she has to go back. No, this is not a musical version of Through the Looking-Glass. Anywho, this track is a huge hidden gem. Think Backstreet Boys in Wonderland. That is what this song is. Enjoy.“Louder Than Words” - Tick, Tick...Boom!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHBMxhxMYIg I left this song for last because the composer of this musical is extremely well know, has multiple Tony Awards under his belt, and has won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. All of these awards were won for Rent. Yes, this musical was composed and written by Jonathan Larson. Before Rent came Tick, Tick...Booom!, Larson’s semi-autobiographical musical about his struggle to become a successful composer. This show has yet to have an official run on Broadway. One of the last songs in the musical, “Louder Than Words” is both triumphant and a bit sad. If you love Rent, you’ll definitely love this track.
[post_title] => 5 Amazing Songs From Lesser Known Musicals
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It’s that time again! Summer is preparing to take its final bows and make way for Autumn to take the stage. Which means it’s time to prepare for your role reprisal as you return to the halls and classrooms of your high school/college. And what better place to look for style inspirations than the stages of Broadway and the West End?
Here are a few back to school pieces inspired by the stage:
Hamilton
Let everyone know you are not throwing away your shot by giving your look some revolutionary flare with a military inspired jacket. Or decorate your room or new dorm Founding Fathers style with some patriotic accessories.
Macy’s In Awe of You by Awesomeness TV Juniors' Military-Style Blaze
Urban Outfitters Large American Flag Tapestry
Her Shot Tote Bag (from right here at our Theatre Nerds Swag Shop)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Potter fever has returned with the release of the new stage show on the West End. While we all wish Hogwarts were a real school (I don’t remember them ever having to take Calculus) we can bring a little of Hogwarts to the muggle world. So break out your house colors and keep your pumpkin juice fresh.
Barnes & Noble Harry Potter Marauder’s Map Insulated Tumbler 24 oz
Hot Topic Harry Potter Varsity Hoodie
An American in Paris
Paris is always a good idea, both for musicals and style. Try a Parisian chic look or some ballet inspired apparel as you head back into the halls of academia.
H&M Long-sleeved T-shirt
Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Elastic Cross-Strap Flat
Rifle Paper Co. I Love Paris Everyday Iphone 6 Clear Case
School of Rock
Get ready to fight the man and pledge your loyalty to the band. Show that you’ve done your music homework as you prepare for your school’s Battle of the Bands with these rock inspired pieces.
Hot Topic Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon Tour T-Shirt
ModCloth Be With You in a Spinet Bag
Romeo and Juliet
I just couldn’t leave out The Bard, especially with Kenneth Branagh’s version of the beloved Shakespearean classic wrapping up it’s run in the West End. Float through the halls of your school like a dreamy Juliet or join the King’s Players as you brush up on your Elizabethan vocabulary.
Kathleen White Floral Maxi Dress
ModCloth A Man for All Elizabethans Men’s Tee
Prepare your monologues and brush up for your fall production auditions as you head back to school, daydreaming about the theatre and the city that never sleeps.
Have an item to add to the list? Leave a reply below…
[post_title] => Back To School Gear Inspired By Broadway [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => back-to-school-gear-inspired-by-broadway [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-08-19 11:15:27 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-08-19 15:15:27 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3753 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3729 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2016-08-13 09:43:46 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-08-13 13:43:46 [post_content] => [viralQuiz id=13] [post_title] => Quiz: Are You The Ultimate "Phantom" Phan? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => are-you-the-ultimate-phantom-phan [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-07-11 18:21:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-07-11 22:21:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3729 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3691 [post_author] => 12 [post_date] => 2016-08-11 09:19:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-08-11 13:19:23 [post_content] =>Tired phrases such as: auditioning is your job, booking is just the cherry on top; actors have to have tough skin; or, never compare, never despair, run through my mind as I sob. I feel guilt and shame for letting it get to me, I should know better.As a young actress right out of college, I attended an acting workshop in New York called The Artist’s Crossing. I sat wide-eyed clinging to each and every word uttered out of the speaker’s mouths during a discussion panel chock full of Broadway and television actors . An eager student asked the panelists, “How do you deal with rejection?” At first I was surprised by the query. “Rejection? These actors? But they’re all so successful, what do they know about rejection anymore?” However, as each of the panelists guffawed or exhaled knowingly at the question at hand, it became clear that no matter where one is at in their career, the loathsome beast that is rejection never goes away. After a pregnant pause, one prominent TV actor succinctly answered, “Häagen-Dazs.” When the laughter subsided, the rest of the panel actors spoke on the subject. “Count your blessings, cut your losses and cheer up.” Another offered up faith as an answer; faith in both life and the profession itself. “You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. You are doing the best you can. If you don’t get a job, you weren’t supposed to.” Another suggested, “When you’re having a bad day go and help someone else.” Then there was this lovely nugget, “If you don’t let go, you are holding onto a scenario in which you are the loser.” And one of my personal favorites: “Don’t audition for them anymore, do it for yourself. Whatever you feel like doing- you do it.” That panel discussion was almost ten years ago and though the amount of rejection I’ve faced in my own career is countless, I can count (on one hand) how many times I’ve let the rejection break me down and reduce me to a blubbering mess. The first time was after a sound-alike callback for an iconic animated character for an even greater iconic studio. My agent laughed gleefully as she played the sound clip of the previous actor who’d voiced the role- it sounded identical to my voice. My agent was optimistic, I was optimistic; this was going to be it- my big break. …Or, not so much. Turns out, my voice was a teensy bit younger-sounding than the role called for. But, if that role wasn’t the one for me then what was? Never had there been a more perfect opportunity. I was shattered. I sat on my brand new white Ikea loveseat, balled myself up, and shamelessly cried for an hour. The second time I cried over rejection was a year later when the same movie franchise decided to introduce a sister character- this had to be it. Why else would the Universe have put me through all that turmoil before if it weren’t for an impending triumphant victory? The callback came and it was down to me and one other girl- a television celebrity. Once again, hopes were high, the feedback was outstanding, and once again, I was not offered the part. I crawled onto my trusty Ikea loveseat, not as white as it once was before, and yet again, I wailed like an infant.
The third, and last (so far) was very recent. Story old as time- this was it, the role of a lifetime, the breakthrough moment for my career. The creator of the show, members of the cast and the casting directors applauded as I exited the soundproof recording booth, they shared their accolades and ended with, “We’ll see you soon.”
Weeks went by and I never heard a thing. Like all auditions, this too had an expiration date. I gave it a lengthy one to take into account the holidays- but enough time had passed that I knew that this too had spoiled. My loveseat, now so dingy, coffee stained, and threadbare that it’s tucked away in the bedroom where guests can’t see its unworthiness. Ragged and sad as it may be, it’s still there to cradle me as I climb into its old loving embrace to shed my ritual tears and mourn for the possibilities lost.
Tired phrases such as: auditioning is your job, booking is just the cherry on top; actors have to have tough skin; or, never compare, never despair, run through my mind as I sob. I feel guilt and shame for letting it get to me, I should know better. But then I think of the hundreds of auditions that I didn’t cry for.
If you think about it, each audition is a dream. A possibility. We visualize ourselves in each part we get to try out for, we envision the booking, the moment our phone rings, the conversation with our family, or let’s face it, sometimes the gleeful boasting. We imagine the money for some jobs, sometimes it’s the project we’re excited about, and other times it’s the role, but most of the time we’re just happy to have work, period.
The loss of these possibilities deserves to be mourned from time to time; maybe it’s just more effective to do so in bulk. Because each time we mourn a loss, after we’ve wrung out all the sadness, we get to buck up, wipe away the tears and tell ourselves that dream just wasn’t it- but maybe the next time it will be. It’s with this newfound sense of strength that we are able to stand up again and face another hundred rejections without so much as a flinch.
It’s true that no matter where we are in our careers there will always be rejection; it’s also true that no matter where we are in our careers we’ll always be striving to get to the next rung on the ladder. For all of this, we know we must put on the all- elusive thick skin. But first, I’ll pick myself up of my off-off-white loveseat, shuffle towards the car, drive to Ralphs, and pick up a pint of Häagen-Dazs.
Have any rejection stories, tips, or favorite flavor of rejection ice cream? Leave a reply below...
[post_title] => Häagen-Dazs & The Art Of Dealing With Rejection [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => haagen-dazs-the-art-of-dealing-with-rejection [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-08-19 10:57:09 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-08-19 14:57:09 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3691 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3541 [post_author] => 391 [post_date] => 2016-08-09 09:48:11 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-08-09 13:48:11 [post_content] => Throughout the years, Broadway has had an incredible legacy of baritones, including Jerry Orbach, Terrence Mann, and Hugh Jackman, just to name a few. However, rock tenors and high belters dominate the contemporary musical theatre scene. Does the Impossible Dream of finding fresh baritone rep leave you Lost In the Stars? Here are 10 overlooked baritone audition songs to consider.1. “The Kid Inside” from Is There Life After High School?
This musical, whose characters recall high school experiences, premiered on Broadway in 1982. The opening song “The Kid Inside” was recorded by Barry Manilow for his album Showstoppers. This song is best suited for more lyrical baritones, especially those in their 20s and early 30s. Range: B2-G4 (in falsetto). GET SHEET MUSIC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBZ14M-TzH82. “It Took Me A While” from John & Jen.
This two-person musical by Andrew Lippa ran Off-Broadway in 1995, and was revived in New York last year. This song plays as John comes of age and decides to join the Navy. This show’s style is reminiscent of other Off-Broadway shows such as The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown. Range: B2-F#4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmbn9HEWCOw3. “No Other Way” from Tarzan.
This adaptation of Disney’s Tarzan (1999) premiered on Broadway in 2006. A new song written for the musical, “No Other Way” is sung by Kerchak after he exiles Tarzan from the gorilla clan. This number is great for robust baritone voices seeking to eventually play roles such as Javert or the Phantom. Range: C3-Gb4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaR7FtAxzJI4. “Love Sneaks In” from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
This musical, based on the 1988 film of the same name, premiered in San Diego in 2004 before transferring to Broadway in 2005. The character Lawrence sings “Love Sneaks In” after he takes the soap queen Christine to the train station, and realizes he has feelings for her. This crooner-type of ballad is appropriate in auditions for baritone-heavy shows such as The Music Man and Guys and Dolls. Range: G2-D4. GET SHEET MUSIC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkWvy05HjUc5. “Why Does She Love Me?” from Love Never Dies.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to his long-running musical The Phantom of the Opera on West End in 2010. This song, sung at the start of Act II, is about Raoul contemplating his troubled marriage with Christine. This song is a safe choice for auditioning for pop-opera shows such as Les Miserables. Range: Bb2-F4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPjQjdz_sVM6. “In Every Age” from Titanic.
This musical by Maury Yeston opened on Broadway in 1997. The opening number “In Every Age” is sung by the Titanic’s designer Thomas Andrews, who marvels at Titanic being humanity’s next great accomplishment. Range: A2-G4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyX52AF5QMU7. “I Rise Again” from On the Twentieth Century.
This musical premiered on Broadway in 1978 and was revived last year in New York. The song “I Rise Again” is sung by Oscar, a selfish impresario who tries to convince his colleagues that he will regain success even after four flops. This song is great for more classical shows and operetta such as Gilbert and Sullivan. Range: B2-E4. GET SHEET MUSIC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v72A_diorlw8. “Funny” from City of Angels.
This musical, inspired by film noir motion pictures, premiered on Broadway in 1989. In the number “Funny,” the character Stine experiences the collapse of his real and fictional worlds. The conversational nature and slight dissonance both make this song fitting for a Sondheim or Jason Robert Brown audition. Range: Bb2-F4. GET SHEET MUSIC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdo1PkzpKCQ9. “At Night She Comes Home to Me” from Baby.
The musical Baby, which opened on Broadway in 1983, is about three couples each expecting a child. In the song “At Night She Comes To Me,” the sports instructor Nick sings about his free-spirited and athletic wife, Pam. Range: Db3-Eb4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipjo9bWYnB010. “Guido’s Song” from Nine.
This musical premiered on Broadway in 1982, was revived in 2003, and became a feature film in 2009. In this song, Guido Contini, a film director suffering from a midlife crisis, struggles to distinguish his ambitious interior world from reality. This song is not only great for auditions, but it makes a showy cabaret number, as well. Range: G#2-G4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRFfRS06eIkIs there a song that you think should be on this list? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => 10 Overlooked Audition Songs For Baritones [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 10-overlooked-audition-songs-for-baritones [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-08-26 11:50:05 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-08-26 15:50:05 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3541 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 6 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2535 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2016-08-08 09:42:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-08-08 13:42:08 [post_content] => When we think of plays and musicals, most of us immediately think of the big cities doing the big productions. What’s the new hit musical? What popular play will every high school and college want to do next year? Popular plays are great and they definitely attract large crowds, but why is this? People are drawn to the plays they know. This doesn’t leave much room to “broaden horizons” and “consider new perspectives.” We can’t just blame audiences either… (most) theatres are choosing pieces that they know will attract audiences. After all, people are going to buy tickets for Into the Woods or Noises Off before they see an unknown show, so theatres would be silly to pass up this guaranteed revenue. Here’s my question for you… what if things were different? What if our society and culture decided over night that new plays are more exciting than seeing Wicked for the eleventh time? Regardless of what brings you to theatre, acting, design, directing, producing, or attending as an audience member, I want to convince you how new plays will benefit your theatrical experience.Actors & Designers
This is one of the few times actors and designers are clumped together, but their experience with new plays tends to be similar. Whenever you find out your next show, you immediately research the show. You check for past productions, see how other actors played your part and see how sets and other technical elements were executed. This is a great practice in knowing what’s successful, but in a way you’re cheating yourself. You are taking away the creative power from yourself and relying on past productions. Well known performers like Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel set the standard for the lead roles in Wicked. I can bet you’d be disappointed if you got tickets for Hamilton and Lin-Manuel Miranda happened to be sick that night. We crave the originals. With new plays, you are the standard. Actors create the role and designers create the world. There is no greater challenge than a new play, but that just means there is no greater accomplishment.Directors & Producers
You are the big dogs making the big decisions. Directors are always trying to find new concepts and new ways of presenting old plays and old ideas. What if I told you that you could present these same new concepts, but with new plays and new ideas? You might also be involved with the development of the play. Make a lasting mark on the theatre community by proving that your interpretation of a play is how every theatre will want to portray that same play. Producers, you are so misunderstood in the theatre world. People think it’s all about money for you, but all the best producers are artists themselves. You are the biggest encouragers in theatre world. You listen to the people and you decide what they want, but are you always deciding what they need? I’m not saying you can’t still do Fiddler on the Roof next season. If you say your town will love it… I believe you. What I am saying is that you should consider adding some new plays to that season. There are thousands of plays and playwrights that would be a perfect addition to your season and they just need someone to believe in them and give them a chance. Without new plays, the future of theatre is doomed to reruns. Invest in the future of theatre and invest in new plays.Playwrights & Dramaturgs
I didn’t mention you guys earlier because this article is dedicated to you! You are the gateway to our future and we need to have faith in you! Sometimes you’ll get one thousand rejections before that single “yes,” but that one yes makes up for everything else. People want to hear what you have to say and they need to hear what you have to say. Never stop creating and never stop advocating.Audience
Alright theatre audience, I saved the most important one for last (don’t tell the others). First of all, thank you for making theatre happen. Without the audience, theatre doesn’t exist. Everything we do is for our audience, so you have more power than you think. Here’s what you can do, go see new plays. It sounds simple enough, but audience members find new plays to be a gamble. Which they are! New plays should be a gamble. If we kept doing the stuff we know will work, it’s not really new anymore is it? Then we’re becoming Hollywood. Poor Hollywood, they’re so afraid of change and progress that they’ve limited themselves to sequels, prequels, and remakes. Is there no imagination left in Hollywood? Maybe not, but that’s why new plays are thriving more than ever. People want the challenge and people want the newest ideas. Help keep the theatre alive and thriving. Seek out new plays and tell your theatres to seek out new plays! Now don’t get me wrong. I love the classics. I myself have seen Les Miserables seven times, Phantom of the Opera four times, and almost every Shakespeare play. The classics should not be forgotten. But… and you knew there was going to be a but… each of these plays and musicals had their own start. Each of these plays and musicals started out small and worked their way up. You never know what gem you might stumble across. You never know which new classic is right in your backyard. Each new play has the potential to enhance careers, provide a new perspective, and most importantly… make a change. Support our future by supporting new plays.Have your own take? Leave a reply below...
[post_title] => The Importance Of New Plays [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => the-importance-of-new-plays [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-08-08 09:47:50 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-08-08 13:47:50 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=2535 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw ) [7] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3520 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2016-08-06 10:48:15 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-08-06 14:48:15 [post_content] =>[viralQuiz id=11]
[post_title] => Quiz: How Much Of A Theatre Nerd Are You? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-much-of-a-theatre-nerd-are-you [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-07-11 18:22:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-07-11 22:22:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3520 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3571 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2016-08-04 11:04:18 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-08-04 15:04:18 [post_content] => I had the privilege of sitting down for an interview with Phantom of the Opera's Ali Ewoldt. Ali joined the cast as Christine Daaé on June 13th, becoming the first Asian-American to play this iconic role. As I entered the stage door of the Majestic theater, I couldn't help but feel like giddy and even a little nervous. For many of us, Broadway is a dream that seems far off, and I only recently started working in this fascinating industry. Once inside the Majestic, the Theatre Nerd crew was ushered into Ali's dressing room, which barely fit the three of us. One thing that always surprises me is how small things are in NYC, especially backstage of Broadway theaters (I Digress). [caption id="attachment_3600" align="alignleft" width="300"] Ali Ewoldt (Christine) & Jordan Donica (Raoul)[/caption]
You never know how these things will go, there are many personalities that exist on the great white way. It didn't take long to discover that Ali was not only amazingly talented but she's also extremely kind and warm-hearted. Though I blabbered on and occasionally appeared star-struck, she answered your questions with thoughtfulness and gave us an amazing inside look at this dream come true. Her generosity and professionalism made it easy for me, and I really enjoyed our chat.
We covered a multitude of topics including her childhood, journey to Broadway, getting the role of Christine, and advice for young actors/actresses wanting to pursue a career in theatre. I hope you enjoy my interview with Ali Ewoldt, thanks for watching!
Follow Ali on twitter: @aliewoldt
Learn more about Ali: aliewoldt.com
Subscribe to Theatre Nerds on YouTube HERE [post_title] => Exclusive Video: Broadway's Ali Ewoldt Answers Your Questions [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => exclusive-video-broadways-ali-ewoldt-answers-your-questions [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-07-06 11:30:59 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-07-06 15:30:59 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3571 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [9] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3495 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2016-08-02 11:16:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-08-02 15:16:08 [post_content] =>1. You Get Excited When Auditions Are Announced...
You've been dying to get back in the theatre after a "severe" 3 week break from the last show. New auditions are announced, which means it's game time.
2. And Then Freak Out When You Realize How Much Work You Have To Do...
3. You Spend Days Trying To Find The Perfect Audition Song/Monologue...
4. And Then That Feeling When You FINALLY Find It...
5. The First Few Run-Throughs Are Amazing...
6. Then You Practice So Much You Start To Second Guess Yourself...
7. But It's Too Late To Change, Audition Day Is Here
8. You Arrive At The Theatre Feeling Ready To Do This...
9. And Excited...
10. And Nervous.
11. You Walk In And Stare Down The Competition...
12. No Doubt Finding "That Girl/Guy" Who Always Goes For YOUR Part Is There
13. Waiting Your Turn...For What Feels Like Days
14. When Your Name Is Finally Called...
15. First Up: The Song
16. Then The Monologue.
17. And Finally The Dance.
18. Hard Work Pays Off As You Deliver A Solid Audition....
19. Well, for the most part...
20. Your Audition Is Over, Time To Wait (again) For The Cast List...
21. And Wait For It...
22. Did We Mention Waiting Can Take You To Some Dark Places?
22. And Then When It's Finally Posted...
23. You Get The Part You Wanted...
24. Or, A Part That You "Kinda" Wanted
25. Or, You'll Be Eating Ice Cream Every Night For A Couple Weeks...
Whatever The Case, We Can All Agree That The Audition Process Is Pretty Much Torture.
But We Keep Coming Back For More...
Have another reason? Leave a comment below...
[post_title] => 25 Reasons Why The Audition Process Is Pretty Much Torture [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => reasons-why-the-audition-process-is-pretty-much-torture [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-08-02 11:18:12 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-08-02 15:18:12 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3495 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw ) [10] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3258 [post_author] => 12 [post_date] => 2016-08-01 11:19:30 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-08-01 15:19:30 [post_content] => UPDATED: Now The 15 Best Apps For Actors As actors, we often juggle many titles and responsibilities to stay afloat. We regularly act as our own PR department, assistant, researcher, secretary, personal trainer, and self-help guru. Because we need to be all of these things and more we could use a little help now and then. I asked around and here are some favorite tech tools amongst the acting community.1. Coach.me
Being an actor is all about determination and since we don’t have a boss to tell us what to do and when to do it- we have to be self-starters. One way to stay on top of your career and stay productive is to download Coach.me. It’s like having a Life Coach in your pocket. You can set goals for yourself in any category such as lose weight, quit a bad habit, be productive, personally grow, eat healthy, etc. Once you pick a category there are a ton of suggestions for reaching that goal. Coach.me will even check in with you to make sure you’re not slacking. Visit coach.me2. Actor Genie
This cool app keeps track of what’s casting and who’s casting it (NY and LA only) for Film, TV, and Commercials. Plus it keeps track of details like the storyline, casting info, and who the CDs (casting directors) and assistants are for each project. There’s also a contact bank for CDs, Agents and Managers. Visit Actor Genie3. TwistedWave
Out of town and need to record a voice over audition on the fly? This audio editor and recorder app is a go-to for pros. If you upgrade to premium you can even edit out those breaths! *Bonus tip: Record in your car for maximum sound quality if there’s no VO booth available. Visit TwistedWave4. Grammarly
Whether you’re gearing up to send a ton of email submissions, or you just don’t want to embarrass yourself when you’re corresponding back and forth with your agent, you need Grammarly. Download it into your browser and this handy dandy app grammar proofs everything you write on the web- whether you’re updating your website, posting your latest on-set moments to Facebook, or composing an email, Grammarly will check your grammar and spelling. It’s positively the best way to maintain that polished professional edge. Visit Grammarly5. Waze
Debating taking the 101 vs. side streets to get to that audition? Waze will let you know the moment-to-moment most effective way to get there. Not to mention you’ll end up seeing parts of the city you never knew existed- the shortcuts are entertaining at best and the ETA is scarily accurate. Visit Waze6. MileBug
Driving to auditions, classes, workshops and rehearsals can really rack up your mileage. Luckily, you can deduct some of it at tax time. Keep track of those miles with MileBug. This app makes record keeping simple and central for all your vehicles and travel expenses. Next year tax time will be a piece of cake. Visit MileBug7. Duolingo
Because you never know when you walk into a job if they’re gonna ask, “Do you speak French?” (True story) Duolingo is a great way to learn some basics of any language or go all out and hunker down on that one language you’ve been dying to be fluent in. Visit Duolingo8. Pause
Try Pause to Zen-out backstage or to stave off audition room jitters. This handy Tai Chi app brings mindfulness right to your fingertips. Calming music plays as you slowly glide your fingertip across the screen creating mesmerizing images that help you center and focus. Visit Pause9. IDEA (International Dialects of English Archive)
This website has been around forever but just in case you’ve been living under a rock- you’ll be glad you know about it now. This site holds recordings of people all over the world so you can study their dialect. Bust out that phonetic alphabet, listen, and you’ll be ready to knock out that Turkish accent in no time. Visit IDEA10. Evernote
Keep forgetting to follow up with that casting director? Use Evernote to remind yourself of important things like rehearsals with your scene partner and picking up that fat suit for Saturday night’s sketch show. Evernote not only lets you write notes, it sets reminders, and allows you to save articles you come across on the web to read later. (Like this one!) Visit Evernote11. Shakespeare
Brush up on your Shakespeare with this app. You’ll have all of Shakespeare’s plays, sonnets, and poems in the palm of your hand. Add a daily dose of Shakespearean wisdom to your life with the Shakespeare quote of the day. Visit Shakespeare12. Soliloquy
Need a monologue fast? Nevermind flipping through stacks of plays searching for lengthy paragraphs that can be carefully crafted into a one-minute performance piece- Now you can use the Soliloquy app. Easily browse over a thousand monologues and quickly take note of factors such as length, comedy vs. drama, male vs. female, young adult or mature. That spot on the floor by the ‘Theatre Section’ at the library is finally free for someone to walk by now. Visit Soliloquy13. LineLearner
Learning our lines is not an option, and sometimes we need a little help (motivation). Cue LineLearner. This app allows you to record scenes so you can listen and learn your part. Perhaps the best feature is a prompt button that reminds you of your line if you forget. LineLearner also allows other users to record lines and send them back, essentially making it possible to rehearse with your scene buddy while you are miles apart. Visit LineLearner14. The Amazing Improv Generator
This innovative app allows you to store all your creative ideas for future dramatics. Moreover you can put your spontaneous ideas immediately to the test. This app provides you with a random character, setting, and event all at the push of a button. Not happy with your scene, push the button again. Now that's my kind of app! Visit The Amazing Improv Generator15. AuditionCal
After learning about AuditionCal, we HAD to add it to the list. This app helps you organize the crazy amount of auditions, callbacks, and networking events aspiring actors have. You can add events to a calendar and set custom notifications. AuditionCal also integrates with Apple Maps so you don't have to switch back and forth between apps to plug in directions. Another noteworthy feature is easy social sharing to let your friends and fans know what you're up to. Visit AuditionCalHave an app to add to the list? Leave a reply below...
[post_title] => The 12 Best Apps For Actors [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 12-best-apps-for-actors [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-08-24 10:56:33 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-08-24 14:56:33 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3258 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 10 [filter] => raw ) [11] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3042 [post_author] => 51 [post_date] => 2016-07-28 11:37:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-07-28 15:37:42 [post_content] =>Often overlooked, the set designer creates a character which should live and breath and grow amongst the living characters that surround them.I was watching Sex and the City was the first time I considered the idea that a set could be integral to storytelling in the same way an actor is. Carrie told us in her many voice-overs that New York is just as much of a character on the show as she and her friends. Fans of the show can picture Carrie’s brownstone stoop and her closet as clearly as we can picture Miranda’s face. That is when it started to fall into place for me… Who is Eva without her balcony at the Casa Rosada? The Fiddler without a roof? The set designer has the charge of transporting the audience into the world of a show, whether it be to Anatevka in pre-revolutionary Russia or outside of the Casa Rosada. Often overlooked, the set designer creates a character which should live and breath and grow amongst the living characters that surround them. On Tony night I was personally cheering loudly for David Korins, who designed for the hit musical Hamilton.
Korin credits – in addition to “Hamilton” include “Misery,” “Annie,” and “Motown.” His design for Hamilton provides a perfect example of the set growing along with the story. When the curtain rises on act two of the show, the incomplete brick wall that served as the backdrop to the production has grown. New bricks have been laid on the old in a communication of progress though it is subtle. Over the course of the musical, spare chairs give way to more richly detailed Federal-style ones, suggesting the passage of time and the growth of fortunes. These subtle changes make a real, subconscious impression on you as an audience member even if they are not consciously observed.
Set design takes months of intensive labor. Set designers work in collaboration with a lighting designer, tech director, prop master and set shop, all of whose contributions are essential to bring the show to life. But they also have to logistically gather materials and work out how to build, store and transport these pieces. Most of the time the set is built in a shop at a separate location, crafted until every piece is right and then taken apart and brought into the performance space where it is reassembled. The set is then used and abused and largely ignored by the audience until the run ends and the hard work is broken down.
In true Carrie form, I couldn’t help but wonder why, in spite of that fact that this art form, in particular, is so time-consuming and yet so ephemeral, is it worth it to the designer to pour their heart and soul and time into it?
I have tried to put into words my thoughts but Ms. Sherie Rene Scott said it best,
"That's the scary thing about theater—it doesn't live on. But that's actually the most beautiful thing about it, too. That's why it's more beautiful than film and certainly more beautiful than television because it's like life. Real life. Any picture that you take or any video that you make of yourself is not really you, it's only an image that represents the experience you had. In theater, the process of it is the experience. Everyone goes through the process, and everyone has the experience together. It doesn't last—only in people's memories and in their hearts. That's the beauty and sadness of it. But that's life—beauty and the sadness. And that is why theater is life."
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Guest post by Caitlin Du Bois [post_title] => Creating The World Around Us: The Job Of A Set Designer [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => the-job-of-a-set-designer [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-07-28 11:48:45 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-07-28 15:48:45 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3042 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [12] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3446 [post_author] => 395 [post_date] => 2016-07-26 10:15:24 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-07-26 14:15:24 [post_content] => When you first open up the track list to “Hamilton,” it’s clear this is no typical musical meant to be hummed a few times under your breath and then fully committed to memory — yes, life was beautiful then. However, Alexander Hamilton was never one to shy away from a challenge, and neither are diehard fans of this groundbreaking musical.From spitting out a bunch of garbled words to — gasp! — actually grasping a whole tune from beginning to end, here are the 10 stages of trying to memorize the “Hamilton” album:
1. When you feel like it’s completely impossible and you have your work cut out for you.
2. When you start catching onto a phrase or two and consider attending an open call. You’re ready to be the next Aaron Burr, right?
3. When you take countless Snapchats of yourself spitting out 10-second phrases as fast as you can.
4. When your friends tell you to “Sing less, smile more” — and you obviously don’t.
5. When you start knowing enough songs that maybe, juuuuuuust maybe, memorizing the whole album might be within your grasp.
6.When you wish you could be nine people at once so you could do “Non-Stop” justice.
7. When you’re hit with all the feels and you’re crying too hard to sing “Burn.”
8. When you stop caring that you’re openly mouthing lyrics in public.
9. Guns. And. Ships. Speaks for itself. Quickly.
10. When you realize you may never actually memorize every single word, but that’s all part of the fun!
Have you memorized the Hamilton album yet? If not, you better get to WERK!
[post_title] => 10 Stages Of Trying To Memorize The Hamilton Album
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[post_content] => Most people know what slapstick is. When we think of physical comedy, we may think of TV classics such as the pratfalls of Charlie Chaplin or Chevy Chase, the slap-fights of The Three Stooges, or the exaggerated facial reactions of Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett. Using physicality to sell the joke, however, goes all the way back to Commedia dell’Arte in about 1550, when Italian troupes literally cataloged and numbered the funny “bits” (tropes) that could be used over and over, without fail, to produce a laugh. The site Laugh Button identifies some of humanity’s favorite slapstick as shticks like “the fall, the slip, the trip, the collide and the double take.” Commedia dell’Arte is shortened from a name which means “the comedy of the craft of comedic improvisation.” Our famous performers today are still practicing this art!
Modern movies, Broadway shows, TV and youtube shorts frequently use the same reliable comedic routines as those Renaissance Italians, and we’re still laughing--hard. Think of current comedy masters like James Cordon, Melissa McCarthy, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Zach Galifianakis, Jim Carey, Conan O’Brien—they are all masters of what boils down to the Commedia dell’Arte playbook. The comedic actors of Commedia were usually trickster servants called Zanni, from which we get the English word “zany.” The Zanni over time were broken down and divided into various subtypes, like the famous Harlequin that goes back as far as the 14th Century. These masterful performers would have a hundred stock physical joke scenarios memorized so that they could plug them into a scene improvisationally.
The stock jokes, or gags, were called lazzi (pronounced ˈlɑ-tsi) which is the plural of “lazzo,” meaning “joke or witticism.” Mel Gordon’s book, Lazzi: The Comic Routines of the Commedia dell’Arte, categorizes 250 routines from 1550-1750, many of which survive today, some in modified forms. For example, the “Running around the Balcony Lazzo” is just as you’d imagine, and you can see this timeless joke in the Disney ride Pirates of the Caribbean where the pirates are chasing women around the town, but in the next balcony, a large threatening woman has turned the tables and is chasing a pirate around her house with a broom. Some other predictable lazzi are “The Chair” being pulled out from under someone or breaking under them; The Laughter and Tears Lazzo where hilarious laughing turns into crying mid-scene; and the Lazzo of the Foreign Language, where a character is forced to pretend to know another language and makes up gibberish in the style of that language they don’t know, while another character translates the language. This last one is the central comedic situation driving the plot of the famous play The Foreigner, by Larry Shue.
Now let’s look at some fun clips and examples of physical comedy from the modern era that are straight out of the Commedia Lazzi...Classics of TV Comedy:
The very famous I Love Lucy chocolate factory scene relies on physical comedy, where Lucy and her best friend Ethel can’t keep up with the speed of the conveyor belt producing the chocolates they are tasked with wrapping, and come up with “creative” ways to try and fix their conundrum. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NPzLBSBzPI[/embed] If you want more of Lucille Ball, check out “Vitameatavegamin,” where Lucy accidentally gets drunk filming a TV commercial, or “Lucy's Italian Movie,” where she wrestles a local Italian woman in a grape vat! The Three Stooges embody the “lowly” trickster/servant with their slapstick routines as they pinch, slap, poke, swing, fall, and break things on a minute-to-minute basis. A famous scene is where they attempt to fix a doorbell, but end up pulling Moe through a wall attached to the electrical wires. Laurel & Hardy did very similar gimmicks.
“Acrobatics” & Pratfalls:
Saturday Night Live, and in movies and TV shows, Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Chevy Chase are known for their career-spanning pratfalls. They fall and trip and slip and fail to get up to great comedic effects. Pratfalls fall under the lazzo category “Acrobatics,” and there is a specific ladder lazzo that involves falling” from a ladder or wall after being shaken off, shot, or gravitationally abandoned” which can include “desperate attempts not to fall,” and “pratfalls over furniture.” See Steve Martin doing pratfalls in his Pink Panther movies, The Jerk, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Chevy Chase’s early SNL sketch with a ladder is a classic, and his Clark Griswold is a serial pratfall specialist. Martin Short All three doing classic Commedia physical humor together in The Three Amigos, like in this trailer: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZHbUVmtRTE[/embed] Think about this: even the most recent Captain America: Civil War movie used the entrance of teenage Spider Man in a brand new suit to produce physical comedy, making him awkward in his newfound skills against his more polished team members. As he swings and shoots webs, yelling and colliding and trying to “keep up with the big kids,” he’s embodying the Commedia “Acrobatics” style of physical humor. Listening to the crowd in the theatre, it worked!The Dirty Stuff:
Much of Commedia and modern humor is, well, based on dirty humor. Jim Carrey is known for his hilarious (and sometimes disgusting) physical humor. Remember his Ace Ventura Rhino “birth scene,” where he is trapped in and then slowly emerges from the nether region of an African Rhino? There’s also a scene in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls where he helps an African woman give birth by simply pushing on her belly as in CPR, “popping” the baby out and across the room into its father’s arms, umbilical cord still attached. Finally, remember that in Me, Myself & Irene, Carrey pulled off a breastfeeding joke where a nursing mother looks up and suddenly he is also attached to her!? Well, in classic Commedia, believe it or not, there is actually a whole category for sexual and “scatological” humor—that literally means poop and bathroom jokes! And it seems that for good or bad, Jim Carrey is a master of both. If you were doubting it, women do this style of humor too. Bridesmaids actors Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rebel Wilson, and Wendy McLendon-Covey went there with humorous scenes involving diarrhea in the street, mile-high “steam heat” propositions with an Air Marshall, and submarine -sandwich foodie sex in the outtakes.Modern Physical Comedy “It” figures:
James Cordon One Man, Two Guvnors creates an internal fight with himself that becomes physical. His Tony performance of this scene is amazing and explains his wide appeal and current fame. The show launched him to everyday household fame, and now he’s got the Late Show and that wonderful series of in-the-car lip syncs with other celebrities, including Adele, Justin Bieber, Lin Manuel Miranda and other B-way celebs. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcJM1Z3Trfo[/embed] Zach Galifianakis is known for his oddball characters in movies and his own web show “Between Two Ferns” and the TV series Baskets. “On Physical Comedy” is a strange but hilarious casual scene he appears to have recorded on his own, where he is talking seriously about the art and craft of comedy being text-based, yet his chair keeps breaking under him in the oldest Commedia joke in the book. When he gives up and continues from the ground, comics Patton Oswalt & Brian Posehn make an appearance to ridicule him--but they’re wearing only towels and their junk is censored out with the infamous black bar! Plus, the physical comedy of their height different keeps the silliness going. ( A bit of language in this one) [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLdO9lMT7yA[/embed] Melissa McCarthy is a genius of physical comedy and improvisation in such films as Spy, Tammy, The Heat, Identity Thief and Bridesmaids, as well as her recently wrapped TV series Mike & Molly. Other actors and directors attest to her playfulness on camera and the fact that she’s willing to try a scene over and over with different tactics for a laugh. This goes to the heart of the Commedia practice, where the zanni actor knows an entire playbook of moves, shticks, gags, and tropes that can be applied to any situation, and they can (seemingly) effortlessly change it up for the best laughs. Many of her films have outtakes where we get to see these moments, and her pratfalls are some of the best around.
Resources for Students of Theatre
If you’re a theatre student, a relatively famous resource to learn more is The Physical Comedy Handbook by Davis Robinson, (1999) which breaks down physical comedy into different forms and techniques, and guides readers through “how to” exercises to help anyone develop their sense of comedy and play.
In addition, The Routledge Companion to Commedia dell'Arte, 2014, is a full-sized university text covering a thorough grounding in the subject by Judith Chaffee and Olly Crick. “From Commedia dell’Arte came archetypal characters that are still with us today, such as Harlequin and Pantalone, and the rediscovered craft of writing comic dramas and masked theatre. From it came the forces that helped create and influence Opera, Ballet, Pantomime, Shakespeare, Moliere, Lopes de Vega, Goldoni, Meyerhold, and even the glove puppet, Mr. Punch.”
[post_title] => Make ‘Em Laugh: Tracing Modern Physical Comedy Back To Commedia dell’arte
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[post_title] => Which Iconic Broadway Star Are You?
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[post_content] => All artists have a set of tools. A painter has their canvasses and brushes. A photographer has her camera. A musician has their instrument. But as actors, we only have one tool…our bodies.
Because of this, a huge amount of attention is placed on our appearance. Much more than if we were doctors or teachers. Add in societal pressures of what the “perfect body” looks like, and this attention can quickly turn to obsession.
Many actors can attest to the impact that the industry has had on their body image:
When I was 17, I weighed, like, 98 pounds. I was totally obsessed with everything I put in my mouth. I was way too skinny. Not cute. And my body wasn't that healthy -- my hands would cramp up a lot because I wasn't getting the nutrition I needed. That constant pressure of wanting something different than I had? I regret that. -Hilary Duff
I was told I was fat for the first time when I was eight. I'm not fat; I've never been fat. But ever since then, there has been a monster in my brain that tells me I am—that convinces me my clothes don't fit or that I've eaten too much. At times it has forced me to starve myself, to run extra miles, to abuse my body.” -Zosia Mamet
A lot of girls have eating disorders, and I did too. I got obsessed with it. When I went from a girl's body to a woman's body with natural fat in places, I freaked out -Jessica Alba
I was bulimic when I was 14, it was clearly about getting out of myself and isolation. Feeling inadequate and unpleasant. -Russell Brand
I'd look in the mirror and still see an 180-lb. guy, even though I was 138 pounds. For many years, I was obsessed with what I was eating, how many calories it had, and how much exercise I'd have to do. -Dennis Quaid
My Story
I myself can personally relate to many of these actors. During my time in my BFA program, there were months where I was thinking more about food than I was about acting. I’d be in watching my classmates in scenes, all the while calculating in my head what I should have for lunch, trying to take into account whether or not I would walk the 3 miles back to my apartment, or take the subway. Measuring out whether I could have a cracker with my soup, or croutons on my salad. I’d severely restrict my food for days only to binge and eat everything I could think of. It was awful. I had gotten it into my head that if I could just look a certain way if I could just lose X amount of pounds, then (and only then) I would be able to be a professional actor. But I was abusing my body, my only tool, and my work was suffering for it. Riddled with insecurity, it was impossible to work without second guessing everything. I felt foolish in scenes where I played a love interest because I didn’t think I was attractive. Looking back, I wonder what would have happened if I had put half, heck even 10%, of the brainpower that I was putting towards my body and used it to instead focus on my craft. It’s so important for us to maintain a healthy relationship with our body, and unfortunately, we’re in an industry that doesn’t make this easy. The turning point for me was when I finally went to my school’s health center and talked to a doctor about my anxiety. She put me in touch with a support group offered by my school that was specifically for body anxiety and eating disorders, which I started attending weekly. The most valuable thing I got from this appointment was validation that what I was going through was real and treatable. It reassured me that I didn’t have to feel this way forever. If my story, or the above quotes, sound familiar, you’re not alone. Go to https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/. They have tons of resources and will help you find support in your area.Everyone is different, but here is a list of things that I found particularly helpful for me.
1. Yoga
I found a donation-based studio in my area started taking 2 classes a week. I never felt as good after exercise as I did after yoga. I always left feeling blissed-out, balanced, and my anxiety levels were significantly lowered.2. I stopped weighing myself
You can read more about this here. This was by far the best thing I ever did for my relationship with my body. When I was weighing myself, I was focusing only on a number on the scale. When I stopped, it forced me to actually listen to my body and stop the daily judgment of stepping on the scale. I’m serious, you guys. Please give this a try.3. Make a Self-Love list
Make a list of every compliment you’ve ever received. Include personal accomplishments, positive reviews, and anything else you can think of that gives you a little boost of pride. Keep these in a journal or binder and review on a daily basis.4. Thank your body
At the end of the day, go through and thank your body for all of its hard work. “Thank you, legs, for helping me get to class on time.” “Thank you, arms, for carrying my books.” “Thank you, throat, for helping me speak clearly and confidently.” Acknowledging that your body does amazing things every day will help to keep your focus away from how your body looks.5. Channel that energy into your craft
Imagine what it would be like to take all the energy spent on criticizing our bodies and instead, dedicate it to furthering our craft? When I would feel myself getting sucked down a wormhole of negative self-talk, I would pick up my favorite play. Or watch my favorite actor’s best performance. Or write about my dreams and goals in my journal. Distract yourself in a way that will keep you inspired and focused on what’s important.6. Get support!
Like I said above, giving yourself the validation that what you are going through is real and deserving of support and help can be a huge step forward. https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ Acting is amazing. It inspires empathy, connection, and a sense of community. Theatre gives voice to the voiceless and tells stories that remind us that we’re not alone. It influences how people think and feels about the world. This power far transcends the physical body. It comes from vulnerability, the free expression of emotion and the human experience. This is what actors have the power to do. I can’t think of many things that are more beautiful than that~ [post_title] => The Actor's Body Anxiety: Learning To Love Your Most Valuable Tool [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => actors-body-anxiety [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-07-21 10:12:41 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-07-21 14:12:41 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3301 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [16] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3388 [post_author] => 391 [post_date] => 2016-07-19 12:28:04 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-07-19 16:28:04 [post_content] => From Eponine to Elphaba, contemporary musical theatre offers a wide range of thrilling mezzo/belt roles in to choose from. Songs such as “On My Own” and “Defying Gravity” continue to thrill audiences around the world. However, while these songs (and similar ones) are popular showcase pieces, casting directors are getting tired of hearing them at audition rounds. In fact, it is not uncommon for actors to be dismissed from auditions simply for choosing an overused song. Plus, and I hate to rain on your parade here...but it can be hard to stand out from the rest of the mezzo crowd if you are singing the same song as everyone else, no matter how powerful your belt is.To alleviate this issue, I’ve compiled a list of 10 overlooked audition songs for the mezzo/belter voice.
1. “Woman” from The Pirate Queen.
Although Boublil and Schönberg’s last Broadway musical together flopped, the score contains some underrated vocal gems. The solo “Woman” was originally recorded by Stephanie J. Block. It is sung by Grania (known in the show as “Grace”) to her lover Tiernan over her frustration that her father Dubhdara forbids her to sail on his ship. This song best suits an audition for a pop-opera type of show in the style of “Les Miserables” or “The Phantom of the Opera.” Range: E3-E5. GET SHEET MUSIC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzdS_qXp9Dc2.“How Did We Come to This?” from Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party.
This musical, based on the 1928 Moncure March narrative poem about a woman who throws an outrageous get-together, opened Off-Broadway in 2000. This song is performed by the main character Queenie, who by the end of the show loses both of the men who pursue her, and contemplates how things came to end so badly. Julia Murney, who created the role of Queenie, clearly displays the character’s defeat and heartbreak in her Streisand-like belting. This song is great when auditioning for most contemporary shows, especially those that have heavy big-band/jazz influence in the music. Range: G#3-C#5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDfGnqmowm03. “Bring It On” from Bring It On: The Musical.
Based on the 2000 comedy of the same name, Bring It On: the Musical opened on Broadway in 2012 after a successful U.S. tour the previous year. Co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Kitt, and Amanda Green, the show’s music mixes pop-rock with Miranda’s signature hip-hop influence. For this song in the show, high school junior Cambpell decides to form a cheerleading squad of her own to get back at her rival Eva. This song is ideal for auditioning for a more pop-sounding show. Also, as one of Miranda’s lesser known works, songs from Bring It On would be refreshing to an audition pool where In the Heights and Hamilton are so common. Range: A3-E5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15qZZ7q0VGM4. “Bring On the Men” from Jekyll and Hyde.
This number has had an interesting history with its parent musical. Although the song was featured in the show’s concept album in 1994 and was featured in the 1995 national tour, it was replaced with “Good ‘N’ Evil” for the 1997 Broadway production. (“Bring” was later reinstated for future productions and tours). In the show, the character Lucy, a prostitute, performs this number for a bachelor party. Dr. Jekyll is drawn to Lucy’s performance and pursues her afterward. The song’s seductive nature is perfect if you’re trying out for a femme fatale role in shows by Kander & Ebb. Range: G#3-E5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeWItubZao45. “It’s a Woman’s World” from The Full Monty.
This musical by David Yazbek (of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels fame) is based on the 1997 British film of the same name. Premiering on Broadway in 2000, it was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, but ultimately winning none. The song “It’s a Woman’s World” is performed by Georgie and her friends, taking pride in their new independence as being the breadwinners of their families. This high-key, empowering song is appropriate for any contemporary female-centric musical such as Legally Blonde or Heathers. Range: G3-E5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4lpqjyifEo6. “The Story Goes On” from Baby.
The musical Baby, which opened on Broadway in 1983, is about three couples each expecting a child. “The Story Goes On” is sung by Lizzie, a university junior whose boyfriend is on a summer tour with his band, and is forced to face her pregnancy by herself. Originally recorded by Liz Callaway, this song is great for mezzos who have a solid mixed voice in the upper register. Range: G3-F5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhi4xNxL-Pk
7. “Just Not Now” from I Love You Because.
A modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, I Love You Because opened Off-Broadway in 2006. The musical follows the romance of several couples in New York City. The song “Just Not Now” is sung by Marcy, who tells her lover Austin that she is in fact not ready yet for true love. Like the aforementioned number from Baby, this song also calls for a strong mixed upper register. Range: G3-Eb5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNAsNUFnW7w8.“All Grown Up” from Bare: A Pop Opera.
This musical premiered in Los Angeles in 2000 before opening Off-Broadway in 2004. The story focuses on a gay teen couple struggling their way through a private Catholic school. “All Grown Up” is sung by Ivy, who confesses to her classmate Nadia that Jason, who is gay, is the father of Ivy’s baby. This song works in auditions for darker rock musicals such as Spring Awakening and American Psycho. Range: G#3-F5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kF_byOK9DE9. “It’s a Privilege to Pee” from Urinetown.
Opening Off-Broadway in 2001, Urinetown is a dark comedy which satirizes corporations and capitalism. The authoritarian character Penelope Pennywise, who runs the worst public urinal in town, sings this cynical number in the show. “Privilege” is one of the more challenging villain songs in contemporary theater, and is best sung by mezzos with clear, resonant belting to high heaven. Range: C4-G5. GET SHEET MUSIC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmHekGAO08010. “Remember This” from The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown.
Written by the dynamic duo Kerrigan and Lowdermilk, Samantha Brown premiered in Costa Mesa in 2009 before transferring to Goodspeed Opera House in 2011. “Remember This,” the last number of the show, is the culmination of Samantha’s high school experience as she plans the next step for her future. Like the aforementioned song from Bare, “Remember This” is another awesome choice for auditioning for a rock musical. Range: Bb3-E5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGdDR2TbpwYYou Might Like: 51 Fantastic Audition Songs For Mezzo-Sopranos
Have a song that's missing from this list? Leave a reply below...
[post_title] => 10 Overlooked Audition Songs For Mezzo Belters [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 10-audition-songs-for-mezzo-belters [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-10-03 21:32:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-04 01:32:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3388 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 11 [filter] => raw ) [17] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3291 [post_author] => 7 [post_date] => 2016-07-18 10:28:19 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-07-18 14:28:19 [post_content] => Aside from its passionate score and book by Lin Manuel Miranda, there is an abundance of elements that make the musical Hamilton such a success. While many were honored for their brilliant work on the show at this year’s Tony Awards, we here at Theatre Nerds took some time to shine a light and recognize those whose behind the scene work has contributed to the game-changer musical. Alongside now Tony Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell is assistant costume designer Jennifer Raskopf who was kind enough to speak with us about her journey with the musical.
Raskopf’s love for costume design began at an early age. In elementary school, she loved drawing sketches of clothes and had a strong interest in fashion. And though she also developed a love for theatre, she didn’t combine her two interests together until middle school when she finally discovered the world of costume design. Raskopf took an independent study course in fashion design in high school before receiving her bachelor’s degree in theatre with a dual concentration in performance and design from Suny New Paltz and her MSA from Southern Methodist University in stage design with a concentration in costume design.
But what exactly is an assistant costume designer’s job? Well, as Raskopf explains, their task is much more complex and difficult than one may think. “There are a lot of different jobs that go into costume design depending if it’s [a] contemporary [show], if it’s a period piece, etc.,” she tells Theatre Nerds. “If things are being built (meaning that a costume is created specifically for the production, sewn from scratch rather than assembled from existing pieces). A lot of the time assistants will do this thing called swatching where you go around to all the different fabric stores and look for fabric options that match the color scheme and texture that the costume designer wants. I have often been put in charge of bras and underwear because if you don’t have the right garments underneath the clothes, the clothes are never going to look right. Sometimes the assistants go to fittings or, once the show is running, put-ins. You also have to keep up with continuity during the run of a show. If a new cast member comes in, you will need to go out and get the fabric to make the costume that fits their body.”
“There are a lot of different options that go into something as simple as a shirt,” Raskopf explains, “and the assistants are responsible for bringing the right options into the room so that the designer can look at it all together and decide on what they want.”
photo credit Broadway World
An assistant costume designer’s work is done predominantly before a production is up and running. After that, they are brought in on a call-in basis to assist with certain tasks. “During previews, we are generally there every day and almost every night. Once the show is up and running, we aren’t there every day. It’s a matter of if something rips and needs to be replaced or if an actor is leaving and we need new costumes. A lot of it is handled by the wardrobe department, but a lot if also done by the design team. It’s a really nice collaboration because we have an excellent wardrobe team who handle the maintenance of the show and keep it in a beautiful condition.” In fact, during tech and previews, the design team if often working very long days. Raskopf told us some of the hardships that come with her job. “Depending on the show, it’s a very physically demanding job. In tech, you can work upwards of sixteen hours a day. When I was working on the Shrek tour, I took a pedometer with me and there were times when I was walking ten to sixteen miles shopping, taking things to fittings, and picking things up. It’s a lot of running around and it’s a lot of hustle and it’s a lot of hours. But it’s also the sort of situation where I could never see myself in a job where I’m at a desk all day long. And even at the higher up levels where you’re doing a lot of managing and budget work, you are still doing the leg work and you still have to have that hustle.” Raskopf is incredibly honored to have a part on the marvelous Hamilton team. She describes the experience as a dream, something she wouldn’t trade for the world. “It's fantastic!” she exclaims. “It has been a wonderful experience from start to finish. We have the loveliest team from the producing company to the management. They have all been so wonderful and responsive and supportive of everything that [costume designer Paul Tazewell] wanted to do. I think everyone knows that they are working on something special and no one is taking that for granted which is nice. It’s something that’s brilliant and innovated and it’s an honor to get to work on something like that because they don’t come around that often.”
Raskopf left us with her advice for those aspiring to work in costume design.
“It’s always about if you have that drive. You can like theatre and you can like fashion and you can like a lot of the elements of what we do, but if you’re not willing to sweat and twist your ankle and be carrying forty pounds of shopping bags in the rain, then you’re not going to really make it. It’s about having a desire and a passion for what you do. If there is anything else you can see yourself doing, then you should do that. It’s a really physically grueling job and it’s not like you’re getting a ton of recognition. You aren’t doing it for fame or glory, you’re doing it because it’s the one thing you want to do.”
Follow Jennifer on twitter @IAmJenRa
[post_title] => Dressing A Revolution: Interview With Hamilton's Assistant Costume Designer Jennifer Raskopf
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[post_content] => A recent study that I made up shows that theatre kids might be susceptible to the following side-effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately because you might be a theatre kid.
1. You’ve forgotten what the sun looks like
Late rehearsals… enough said.
2. You talk to walls
No one has heard your audition piece more than that wall.
3. You only see your family when they come to your shows
With late nights and early mornings… you’re like a ghost in your own house.
4. Show tunes either excite you or infuriate you
One day you love them, the next day you hate them.
5. Your characters come out in front of other people
Embrace yourself even when others don’t.
6. When you don’t have rehearsal you’re not sure where to go
Having free time is so foreign.
7. School gets in the way of rehearsal
If only you could go to school… and just do rehearsal.
8. Your wardrobe is comprised of only show shirts
Someone else always wears the same show shirt as you to school.
9. You have a natural resentment towards athletes
They might get all the glory, but we know where to find the real talent!
10. You know the proper way to spell “Theatre”
“Theater” refers to a building and “Theatre” refers to an art-form.
11. Limited social life
The only people you are able to hang out with are the people listed in the program with you.
12. You don’t sleep
School + Rehearsal + Homework + Responsibilities + Everyone Else’s Problems = No Sleep
13. You’re broke
You don’t have time for a job and all the fees add up.
14. You keep coming back for more
No matter how much it hurts sometimes… the reward is always worth it!
What are some of the side effects you’ve experienced from being a theatre kid? Leave a reply below...
[post_title] => 14 Side Effects Of Being A Theatre Kid [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 14-side-effects-of-being-a-theatre-kid [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-05-29 11:53:41 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-05-29 15:53:41 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3142 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 7 [filter] => raw ) [19] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3263 [post_author] => 391 [post_date] => 2016-07-14 09:59:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-07-14 13:59:02 [post_content] => One of the most important steps when mounting a musical is the audition round. To the dismay of some casting directors, it is quite common to hear the same song numerous times over the course of the auditions. Sometimes, out of aggravation for the lack of variety in audition pieces, the director may dismiss an otherwise talented actor. Whole blogs and websites are inundated with “overdone” and “do-not-sing” lists.To help inspire more creative selections for tenors, here are ten overlooked audition songs for the tenor vocal range:
1. “A Bit of Earth” from The Secret Garden.
This ballad’s best-known rendition is by Mandy Patinkin, who performed it while playing “Archibald” in the 1991 Broadway run of The Secret Garden. This beautiful song is perfect for lighter, gentler voices, and is a great substitute for any overdone ballad such as “The Music of the Night” or “Close Every Door.” Range: Db3-Gb4, optional A4 in falsetto. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj8K-uYdp0g2. “30/90” from tick, tick…BOOM!
The opening number from Jonathan Larson’s pre-Rent show is a thrilling up-tempo rock number that is ideal for any future Adam Pascals or Aaron Tveits of the world. The song tells of a fictional version of Larson and his conflicting feelings about turning 30 years old. Range:E3-A4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gas2yE7AaGU3. “Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast” from The Pirates of Penzance.
Although not an actual musical, this Gilbert and Sullivan classic has made its way around the Broadway circles thanks to Joseph Papp’s 1981 Broadway production of it. In this scene “Frederic” an ex-pirate who has just returned to the normal world, begs for a group of maidens to take pity on him. This number is best for more classical sounding tenors. Range: G3-Gb4, optional Bb5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBWJs9UsWHc4. “Fortune Favors the Brave” from Aida.
Originally based on Verdi’s opera Aida, the musical version by Elton John and Tim Rice is eclectic, borrowing elements from pop, rock, Motown, reggae, and gospel. In this opening tenor solo, “Radames” and his soldiers return to Egypt after a mission through Egypt’s rival Nubia. Range: F3-A4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utjN5X_zc1I5. “Why, God, Why?” from Miss Saigon.
Taken from Boublil and Schönberg’s most famous musical after Les Miserables, this number follows the pop-opera style popular throughout the 1980s and early to mid-90s. For this solo, the character “Chris” is anxious about God’s plan, since Chris is scheduled to leave Vietnam soon, but has just met a young girl named Kim. Range:E3-G4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGc8hxMVqSg6. “Love Can’t Happen” from Grand Hotel.
With songs written by Robert Wright, Maury Yeston, and George Forrest, Grand Hotel ran on Broadway from 1989 to 1992. This number is performed in the show by the optimistic, yet broke, “Baron Felix von Gaigern.” Like the aforementioned Gilbert and Sullivan number in this list, this solo suits well with a more classical tenor. Range: D#3-A4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPRuj6TtRKo7. “All Good Gifts” from Godspell.
Stephen Schwartz’s first big hit Godspell premiered Off-Broadway in 1971 before transferring to Broadway in 1976. The soft-rock/Christian ballad “All Good Gifts” is sung by “Lamar,” who explains the meaning behind the Parable of the Sower. This solo is best for younger, more lyrical voices. Range: D3-A4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nlagfh5eFP48. “I’ll Be There” from The Pirate Queen.
Based on the novel Grania, She-King of the Irish Seas, Boublil and Schönberg’s last Broadway musical The Pirate Queen was a critical failure, but the actors’ performances were praised. In this number, the character “Tiernan” is devastated after his longtime love “Grace” has married another man. Tiernan senses, however, that this is not the end for him and Grace, and vows to remain close to her. The tenor Hadley Fraser created the role of Tiernan in 2006, and is known for his robust, heroic voice. Range: C3-A4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj1Vzj9tYXc9. “Alive” from Jekyll and Hyde.
After a Houston world premiere in 1990 and a U.S. tour in 1995, Jekyll and Hyde premiered on Broadway in 1997. This song is a pivotal moment in the show, which sees “Henry Jekyll’s” alter ego “Edward Hyde” manifest. Like certain numbers in Phantom of the Opera, the singer is encouraged to exclaim certain musical phrases rather than sing them to help dramatize much of the song. Range: D3-E4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzVbFBRnk_s10. “Standing On the Corner” from The Most Happy Fella.
This 1956 Frank Loesser musical has been revived three times on Broadway. While this musical is sometimes called an opera, some Broadway experts have disagreed. This number fits well for tenor versions of crooners in the style of Dean Martin or Bobby Darin. Range: F#3-A4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap1mwitwPLMYou May Like: 53 Refreshing Audition Songs For Tenors
Have an overlooked tenor song to add to the list, leave a reply below...
[post_title] => 10 Overlooked Audition Songs For Tenors [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 10-audition-songs-for-tenors [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-10-03 21:44:29 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-04 01:44:29 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3263 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [20] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2955 [post_author] => 12 [post_date] => 2016-07-12 12:14:35 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-07-12 16:14:35 [post_content] =>Tech week is over and it’s game time. Every actor in the cast handles the pressures of opening night differently. Which of these types of actors are you?
1. The Procrastinator
The procrastinator shows up unprepared, hasn’t learned their lines or blocking, but nonetheless creates pure magic on stage. You love to hate them but are secretly envious of their effortless approach.
2. The Superstitious One
The Superstitious actor wears the same underwear three nights in a row, they’d never dream of uttering anything other than a “Merde” or “Break a leg” backstage, and they have a pre-show routine that they’re sticking to no matter how monotonous.
3. The Overly Warmed Up
You’re warmed up and ready to go, yet somehow the Overly Warmed Up actor is still going strong, ‘toy boat, toy boat, toy boat, toy boat, toy boat...’
4. The Inspirational Quote Actor
The inspirational quote actor’s dressing room mirror is plastered with positivity. “I’m great, you’re great, we’re all great!”
5. The Character Geography Obsessed Actor
My character’s birthstone is Amethyst, she was born at 3:45am on a Wednesday, her first word was Pop-Tart, she doesn’t like socks and she loves trees....
6. The Silent Type
The silent type is stoic and reserved. You’ll most likely catch them chugging Throat Coat and sucking on lozenges. Must. Preserve. Vocal. Integrity.
7. The Researcher
The researcher knows everything about the show from the type of undies worn during the time period to what was happening in the news that week. You can catch the researcher scrolling through Wikipedia while waiting in the wings.
8. The Crash Dieter
There’s a crash dieter in every cast. Whether it’s their nerves or body consciousness, they’re bound to give the costume department grief. I
don’t know what happened, I just ate nothing but celery and salsa every day for a week and now my costume is too big!
The Green Room snack table is empty and the stress eater is to blame. He’s the one covered in artificial cheese powder from all those Cheetos.
The music freak has crafted a highly complex playlist that brings out the elaborate emotions of their character’s journey. Don’t try to talk to him, his earbuds aren’t coming out until his first cue.
The Social Media Monster’s way of getting into character is by Tweeting their character’s inner monologue, posting costume selfies and shamelessly self-promoting. Hey, somebody’s got to get butts in the seats.
The partier’s idea of preparation is a birdbath-size of tequila to take the edge off.
Tai chi, meditation, yoga, you name it. The Buddha is serious about getting seriously Zen before that curtain goes up.
The Jumper jumps around backstage, mindlessly hoping up and down before each entrance. This appears to be all the prep work needed for them.
There’s no wrong way to prepare as long as it works for you. (Okay, maybe don’t drink the birdbath-sized cocktail until after the show.)
[post_title] => 16 Pre-Show Preparation Personalities: Which One Are You?
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[post_content] => 9. The Stress Eater
The Green Room snack table is empty and the stress eater is to blame. He’s the one covered in artificial cheese powder from all those Cheetos.
10.The Music Freak
The music freak has crafted a highly complex playlist that brings out the elaborate emotions of their character’s journey. Don’t try to talk to him, his earbuds aren’t coming out until his first cue.
11.The Social Media Monster
The Social Media Monster’s way of getting into character is by Tweeting their character’s inner monologue, posting costume selfies and shamelessly self-promoting. Hey, somebody’s got to get butts in the seats.
12.The Partier
The partier’s idea of preparation is a birdbath-size of tequila to take the edge off.
13.The Buddha
Tai chi, meditation, yoga, you name it. The Buddha is serious about getting seriously Zen before that curtain goes up.
14.The Jumper
The Jumper jumps around backstage, mindlessly hoping up and down before each entrance. This appears to be all the prep work needed for them.
15.The Pacer
Much like the jumper only with pacing.
16.The Overly Caffeinated
The overly caffeinated actor warms up with a pot of Joe. He may be twitchy but he’s ready to let loose once he hits the spotlight!
There’s no wrong way to prepare as long as it works for you. (Okay, maybe don’t drink the birdbath-sized cocktail until after the show.)
Did we miss one? List your prep persona below!
Hey Actors! Here’s what you should be doing this summer to stay on top of your game!
1. Practice Meditation.
Tons of actors use regular meditation as a way to up their presence and groundedness on stage. Get in the game by checking out YouTube for some guided videos. Daily practice will help keep you balanced (on and off the stage) when school starts again in the fall. Tip: HeadSpace is a great meditation app for your smart phone2. Read at least a play a week!
By the end of the summer you’ll have tons of new plays under your belt and a STRONG monologue game. It’s also the time that you can fill in any...um…”gaps” in your repertoire.*cough* anyone else who has never read Death of a Salesman *cough* Tip: Need more ideas? Here's 5 Classic Plays All Thespians Should Read3. See more theatre.
Shakespeare in the Park, Summer Stock...find some “pay what you can” nights and have a ball!! Mastering a craft is a combination of practice and observation. The summer is the perfect time to hone in on the “observational” part. See theatre, watch movies, get inspired! And don’t forget-it’s just as valuable to see theatre you hate as it is to see theatre you love. Really try to be a good student and get in touch with why you didn’t like a performance.4. Don't forget what you've learned (Aka PRACTICE!).
You know those voice exercises that your teacher said you should be doing every day? But then homework and tests and sleep happens…? The summer is prime time to really give attention to those stretches, throat openers, posture exercises, and all that fun stuff. Come back to school even better! Not rusty!5. Have diverse experiences.
Remember: interesting, well-rounded, experienced people make interesting, well-rounded, experienced actors! Go have some fun! Try new things, go on a road trip, take a totally random class on something not theatre-y. I remember the last day of freshman year, my acting professor said “This summer, go kiss some boys or something!” The summer is the time to have fun! Gather an arsenal of kick-ass experiences for you to draw upon when scene study class comes back around.6. Do theatre.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but the best way to stay sharp is to keep performing. It doesn't matter where. It could be a community theatre, children's theatre, camp, or a one man (or woman) show in your parents living room; just perform. The more you perform the more confident and comfortable you will feel on stage.Have something to add to the list? Leave a reply below...
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Before: The anticipation…
“I don’t even care if I’m cast or not but I WISH THEY WOULD JUST TELL ME ALREADY!” That seemingly eternal wait to find out if you’ve been cast is the worst kind of tedious purgatory an actor could imagine. A day feels like a week, two days-- a month, three days-- you don’t even know because you’ve gone crazy with anticipation.
2. You get super excited.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been cast as the titular role or you’ve been cast as Background Tree #3-- The director saw something they liked and chose you! You’re in a show, and this calls for celebration! Say goodbye to the residual post-show-depression from the last show you were in because you have a new show to get excited about! Some joyful dancing around the room is definitely in order!
3. You tell everyone.
Time to alert the presses! You post that shameless self-promotional “I’m so excited to be cast as *insert role* in *insert show*!” status and you invite everyone you know to the Facebook event.
4. You clear your schedule.
You’re ready to dive head-first into this show! You know “I can’t, I have rehearsal” will become your motto for a while, and you’re totally okay with that.
5. You get a little obsessed with the show.
If you have the script already, you’ve probably already read it at least twice before the show begins. If the show is a musical, you’re definitely playing the Broadway Original Cast Album and any revival album on repeat. There’s a movie? Netflix here you come! And of course you’re all over YouTube looking for inspiration. You have important research to do!
6. You scope out the cast on social media.
Don’t lie, you know we all do it. If you don’t know your fellow cast members already, you are definitely spending more time than you should scrolling through their Facebooks and Instagrams (with nimble fingers so you don’t accidentally like something they posted a year ago).
7. You get a little nervous.
You have such high hopes for this show that you start to wonder if you’re setting your expectations too high. You start to think...“What if the director regrets casting me?”, “What if I don’t get along with the cast?”, “What if this role is my downfall as an actor, everyone hates me and nobody ever wants to cast me again?” You know you’re overreacting, but you can’t help but wonder...
8. But you can't wait to get working.
The next month or so of your life will be filled with new people, new experiences, and giving everything you’ve got to creating some amazing live theatre-- How much better does it get?! You’re counting down the days until your rehearsals begin because you just know that you are in for a great time and a great show! Isn’t theatre the best?
Post by TN Contributor Rachel Brudner
What are your reactions after being cast in a show? Leave a reply below...
[post_title] => 8 Things You Definitely Do When You Get Cast In A Show [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 8-things-you-definitely-do-when-cast-in-show [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-08-06 20:59:15 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-08-07 00:59:15 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3173 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [23] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3052 [post_author] => 228 [post_date] => 2016-07-06 16:21:45 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-07-06 20:21:45 [post_content] => I wasn’t Wyatt Earp but I was close. I stood there in my black shirt with cow skulls on it surveying the empty lobby in front of me. In twenty minutes this lobby, the front of house would be packed with people coming to see this performance. I never wanted to be the house manager, I just signed up to usher for all the nights of the show. The box office manager, Midge, threw me the name badge and a clipboard and said the three words that still fill me with dread, “It’s all you.” This lobby was the Wild West and I was the sheriff. And thus began one of the most interesting weeks in my life.Cue Western Music. This is gonna get messy folks.
Showdown One: The Ushers
In five minutes my ushers/deputies came in. It was a ragtag group. One of them was wearing a tank top and shorts and looked like he just got done pumping iron. The other two were a duo of BFF girls who wouldn’t stop talking to each other. The clipboard had a rundown of rules that I was supposed to give the ushers as a pep talk. “Hand out the programs, don’t let anyone talk or use their cell phone, no food or drink, etc.” I could already see their eyes glaze over as I was talking to them. I had to ask, “What?” “No one cares about that,” one of the duos said, “We just hand out the programs and sit down.” “But then why did you sign up to be an usher?” I asked. All of them replied in unison. “To get extra credit in Dr. Strong’s* class.” *All names have been changed to protect the innocent and the foolish It was then that I felt myself swallow hard. The clipboard may have spelled out the laws of this land, but I was going to be the only one enforcing them. I assigned the extra credit seekers to each door. In two more minutes the doors opened and a steady stream of students filed in. I started to make my rounds and look for lawbreakers. And speaking of extra credit seekers…Showdown Two: The Programs
The first little incident I was forced to deal with were students that didn’t have a ticket. They didn’t even intend to see the show. It was a small mob of people all of whom just wanted to grab a copy of the program and walk out. I asked them why they were there and one of the duos that I assigned the door came up and handed them a stack of programs. I stopped her. “What are you doing?” I asked. “You need a program to turn in along with your paper to Dr. Strong’s class.” she rolled her eyes at me as if she was telling me the sky was blue. “But how will they know anything about the play to write about it?” I asked. “Because we’re gonna take notes for them, duh.” She rolled her eyes one more time and then walked away.”Showdown Three: The Vending Machines
I was about to follow her and give her a piece of my mind but then a gaggle of people walked past me carrying chips and soda into the theatre. I ran ahead to block the door. “I’m sorry, guys, but we don’t allow outside food or drink.” I stood there barring the door. They looked at me like I was crazy. “It’s not from outside, bro, it’s from right here in the building.” and he pointed me to the soda and snack machine sitting in the vestibule with a line of playgoers waiting their turn. I stood there and made them throw all of their food away as they cussed me out every which way from Sunday. The line of people that just came from the soda machine also had some very choice words for me. But they were going to thank me. This was the theatre and the rules were going to be obeyed!Showdown Four: The Dean’s Wife
The show had started. A recorded voice told everyone where the fire exits were, warned them to turn off their cellphones, and let them know that there would be no flash photography. The minute that the first actor walked onstage his mom stood up in her seat and started taking a million photos of him with the oldest camera with the biggest flash I’d ever seen. Her poor son was trying to get through his lines while his own Momma was trying to blind him. I rushed over to her and told her to stop, wading through an ocean of people texting their significant others in their seats. She huffed out of the theatre and I followed her. “I’m sorry but flash photography isn’t allowed” “Do you know who I am?” She asked. “Who?” I was at a loss. “I’m Dr. Faraday and my husband is the dean. I can get you in trouble.”
This was my high noon moment. I could see Midge, cowering in the box office. But I had had enough.
“Well, do you know who I am?” I asked her.
“Who?”
“I’m a kid that had a badge and a clipboard thrown at me that says I’m the house manager. And there are rules here on this clipboard that I’m supposed to follow and I’m going to. So report me to the dean if you have to but don’t flash that bulb again or I’ll throw you out of here.”
She must have seen the look in my eyes because she backed off. I took off my badge and went over to Midge’s desk. I threw the clipboard on her desk and told her I quit. She smiled at me and told me the sentence that changed everything.
“What if I made House Managing count for all of your scholarship requirements. You wouldn’t have to work backstage ever again.”
And suddenly the gig didn’t seem so bad after all...
And so I stayed for two years. I recruited some good ushers before I graduated, made a fake “Out of Order” sign for the vending machines. I didn’t win all the battles, but I found my backbone. I also have a healthy appreciation for ushers and all that they go through. It’s a tough job but somebody has got to do it.
Have some house managing tales of your own? Leave a reply below, partner!
[post_title] => The Wild West Of House Managing: Tales From The Sheriff Of The Stage [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => wild-west-of-house-managing [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-07-06 16:27:48 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-07-06 20:27:48 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3052 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [24] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3049 [post_author] => 12 [post_date] => 2016-07-05 13:46:38 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-07-05 17:46:38 [post_content] =>
The discussion of on-stage Nudity never disappoints to flare emotions. There are those who think it enhances realism in a production; conversely, there are those that believe it pulls the spectator out of the world of the play and brings them crashing back down to reality. Even our beloved teachers and performers can’t seem to agree on the subject...
Uta Hagen: "Nudity isn't useful, or realistic. When I see a nude scene, I don't think about the character or the play. I think, 'Aren't her nipples big?' not the character's, the actress's."
Alexandre Pavloff: “We used to hide our bodies but they are a part of us and we cannot exclude them from art. ... As we reveal our bodies, we reveal our souls.”
Shelley Winters: “I think on-stage nudity is disgusting, shameful and damaging to all things American. But if I were 22 with a great body, it would be artistic, tasteful, patriotic, and a progressive religious experience.”
While some actors may never consider disrobing on stage, others may be all too hasty to undress. Before taking it all off, here's 6 things to "bare" in mind...
1. Am I comfortable enough to be nude in front of an audience of strangers?
Perhaps nudity in front of your fellow thespians doesn’t unhinge you, but how will you feel opening night when your neighbor or your first-grade teacher is in the front row? How about hundreds of strangers? If you are comfortable enough to bear all in front of the general public then maybe you’re ready to disrobe during that Hairspray number.2. Does the script actually call for it?
It’s unfortunate but it happens, sometimes directors want to spice up a production by adding nudity that doesn’t belong. Promoting a show that has nudity might get more butts in the seats, heck; it might even bump up the ticket price. So ask yourself if you’re okay with nudity for the sake of ticket sales.3. Is it pertinent to the story line?
Often nudity is written into the storyline and to remove it would be a disservice to the production. Without nudity, would the poignancy of Mrs. Kendall baring her breasts to John Merrick be lost? Or would the imagery be sacrificed if Alan Strang didn’t ride his horse bareback and buck-naked? This is really the director’s call; so make sure you know their point of view before signing up.4. Does the director make you feel safe?
Ask yourself if you feel comfortable with the cast and crew and their professionalism. Did you get any funny feelings during the audition process? Were things run in a professional manner? Did the director do everything they could to make you feel safe and respected? If anything struck you as odd or rubbed you the wrong way at the very start you may be on your way down a very bumpy road.
5. Is this a professional production that will be running things by Equity standards?
There are contracts put into place for this very reason to protect your safety. If it’s not Equity ask how things will be regulated. Will there be someone there to make sure the wings are empty of actors/crew not necessary to that scene? What about photography? Ask questions!6. Are you comfortable having a nude role on your résumé?
Unlike film and television, theatre is a live experience that unless recorded, will probably not live on forever. Because of this, it may not follow you around. That said, if you find yourself being asked to do more nudity in plays that don’t need it simply because you’ve done it before, be sure to put your foot down and set those boundaries so that you’re not taken advantage of. There are many types of actors in this world and nudity may be for some and not for others; it doesn’t dictate success or failure. Turning down a role because it requires your birthday suit most likely won’t alter the course of your career. Actors turn down roles during their careers for various reasons- but when you are young and eager it may feel like the hardest thing to do- especially when all you want is to work. The work will come. Don’t compromise yourself for a role that your heart isn’t in. Remember that there is a lot of power in the word ‘no.’ Nevertheless, if you decide to go for it and play a nude role do it in a way that works for you- talk with the director about your comfort level, know your boundaries and define them early on. Choosing to do a role with nudity can be exceptionally liberating. It may even drastically alter your performance, and bring a rawness to your acting you’ve not yet felt before. Perhaps you’ll decide to embrace the nude role because it creates discomfort and that’s a challenge you’re ready to welcome. In summation, it’s up to you the individual. It’s not your agent’s, your parent’s or your partner’s decision. Look inside yourself to see if it’s something that feels right for you~However, like so many others, the experience of actually seeing a Broadway show for the first time is one I’ll never forget — here’s why:
The City
New York City is a wonder to behold for any theater-obsessed Broadway newbie. There’s something so thrilling about wandering around the gritty, noisy streets of Time Square and gazing up at the dazzling marquees boasting the names of the shows and actors you’ve only been able to enjoy through your headphones and computer screen. Of course, all this exploring will fill you with an insatiable desire to dish out cash to see every single one of them, but knowing there’s a ticket tucked in your pocket that will let you experience at least one is enough — for now.
The Anticipation
Whether you’re in the front row of the orchestra or tucked all the way in the nosebleed seats, those seemingly miserable minutes spent mentally begging the lights to dim are actually some of the most memorable. These minutes are best spent thumbing through your Playbill program to see the names you recognize, running your finger down the list of songs, and devouring all the credits and notes from the director. The waiting is tough but absolutely worth it.
The Music
From the moment the first note of your first Broadway musical is played, it’s very clear that this is not your high school pit orchestra. Even if you know every note by heart, it somehow feels like you’re really hearing it for the first time. The slight nuances and subtle changes from the album you know and love — an unexpected riff, an ambitious option-up, a reprise not featured on the album — is enough to take you aback and make you fall in love all over again.
The Show
Beyond the overwhelming music, sets, and lights, there’s something amazing about putting all those little puzzle pieces of a show together and finally seeing it as a cohesive production. Small asides finally make sense, musical shifts are accompanied by complementary lights, and a piece of information is revealed that changes the entire way you see the show. I didn’t know I could still be shocked until I saw “Wicked Witch of the East” performed for the first time and my entire perception shifted.
The Stars
It wouldn’t be a Broadway show without a triple-threat onstage completely knocking your socks off. No matter if you’re watching a superstar you’ve followed for years or someone just getting their big break, Broadway shows have some of the most talented people strutting their stuff — and your first one sets the stage for all others to follow.
The Swag
It’s nearly impossible to leave your first Broadway show without making one (or two) pit stops at the souvenir stands in the lobby. After all, when’s the next time you can drop all your savings on musical-themed sweatshirts, jewelry, sheet music, mugs or posters? This first show is the start of your bedroom inevitably turning into a show tune shrine.
The Memories
Even though most shows run less than three hours, they leave memories that last. I might not exactly remember every note or line, but I certainly remember the feeling in my chest when the orchestra first launched into “No One Mourns the Wicked” or the fact that I spent all of intermission embarrassingly sobbing to myself after “Defy Gravity.” In the end, that’s what theater is all about — how it makes you feel, how it becomes a part of you.
For any Broadway nerd, your first show can be mind-boggling, emotional and worth every penny. And, if you’re lucky, that first one will set the stage for a lifelong love of theater and encourage you to attend your second, your third — and so on and so forth.
What are your favorite memories of your first Broadway Show? Leave a reply below...
[post_title] => Why You'll Never Forget Your First Broadway Musical [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => youll-never-forget-first-broadway-musical [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-07-01 12:47:05 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-07-01 16:47:05 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3091 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 13 [filter] => raw ) [27] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2799 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2016-06-29 09:46:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-06-29 13:46:42 [post_content] => If you’re a Broadway enthusiast, chances are your iTunes is chalked full of Sondheim, Webber, Lerner and Loewe. While the classics of the Great White Way remain the heart of musical theatre, Broadway has evolved into a diverse hodgepodge of songful storytelling.While we could listen to “Oklahoma!” on loop, here are eight cast albums you need to try when you are craving something different.
1) “Waitress”
It can be a gamble when composers flock to the stage from other genres. In the case of “Waitress”, the Sara Bareilles-coined musical, it was match made (or should we say “mixed”) in heaven! Nominated for four Tony Awards this season, “Waitress” is a cast recording that’s perfect for both sob sessions and car jamming. Bareilles’ “pop soul” style lends itself to the stage in a deliciously artful way. You need to add this one to your playlist, like, now.
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2) “In the Heights”
While we’re totally advocates for listening to “Hamilton” 4,000 times a day, we’re going to supply you with another great rap musical: “In the Heights” (Yes, it’s also by our king, Lin-Manuel Miranda). Though it shares notes of rap in common, the show is radically different than Miranda’s latest hit. This musical also combines hip hop and Latin-inspired song. It’s perfect for when you need a good beat.
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3) “The Last 5 Years”
Triple-threat (composer/lyricist/playwright) Jason Robert Brown is no stranger to shattering traditional Broadway stereotypes. His critically-acclaimed show, “The Last 5 Years”, dives into the relationship between an average husband and wife. The twist? One is telling their story from beginning-to-end while the other tells their story from end-to-beginning. The music is jam-packed with witty, modern, all-too-relatable duets that are so good you won’t know how to stop listening.
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4) “American Idiot”
Fans of punk rock will have a field day with this one. Set to the music of Green Day, “American Idiot” includes familiar tunes such as “Wake Me Up When September Ends”, “Holiday” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”. Whether you’re a feeling a little angsty or simply in the mood to ditch Rodgers and Hammerstein for something a little more... hardcore, “American Idiot” is always a great choice.
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5) “Bright Star”
This season’s Tony-nominated “Bright Star” brings bluegrass to Broadway. Is there anything better? Created by Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin!) and Edie Brickell, this show covers themes of love, loss, regret and hope. These Country-inspired, banjo-clad tunes are your next obsession if you’re into bands like “Mumford and Sons”.
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6) Bridges of Madison County
Everyone needs a good cry. At least do it to some Jason Robert Brown music. Brown’s adaptation of the film our moms love to watch is strikingly beautiful. It’s full of slow, soulful ballads that are unlike any other show to take the stage. Add the vocals of Kelli O'Hara and Steven Pasquale and what more could you need? You’ll certainly dig this one if you’re in a melancholy mood.
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7) “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
This show combines rock and roll with power ballads that you’ll be singing to for days. Looking for music to dance around you house to while you belt at the top of your lungs? Let Neil Patrick Harris help you channel your inner Hedwig!
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8) “Once”
With a simple love story at its core, “Once” proves that less is often more. Its small-scale orchestra mirrors live music that you might find in a cozy Irish pub. It’s folk-y style, encompassing the perfect amount of guitar and violin, makes this the perfect soundtrack to studying, strolling or spending time with someone you love.
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY BUY ON AMAZON
Have one you think we left out? Leave a reply below...
[post_title] => 8 Non-Traditional Cast Recordings You Didn't Know You Needed [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 8-non-traditional-cast-recordings-didnt-know-needed [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-06-29 16:38:17 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-06-29 20:38:17 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=2799 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 2 [filter] => raw ) [28] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2923 [post_author] => 190 [post_date] => 2016-06-28 14:50:10 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-06-28 18:50:10 [post_content] =>1) The King of the Warm Up
Hard to miss, they are flailing arms in a circular fashion while doing a variety of tongue twisters. You can hear their “What to do to die today?” from the moment you step into the hallway, and you’ll want to ask yourself the same question…
What to do: They may ask you to put your hands on their “womb space” while they focus on some grounding breaths. Do not. I repeat DO NOT engage. Also, three words for you: Noise. Cancelling. Headphones. Pop those suckers in your ears, enjoy a meditative space and focus on your own (hopefully less intrusive) warm ups.
2) The Doppelgänger
Especially common at callbacks. You walk into the waiting room, look around, and see a group of people that look vaguely like yourself. It’s odd. They turn to look at you, and you know everyone is thinking the same thing... “oh my god we could be septuplets!” It can be disarming.
What to do: Trust that you’ve done your homework. Your choices and unique energy will differentiate you from the crowd. If anything, take it as a reminder that you need to bring your own essence into the character. Yes my friends, as cliche as it sounds, always be yourself.
3) The Monologue Stealer
Maybe you hear them muttering it to themselves, or you see the script in their hands as a shiver runs down your spine. Yes, my friends. They’re doing the exact. same. monologue. as you. It’s bound to happen at least once in your acting career...no matter how “obscure” you thought your play was.
What to do: Similar to Doppelganger. Trust that your take will be enough to differentiate yourself. Also, it might be worth an emergency revisiting of your tool kit. Experiment with “Playing Opposites” (aka, making choices for your character that are opposite of expected...like playing with having the character laugh after your being told that their mom died,r whispering when the script says “scream”). Chances are, Mr. Doppelganger is making obvious, boring choices. Do not be like Mr. Doppelganger, be the opposite
4) The Stress Case
This figure most commonly appears in the form of one running the auditions, be it a stage manager or assistant. They’re usually seen flitting about, thermos in hand, talking loudly about how “they’re in tech for this show and have a meeting with that director and haven’t slept in thirteen days.” If someone asks if they need something, they usually respond with an overdramatic “I would LOOOOVE a coffee” and when it is brought to them, they respond an equally dramatic “I LOVE you. You’re a LIFESAVER.” TBH it feels more like power-play. Like “Hey, so I’m running this audition, but really it doesn’t mean anything to me because I’m SO busy.” Remember friends. Stress and snarkiness is not indicative of how important you are.
What to do: Don’t indulge them. Also don’t let yourself catch their crummy energy. Get as far away as you can (while still being able to hear if they call you. Obvs.) Maybe do some meditating or listen to a song that gets you in the zone.
5) The “Big Deal”
Casually works their Juilliard degree or child-star Broadway credit into conversations in what is clearly an attempt to intimidate the competition. Do not fall for it.
What to do: They may have a fancier resume but y’all are still here at the same audition. The playing field is level. Just get in there, do the work, and peace out, girl scout
6) The Underprepared
Will ask you to go over their monologue with them because they “just started memorizing this morning”.
What to do: Say something along the lines of “You know, I think I’m up soon. So I don’t think we’d have time.” Do not let someone’s lack of preparation distract you from your own warm up time. You’re not being mean, you’re being smart. You’re here because you are ready to work your butt off and book the role. This person, however, is not. Running lines with someone who is prepared and ready can be stimulating and full of discoveries. Running lines with someone just to help them get the lines right is doing nothing but costing you time and energy. Sidenote: this actually happened to me at college auditions. Dude...you knew this day was coming for like months.
Who did I miss? Anyone have any good audition hallway encounters?. We would LOVE to hear. Leave a reply below...
[post_title] => 6 Formidable Foes In The Audition Hallway & How To Defeat Them... [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 6-foes-in-the-audition-hallway [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-06-30 16:47:11 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-06-30 20:47:11 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=2923 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [29] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2600 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2016-06-27 12:39:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-06-27 16:39:54 [post_content] =>I ran across a job description for a lighting designer in a Vaudeville Production Guide once during my research for a production of Chicago and immediately posted it on every inch of my social media. It read:
Upon the electrician fall all the duties of Jove in the delicate matter of making the sun to shine or the moon to cast its pale rays over a lover’s scene.. Operated by the man in the haven of the gallery gods out front, all are under the direction of the electrician who sits up in his little gallery and makes the moonlight suddenly give place to blazing sunlight on a cue.
For the theater community, there are a million “I can’t I have rehearsal” tee shirts, stage manager jokes, standing ovations, and so on and so on, but the lighting designer doesn’t often make it into the limelight themselves. Hence why I thrust this ethereal and omniscient description of the LD down the throats of my friends to pat myself on the back.
However, after the swelling of my ego started to calm, I thought more about the theory of lighting design because of that beautiful job description. Good lighting design is another tool of immersion, helping the audience to lose their footing in reality and escape into the world created behind the proscenium arch.
Good lighting design, therefore, should never be acknowledged by the audience.
Which is why, as you are all Theater Nerds, and therefore more well informed on such matters than the general audience, I want to sing to you the song of the Unsung Hero, the Lighting Designer.
Most people just accept light as a given and fail to notice the work and detail that goes into lighting a scene for the stage. Take a moment right now and look around the room and imagine how you would mimic onstage the light coming through your window. Chandeliers shining, street lamps coming on right at dusk, or the almost strobe effect of a subway whipping around underground.
Now consider how differently the chandeliers would look today versus the 17th century, or how differently the sun pours in at 11am vs. 2pm. The next time you see a show, or concert or even a movie, consider the detail of the lighting and the research and thought and creativity that went into it.
Lighting is more than how it looks, it can change how the scene feels to the person onstage.
And for the lighting designers among us, a realization I came to recently was the relationship with the actors and how integral to your design this could be. You analyze the text with the director to determine what, how, and why you are telling a story and create an environment from those conversations. But lighting is more than how it looks, it can change how the scene feels to the person onstage; the person in the light. When these two ideas work together, the performance can be shaped in a subtle way that creates a magically harmonious blend.
For more inspiration and understanding, follow local contemporary art shows. Light is becoming an increasingly prominent theme. You may even ask a lighting designer to talk you through their process during your next production. This could add new layers to your design or performance, and it would certainly warm their heart to be noticed. If nothing else, I hope you start to see the world, on the stage and off, in a new light.
Have a Light Designer question or comment? Leave a reply below...
Guest post by Caitlin Du Bois [post_title] => Bringing Light From The Shadows: The Job Of A Lighting Designer [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => job-of-a-lighting-designer [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-06-27 12:42:32 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-06-27 16:42:32 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=2600 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw ) [30] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2990 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2016-06-25 08:49:58 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-06-25 12:49:58 [post_content] =>This is YOUR SHOT to see which Hamilton character you identify with the most!
[viralQuiz id=8]Try Another Quiz: Which ‘Hamilton’ Song Best Describes Your Life?
[post_title] => Which "Hamilton" Character Are You? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => which-hamilton-character-are-you [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://theatrenerds.com/which-hamilton-song-best-describes-your-life/ [post_modified] => 2019-01-04 21:58:49 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-01-05 02:58:49 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=2990 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 302 [filter] => raw ) [31] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2430 [post_author] => 12 [post_date] => 2016-06-22 09:56:53 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-06-22 13:56:53 [post_content] =>1. The False Phone Call.
You think it’s your agent calling to tell you the part is yours when really it’s just Verizon reminding you your bill is past due.
2. “You must be an ASPIRING actor.”
You have a pricey theatre degree and multiple professional credits on your résumé, yet you still get the A-bomb dropped on you constantly. (Just because I’m bussing your table doesn’t mean I’m not successful!)
3. When your friends and family use the terms ‘play’ and ‘musical’ interchangeably.
“Have fun at musical practice, honey. “ Sorry Mom, pretty sure the only time Stanley Kowalski broke out into song is during that Simpsons episode.”
4. Dream Role Interrupted.
It’s the perfect part for you! Until you realize it requires opera singing, break dancing, or a Turkish accent. (But I can learn!!!)
5. Your scene partner gives you a note.
Nuf’ said.
6. Realizing you can’t deduct your gym membership at tax time.
But I need to be pretty!!!
7. “That Doesn’t Look Like You.”
You just dropped a grand on your new headshots that you’re completely in love with when someone utters those nasty five (probably true) words. You don’t know what you’re talking about because you only ever see me when I look like total crap!
8. “You’re amazing!” ...Crickets.
You kill it in your audition, Casting both weeps in sadness and pees themselves laughing. They tell you you’re awesome, hell they give you a standing ovation, you call your mom to tell her to expect good news any day ...and then nothing.
9. You’ve aged out of your niche.
But who am I if I’m not the cute college co-ed anymore?
10. Choosing between an audition and your day job.
You spend all day waiting to audition, realize if you stick it out for thirty more minutes you’ll probably get seen, but if you don’t leave in the next ten minutes you can kiss your paying-the-rent job good-bye!
11.“Come sit next to me on this lovely Casting Couch.”
There’s nothing worse than realizing the casting director that’s been asking for your reel is only interested in getting into your pants. (It hurts infinitely worse when you pay to take their workshop, they hit on you, you reject them, and now you’ll never get called into their office, AND you’re out fifty bucks! ...Just saying.)
Have a time your actor soul died a little? Leave a reply below...
[post_title] => 11 Times Your Actor Soul Died A Little [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 11-times-your-actor-soul-died-a-little [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-06-22 09:58:55 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-06-22 13:58:55 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=2430 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [32] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2816 [post_author] => 190 [post_date] => 2016-06-20 09:58:53 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-06-20 13:58:53 [post_content] => Every actor’s approach to the craft is unique and beautiful. How you “act” varies greatly depending on your technique, schooling, and even psychological makeup. Each actor is a snowflake, drifting through this merciless tundra of an industry with as much grace, determination, and courage as they can muster. It’s a thrilling example of the tenacity of the human spirit. But even in this intoxicating whirlwind of a life, we actors have one thing for certain. One little strand from which we can draw some sense of security, continuity, and trust...You’ve gotta know your gosh-darned lines.
Whether it’s Shakespeare, Simon, Sophocles, or Sorkin. Whether you just graduated grade school or Yale University. If you don’t have your lines memorized, your fellow actors will have (to quote the aforementioned Billy Shakes) “no more faith in thee than in a stewed prune.”
So in attempt to avoid becoming said prune, Here are some tried and true tips & hacks to help memorize lines.
1. Abbreviate Them
Write out the first letter of each word, leaving all capitalizations and punctuations in place. So “Good Night, Good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” would become “G N, G n! P i s s s, t I s s g n t i b m.” This gives you just enough of a map to make sure that you’re word-perfect, while still providing a challenge.
2. Writing Them
Pretty simple but it works. If you have a monologue or speech that keeps tripping you up, rewrite it over and over again. The key here is to handwrite it. The physicality will help give this technique sticking power.
3. Record Them
Record yourself speaking the lines & listen to this recording as you go about your day. When I use this technique, I make sure to speak them relatively monotone so that I don’t get stuck in a certain inflection.
4. Get moving!
You’re not going to be onstage, staring into a corner, and reciting your lines like a robot, so don’t practice them that way! Go for a jog, do jumping jacks, heck, even devise an interpretive dance for each line (surprisingly effective). It’s one thing to be able to recite lines when you’re giving 100% of your focus. Incorporating movement will be a truer test, and a closer representation of what’ll be required of you in rehearsals and performances.
5. Use The Buddy System
Having a friend or fellow cast member with you can keep you accountable, I mean who doesn't want to look good in front of their peers. Even better, invite your scene partner to go through lines with you. Not only will this help you get off book, but odds are you will get comfortable with each other during the process. This will reap further rewards when it's time to perform together on stage.
*Just make sure the friend is someone you know will help keep you accountable, not the one who just wants to talk about last nights GoT.
Bonus Tips!
- Familiarize yourself with the script first. It’ll be much easier to memorize once you have an idea of the character and the structure of the scene.
- Sleep help converts new information from short term memory to long term memory. Review your lines as you’re dozing off, and you will be shocked at much you recall in the morning!
- There’s an app for that! Some folks swear by The Rehearsal 2 App. It’s essentially a recording and teleprompter in one. Pretty genius, if you ask me. But at 20 bucks, it costs a bit of a pretty penny.
- Avoid the traditional “I’ll just repeat this line 2,000 times until I get it” strategy, as this will cement not only what you’re saying, but also how you’re saying it. You want your speech to be naturally influenced by your character’s intentions and tactics, so be careful not to memorize inflections and tones.
What do you do to memorize lines? Leave me a comment with your tips and tricks!
[post_title] => Off Book Is Coming! 5 Hacks To Help You Memorize Lines [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 5-hacks-to-help-you-memorize-lines [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-06-20 10:02:30 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-06-20 14:02:30 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=2816 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 3 [filter] => raw ) [33] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2788 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2016-06-18 12:46:31 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-06-18 16:46:31 [post_content] =>Many films take their inspiration from the Bard and his plays. Can you match these popular flicks up with their Elizabethan counterparts?
[viralQuiz id=7] [post_title] => Can You Match The Movie With Its Shakespeare Play? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => match-the-movie-with-its-shakespeare-play [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-06-18 12:54:44 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-06-18 16:54:44 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=2788 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [34] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2844 [post_author] => 11 [post_date] => 2016-06-15 20:49:14 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-06-16 00:49:14 [post_content] => Host James Corden said it best: the Tony Awards are “like the Super Bowl for people who don't know what the Super Bowl is.” On Sunday, theatre nerds across the country tuned in for TV’s glitziest, most glamorous night honoring the 2015-2016 Broadway season. This annual celebration of theatre’s best is our night to root for our favorite productions and performers. Here are our favorite moments from 70th Annual Tony Awards (in no particular order):1. James Corden dedicates the opening number to ambitious theater kids.
Any avid award-show buff knows that a successful opening number is key to a successful night. This year, actor James Corden swapped his ‘talk-show host’ hat for an ‘award-show host’ hat, guiding us through this season’s best of Broadway. His opening number set the scene of a young James, sitting rear mezzanine with mom and dad, dreaming of all the roles he might play someday. The goofy, jazz hands-worthy number paid homage to lots of classic Broadway and left us with the inspiring message that it truly could be you on that stage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psFLbMpKh7M2. James Corden in general.
As an actor with prominent theater roots who just so happens to host his own Late Late Show, Corden was a shoo-in as this year’s M.C. He kept things light, humorous, fun and witty even amidst tragedy earlier that day. Corden did a great job at giving us all the *Broadway feels* and we wouldn’t even be mad if they asked him to host again next year.
3. Lin-Manuel Miranda proclaims “Love is love is love...”
Though Miranda’s win may have been highly anticipated, it was nothing short of emotional. In true Lin-Manuel Miranda-fashion, the playwright/actor took to the stage with an acceptance poem, thanking his wife and urging viewers to stand together in goodness and in love. Even those few folks left in the world who haven’t jumped on the Hamilton bandwagon can appreciate his well-worded speech. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUffUHGqYco4. Barbra Streisand makes her first Tony’s appearance since 1970!
Last time the Tony’s saw Babs, she was accepting her Star of the Decade award. The legendary powerhouse has been MIA for the last couple of decades of awards ceremonies, so her return made for lots of well-deserved hubbub. After Corden’s quip that there would be medical assistance (should anyone faint in the presence of this icon, of course), Streisand took the stage looking straight outta Hamilton. Even if she didn’t actually open the envelope to read the obvious winner of Best Musical, a rare Babs sighting could never rain on our parade.
5. Josh Groban's “Fiddler on the Roof” blast from the past.
Josh Groban thought he was just going to be a presenter for the evening, but host James Corden had other plans. He played a clip of Groban as Tevye in a high school production of "Fiddler on the Roof". Groban (who will be making his Broadway debut this fall) appeared surprised and a little embarrassed, but was a good sport about Corden's prank. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2xooT_lsZU6. Cynthia Erivo completely kills it in her “The Color Purple” performance.
While it was a night of outstanding performances, “London girl” Cynthia Erivo blew others out of the water. Belting a soulful rendition from “The Color Purple” (for which she won Lead Actress in a Musical), Erivo certainly left us wondering where she’ll go next in her Broadway career. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k2xzQyT2bk7. The Tony’s honor those lost in the Orlando tragedy.
Though this year’s ceremony televised shortly after a devastating nationwide tragedy, the Tony’s shed a little light on our country’s gloomy day. Many acceptance speeches honored the lives that were lost, allowing the theater community to band together in support. Frank Langella, who took home the title of Best Lead Actor in a Play for his performance in “The Father”, was a prime example: “I found some words that will mean more to you than a list of names,” he said. “When something bad happens we have three choices: we let it define us, we let it destroy us, or we let it strengthen us. Today in Orlando we had a hideous dose of reality, and I urge you Orlando to remain strong.”
8. “The Humans” wins Best Play.
After pinning down six Tony noms, Roundabout Theatre Company’s “The Humans” was crowned Best Play. Set over a Thanksgiving dinner, this dramedy follows one family’s plight to coexist harmoniously.
9. Hamilton wins Best Musical.
We all knew it would happen...and we’re totally thrilled it did. Nominated for a record-breaking 16 awards, the larger-than-life Broadway hit took home 11 (nearly breaking another record as the highest amount of wins in one night is 12 for “The Producers”). One of those awards was, of course, Best Musical. After watching the cast’s performances, one thing is certain: a history lesson never had such a good beat.
10. It was the culmination of a truly diverse, inspiring Broadway season.
With performances from School of Rock, Spring Awakening, Bright Star, Shuffle Along, Fiddler on the Roof and more, this year’s ceremony was nothing short of diverse in terms of culture, music, dance and story. It was the perfect end to a brilliant Broadway season, leaving us all-too-ready for another year of epic theater.
What was your favorite moment of the 70th annual Tony Awards? Leave a reply below...
[post_title] => Top 10 Moments Of The 70th Annual Tony Awards [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => top-10-moments-70th-annual-tony-awards [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-06-10 08:39:31 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-06-10 12:39:31 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=2844 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [35] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 2655 [post_author] => 9 [post_date] => 2016-06-14 10:10:51 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-06-14 14:10:51 [post_content] => Do you ever wonder what kind of things theatre teachers see in auditions? After all, theatre teachers see thousands of auditions, so you know there are bound to be some unfortunately memorable performances.1. The same monologue
I have nothing against D.M. Larson or Kellie Powell, but I have all their monologues memorized now. Time to read some more plays, people!
2. The improviser
You just came up with that monologue on the spot? I had no idea…
3. Fierce eye contact
Please don’t look me in the eyes while you perform a monologue about “me” attacking you.
4. Wrong genre
Your monologue was hilarious, but I don’t think Hamlet is supposed to be funny…
5. Vulgar performance
You would think people would censor themselves with teachers in the room… alas… they do not.
6. “Can I start over?”
I’m starting to think this monologue is about short-term memory loss. If it is… brilliant.
7. Overly prepared freshman
This one is only unfortunate because the seniors are going to whine that they were beat out by a freshman.
8. Lazy seniors
The senioritis is strong with this one… so I’m giving your part to a freshman.
9. Techies who can act and sing
You can act and sing too?! Great, now who’s going to build the set?
10. The plagued
You’re so sick that you weren’t at school today, but theatre is life, so… wipe your nose and try not to cough on the directors.
11. The Nervous Fish
At any moment these students think a shark will appear and eat them whole. (I have yet to see this shark).
12. No-show
Thank you for signing up last too… I was hoping to wait around for no one.
13. One character McGee
I really want to cast you… unfortunately the only character you can play doesn’t really fit in this show.
14. Original monologue
Must every original monologue be a dark and depressing window into your inner-thoughts?
15. Multi-tasking
Remember, you’re allowed to act and sing simultaneously!
16. Two left feet
Don’t worry, we’ll put you in the back.
17. Ineligible
I can’t cast you when you’re failing everything except Theatre and Choir.
Are you one of these people? What are some other unfortunate things theatre teachers see in auditions? Let us know by commenting below!
[post_title] => 17 Unfortunate Things Theatre Teachers See In Auditions [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 17-unfortunate-things-theatre-teachers-see-in-auditions [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-04-04 21:22:31 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-04-05 01:22:31 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=2655 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 19 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 36 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3615 [post_author] => 395 [post_date] => 2016-08-16 11:16:33 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-08-16 15:16:33 [post_content] =>
Anyone who watches “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” knows that the writers of the show love a good broadway reference. Titus Andromadon, Kimmy’s would-be actor roommate (played by Broadway veteran Tituss Burgess) who moonlights as a werewolf/waiter is always ready with a pithy jab at James Monroe Iglehart (aka Genie in Aladdin) or improvisational compositions such as “Outside bones, outside bones, never forget your teeth are outside bones.” Titus is our broadway-diva-spirit-animal who suffers wardrobe malfunctions, audition struggles, and occasionally a little cultural misappropriation. He reminds us that you don’t actually have to be in a show to sing on Broadway. He is the theatre nerd everyman that we all need and love. So, in an unabashed celebration of Titus and all of his glory...
Here are 10 reasons why Titus Andromedon is the best character on TV right now:
1. He doesn’t need a costume designer to show off his fabulous style.
From wearing a silk robe at home to a “Baby Slut” T-shirt in public, Titus certainly knows how to pull off an outfit no one else — literally no one else — can.
2. He is a deeply loyal friend — despite sometimes being a bad one.
Kimmy and Titus certainly have some ups and downs over the course of the series, but they always patch things up in the end.
3. He’s fiercely driven towards his Broadway dreams, but knows when enough is enough for one day.
We feel you, Titus. We really feel you.
4. He knows when to treat himself. With three pizzas. For one person.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVByzL8VfGQ If this isn’t a relatable jingle, I don’t know what is.5. He personally turned the words “Pinot Noir” from a humdrum red wine to a cultural phenomenon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6yttOfIvOw Pinot Noir, leather bar, oh-so-close and yet so far. You’re welcome and I’m sorry — that song’s going to be in your head for the rest of the day.6. He’s willing to go the extra (and super weird) mile to get a role.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBSFZbm2cto Forget Disney’s acclaimed “Lion King,” this is the show we’d all like to see on the Great White Way!7. He doesn’t doubt how perfectly awesome he is.
It isn’t easy to be super confident when you’re constantly being rejected audition after audition. But through it all, Titus retains his sense of self and that arrogant swagger we’ve all grown to love.
8. He isn’t afraid to improvise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taA5bbLpA0s FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT! Titus might have been sick as a dog when performing this off-the-cuff jingle at an audition, but anyone who equates teeth with bats that hang from your face is an actual genius. Trident, take note.9. He knows how to exit a room
All. The. Sass.
10. He has big-time “Hamilton” dreams, just like the rest of us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F--W1BWeME Rap, rap, rappity, rap. Even though Titus said in a previous episode that the “Hamilton” show creators are “prejudiced because I can't rap or walk quickly in a circle,” he puts his own Titus spin on the show and auditions anyway. A callback is unlikely, but none of us are complaining.What’s your favorite Titus moment? What are you looking forward to next season? Let us know in the comments below...
[post_title] => Why Titus Andromedon Is The Best Character On TV Right Now [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => why-titus-andromedon-is-the-best-character-on-tv-right-now [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://theatrenerds.com/stages-of-trying-to-memorize-the-hamilton-album/ [post_modified] => 2016-08-19 11:35:12 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-08-19 15:35:12 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=3615 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [comment_count] => 0 [current_comment] => -1 [found_posts] => 733 [max_num_pages] => 21 [max_num_comment_pages] => 0 [is_single] => [is_preview] => [is_page] => [is_archive] => 1 [is_date] => [is_year] => [is_month] => [is_day] => [is_time] => [is_author] => [is_category] => [is_tag] => [is_tax] => 1 [is_search] => [is_feed] => [is_comment_feed] => [is_trackback] => [is_home] => [is_privacy_policy] => [is_404] => [is_embed] => [is_paged] => 1 [is_admin] => [is_attachment] => [is_singular] => [is_robots] => [is_favicon] => [is_posts_page] => [is_post_type_archive] => [query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => e86d2f683808c0148957f85a545d393e [query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] => 1 [thumbnails_cached] => [allow_query_attachment_by_filename:protected] => [stopwords:WP_Query:private] => [compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => query_vars_hash [1] => query_vars_changed ) [compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => init_query_flags [1] => parse_tax_query ) [query_cache_key:WP_Query:private] => wp_query:3dd7aa09894d54196b70dbabc00c4fa4:0.42609600 17782950810.11697600 1778295082 )Latest stories
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