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Rebecca enters, SR, with a large binder & copious volumes of books.

Rebecca Hi, my name is Rebecca, and I’m a dramaturg. (beat) A dramaturg…. (beat) I’m this theatre’s Hufflepuff. Dramaturgs are the intellectual catch-all of the theatre world. A dramaturg often works on a project-by-project basis with playwrights, theatre and opera companies, festivals, and new work development.

3 Ways Dramaturgs Work With Theatres and Operas:

1. Dramaturg As Researcher

Have you ever watched a production and thought to yourself, I wonder how the playwright/director/actor knew so much about turtles on the Galapagos Islands?

There’s a significant chance the production and creative team worked with a dramaturg. A dramaturg often  researches various topics in a production, taking copious notes and collecting various source materials. This collection of information is then shared, starting with the production team, which then applies it to various parts of a production.

If the paint crew has questions about the coloring of a Galapagos turtle’s eyes, the dramaturg would find proper photo and art documentation to assist. When a director wants their actors to walk like a turtle in a scene, the dramaturg would find video clips and turtle stats to share with the director before rehearsals.

The dramaturg, as researcher, is a finder.

2. Dramaturgs As Editors

When working with playwrights on new play development, dramaturgs work as continuity editors. Where a dramaturg may do research for a playwright and assist with the flow of a play, they are NOT a co-playwright. In new play development, a dramaturg’s job is to work as an editor for the new work.

For example, in the first draft of a play, the playwright writes that the main character always wears a white shirt when on stage. After multiple drafts, rewrites, and trial and error, the play now contains a scene where the main character’s favorite shirt is bleached by accident in the wash by a visiting relative. The dramaturg would make a note to the writer that the color of the shirt shouldn’t be white since bleach wouldn’t harm it. While this does assist with the progression of the play and a critical visual moment in the production, the dramaturg does not change the shirt color in the text. The playwright must make the conscious choice to take this note and choose to apply it or not.

3. Dramaturgs as Mechanics

Maintaining a similar vision can be very tricky in a production, especially large scaled productions. One person’s idea of a particular setting can be dramatically different than another person’s. A strong dramaturg can help eradicate the chaos that occurs when many people work on a project together.

In this example, let’s think of a dramaturg as a mechanic. If we view a play or opera as a really impressive locomotive, the dramaturg is person who walks through each wagon unnoticed and fully aware. The dramaturg helps create a line of communication and continuity between the conductor which carries all the way back to the baggage handler working in the caboose and back again, connecting with the ticket puncher, coal shovelers, and passengers along the way. The dramaturg never tells any of these individuals how to handle their job or what to do but instead keeps communication and new developments shared while everyone is busy focusing on their direct task. This communication allows each department of a production  to work near full capacity without stopping to continuously check-in.

A Dramaturg’s Insight:

Modern-day dramaturgy origins are credited to German philosopher, playwright, and critic Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. More on him at a later date.

Questions about Dramaturgy? We'd love to hear from you! Leave a reply below...

[post_title] => What The Heck Is A Dramaturg? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => what-is-a-dramaturg [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-04-08 15:41:18 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-04-08 15:41:18 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=1214 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 5 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1162 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2016-04-07 03:20:19 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-04-07 03:20:19 [post_content] => Okay, it's not unreasonable for drama students to assume they may not enjoy reading classic plays. Many times, they seem old, drab, and uninteresting. Why bother with the dusty drama section in the school library when there are new authors to the caliber of Shaffer, Albee, and Patrick Shanely? In the words of Shakespeare, "They stumble that run fast." Unfortunately, many English teachers the worlds over have committed literary crimes by making the works of Shakespeare, Sophocles, and Miller terribly boring. Instead of caring about Electra's family, they are forced to try to remember if Orestes is her brother or her father. Instead of loving the classic story of Nora and her attitude adjustment, they are writing essay upon essay about why she slammed the door. While Sophocles and Ibsen may not have thought that their plays would be read for the rest of time, they didn't intend for students to be bored to tears while reading them. So we charge thee, that before coming to quick judgment on the relevance and importance of these worn works, that you should read at least one before making any conclusion. These are classics for a reason, and only in 2016 The Crucible was revived on Broadway to rave reviews.

Wondering where to start? Here are 5 classic plays to put on your “must read” list:

5. A Doll's House

As mentioned above, Henrik Ibsen's groundbreaking play about Nora and her slow realization about how much she hates her life has been a story brutally murdered by AP Literature classes the world over. But once the grades are taken off a student's back, they realize that they all know a Nora. They know a couple whose marriage would end this way. Though not his intention, Ibsen added to modern feminism by starting a conversation. Download free on amazon Kindle

4. The Crucible

Witch hunts, questioning religion, promiscuity, adultery, and crowd mentality are all questioned in this Miller classic. John Proctor is a memorable character whose legacy lives on through life and through essays. While the language may seem dated, once a student adjusts to it they find a story worth remembering. Kindle          Paperback  

3. Antigone

Now, I know what you're thinking (by the looks of the cover). This play isn't just classic, it's ancient. It's also greek...and you don''t know how to pronounce the name of the main character. I get it. I was in the same boat. But after you google a few definitions, decide on how to best read it, and figure out the character's relationships with each other, the play starts to tell a beautiful and tragic story. Antigone tells the tale of a powerful sister rivalry and explores the nature of tragedy. Many of the plays themes are still alive and relevant in the present day.     Kindle          Paperback

2. A Raisin in the Sun

A story about racism that is relatable to all walks of life is hard to find, but Hansberry manages it. This play and its characters are for anyone who has ever felt left out, excluded, and hated for reasons beyond their control. With an ambiguous ending it's a must for many English classes to theorize and pick to death. But for those who care about story, it's a tale of humble roots, a message that remains the same throughout time. Kindle          Paperback  

1. Hamlet

Yes, I had to put a Shakespeare play on this list. Hamlet ponders some of life's deeper questions: the impossibility of certainty, depression, and the inevitability of dying. But what many people don't understand is that Shakespeare wasn't meant to be read. It was meant to be heard, it was meant to be seen, it was meant to be lived. Shakespeare himself would not have enjoyed watching an English class popcorn read their way through Laertes' monologues, he would have been infuriated! So grab your friends, drama class, or family, and give it a try!     Kindle          Paperback w/free audiobook For thespians, its important to study the classic works and material that helped propel the craft further throughout time.These plays use conventions, themes, and rules that most modern pieces recycle and re-create into new story lines. There are timeless ingredients that go into a great story, and formulas that make a wonderful play. So dust off one of these great plays, and see how much it speaks to your current time and situation ~

Add your favorite classic to the list, leave a reply below...

[post_title] => 5 Classic Plays All Thespians Should Read [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 5-classic-plays-all-thespians-should-read [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2017-04-16 12:09:03 [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-04-16 16:09:03 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=1162 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1112 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2016-04-05 21:03:21 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-04-05 21:03:21 [post_content] => A successful musical is like a delicious batch of brownies; it takes the right ingredients. Besides being highly “brandable” with a remarkable score, Wicked dealt with issues and lessons that were relevant with the current times and culture. With its Broadway debut in 2003, the nation was undergoing several changes. We were all still recovering and trying to understand 9/11, catching up to the digital age, and undergoing a new renaissance of tolerance with peoples race, religion, and sexual preference. Young women, raised on a diet of empowerment were hungry for strong and dynamic female role models in popular culture. Wicked was an instant hit, and 13 years later it is one of the most successful shows to ever hit Broadway, recently hitting $1 Billion in total box office revenue. The ingredients that made this delicious long lasting hit are the lessons and reminders continuously echoed in the Gershwin Theatre 8 times a week.

To celebrate 13 years on Broadway, here are 13 lessons Wicked taught a generation:

1. It taught us that our "differences" are often our biggest assets...

2. And that "popular" is relative.

3. It taught us to live in the moment...

4. Because many good things come to an end.

5. It taught us things (& people) aren't always the way they seem...

6. And even a wizard is still only human.

7. It taught us unlikely friendships can be made...

8. And reminded girls they could defy gravity.

9. It taught us to dance through life...

10. But don't forget the important issues in society.

11. It taught us to help each other in times of need...

12. And often, being "good" is a choice we make.

13. But at times, we are all just a little bit...WICKED.

Have one of you're own? We'd love to hear it, just leave a reply below...

[post_title] => Wicked Obsession: 13 Reasons We Still Love Wicked 15 Years Later [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 13-reasons-we-still-love-wicked [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2019-09-03 12:56:06 [post_modified_gmt] => 2019-09-03 16:56:06 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=1112 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1071 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2016-04-05 02:25:49 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-04-05 02:25:49 [post_content] => We associate the works of William Shakespeare with the height of western literary achievement. Through his characters, Shakespeare explored the width and breadth of human experience…including the occasional (and by occasional I mean very very frequent) sex joke. Yes, believe it or not the Bard himself was a big fan of the kind of “potty humor” that to this day titillates the average middle schooler. Fart jokes, poop jokes and yes…penis jokes. Shakespeare was skilled at writing to entertain an incredibly wide audience, from the nobility in their box seats to the “groundlings” or peasant class who could only afford tickets on the ground level looking up at the stage. The Elizabethan theater was structured to accommodate multiple social classes, and Shakespeare’s text was as well. His rich and poetic use of language, metaphor and allusions appealed to the high born educated theater goer, and his penis jokes were written for the rest of us, and our inner twelve-year-old. Shakespeare was the master of the double entendre, folding two jokes into one and giving double meanings to his punch lines. His plays are riddled with hidden penile puns there to entertain the déclassé audience member.

We Theatre Nerds have compiled a list of 9 of our favorite penis references from the often bawdy Bard

1. Romeo & Julet, 2.4

Mercutio to the Nurse:

for the bawdy hand of the dial, Is now upon the prick of noon.

2. Henry V, 2.3

Pistol to Nym:

I do retort the solus in thy bowels, For I can take, and Pistol’s cock is up, And flashing fire will follow.

3. The Two Gentlemen Of Verona, 5.2

THURIO: Sir Proteus, what says Silvia to my suit?

PROTEUS: O, sir, I find her milder than she was; And yet she takes exceptions at your person.

THURIO: What, that my leg is too long?

PROTEUS: No; that it is too little.

4. Measure for Measure, 1.3

Believe not that the dribbling dart of love Can Pierce a Complete bosom

-Duke Vincentio

5. Love's Labour's Lost, 5.2

Dumain was at my service, and his sword

-Maria

6. The Taming of the Shrew 4.1

CURTIS: Away, you three-inch fool! I am no beast.

GRUMIO: Am I but three inches? why, thy horn is a foot; and so long am I at the least

7. Love's Labour's Lost, 4.1

MARIA: A mark marvellous well shot; for they both did hit it.

BOYET: A mark! O, mark but that mark! A mark, says my lady!

Let the mark have a prick in’t, to mete at, if it may be.

8. Merry Wives of Windsor, 3.5

MISTRESS QUICKLY: Alas the day! good heart, that was not her fault: she does so take on with her men; they mistook their erection.

FALSTAFF: So did I mine, to build upon a foolish woman's promise.

9. Two Gentlemen of Verona, 2.5

SPEED: Why, then, how stands the matter with them?

LAUNCE: Marry, thus: when it stands well with him, it stands well with her.

Have one that we missed? Leave a comment below...

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Are you a Broadway showtune superstar?

Test your knowledge by matching the lyric given with the correct song title.

---

 [viralQuiz id=2]

[post_title] => Trivia: Name That Broadway Tune [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => name-that-broadway-tune [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-08-28 10:56:09 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-08-28 14:56:09 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=1033 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 901 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2016-04-01 19:43:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-04-01 19:43:23 [post_content] => The Theatre Nerds group is the best group around, and I know this for a fact. The proof is the incredible response received when I asked for your favorite quotes from musicals you love. This group exists because I wanted a place for all of us to come together and celebrate our love for live theatre, and the community that's forming warms my heart. Because of the massive response, I thought it would be fun to put together a list of the top quotes, based on how many “likes” they received on the FB page.

So without further ado, here are your top 25 quotes from musicals out of over 400 submissions we received.

P.S. If you aren't with us on Facebook, you're missing out!

1. Take me for what I am, who I was meant to be!

2. There's a hole in the world like a big black pit who are filled with people who are filled with shit

3. The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn Is Just To Love And Be Loved In Return

4. It's time to trust my instincts close my eyes and leap!

5. Negro day's the best! I wish every day was Negro day!

6. Wow, you mean the Bible is actually a trilogy, and the Book of Mormon is Return of the Jedi?! I'm interested!

7. Now life has killed the dream I dreamed

8. I don't need a life that's normal, that's way too far away But something next to normal would be okay

9. Never fear Brooklyn is here

10. WOAAAHHHHH THERE PLASTIC HORSE

11. Take my hand, and lead me to salvation. Take my love, for love is everlasting. And remember the truth that once was spoken: to love another person is to see the face of God.

12. Bottom: So wait, an actor is saying his lines and out of nowhere he just starts singing? Nostradamus: Yes.

13. So much of me Is made of what I learned from you. You'll be with me Like a handprint on my heart.

14. Should we tell her about musicians? She doesn't need to know anything about them! All she needs to know is they keep them in a pit, and it's for a good reason

15. If I hadn't believed in you, I wouldn't have loved you at all

16. Death does not discriminate between the sinners or the saints

17. Oh if life were made of moments, even now and then a bad one, but if life were only moments, then you wouldn't know you had one

18. Masquerade! Paper faces on parade . . .Masquerade! Hide your face, so the world will never find you!

19. At the end of the day you're another day older

20. Well, we can't all come and go by bubble!

21. Winifred, never confuse efficiency with a liver complaint

22. What would I do with two? The same as you do with one!

23. I want to die Knowing I Had a long, full life in your arms That I can do Forever, with you

24. Touch me just like that. And that, oh, yeah, now that's heaven

25. Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise

As you can see Les Miserables takes the cake with 4 total quotes. Wicked is a close 2nd with 3 quotes.

Have one you think should be on the list? Leave it in a comment below...

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Showtunes are a blessing to all of us on earth (They Are!) and there are thousands of amazing songs that we know and love deeply. Here are a few that I just can't help but sing at the top of my lungs when they come on.

1. Gee, Officer Krupke - West Side Story (1957)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7TT4jnnWys

2. It Sucks To Be Me - Avenue Q (2003)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6ALzUGZsOQ

3. My New Philosophy - You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (1967)

https://youtu.be/JcVa_qe1itE

4. Time Warp - Rocky Horror Show (1973)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w0WPkB3XJ4

5. Summer in Ohio- The Last Five Years (2002)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPmsWTfn3sM

6. La Vie Boheme - RENT (1993)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BoS7BGKtBg

7. Blow, Gabriel, Blow - Anything Goes (1934)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-Ql-fduIdM

8. Put On a Happy Face - Bye Bye Birdie (1960)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_CE7GqqrvY

9. Go Into Your Dance - 42nd Street (1980)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kQf4WaCu1M

10. I Enjoy Being a Girl - Flower Drum Song (1958)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjWn-ueeeLw

Do you have a song(s) that you think should be on the list? If so, leave them in the comments below. Let's spread the word about great tunes!

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Here are 7 must-have Broadway cast albums to add to your spring playlist

1. Fun Home

This surprise Tony Award winning (Best Musical & Best Score) show is filled with colorful songs on the struggles of a family to find their true identities. Not to mention the beautiful voices, particular that of Michael Cerveris and the adorable Broadway debut of Sydney Lucas. Get on amazon    Listen on Spotify

2. School Of Rock

I may have done a double take when I saw that this was a new Andrew Lloyd Webber project, a far cry from his longest running Broadway show in history (you know, that Phantom show).Based on the film with Jack Black, this new Broadway show stars Alex Brightman & Sierra Boggess. Nonetheless, this cast album really does "rock" and has enough hits to get you pumped up. Get on amazon     Listen on Spotify

3. Hamilton

Unless you have been hiding under a rock (and even if you have been), you probably know Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton is kind of a big deal right now. The tale of Alexander Hamilton is told through hip-hop, and the cast album received a Grammy Award for best Musical Theater Album. History is given a fresh makeover with this great score. Get on amazon     Listen on Spotify

4. Daddy Long Legs

Okay I'm cheating a little bit as this is technically an Off-Broadway show, but I couldn't leave it off the list. This quaint two-person musical tells the story of a young & promising orphan getting her chance in life. The music by Paul Gordon is a beautiful, sweet, and fresh take on a timeless story. Even with a cast of two, you will not tire from hearing the voices of Megan McGinnis and Paul Alexander Nolan. Get on amazon     Listen on Spotify

5. Bright Star - Coming April 29th

Bluegrass meets Broadway in this brand new show by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. The music is a great tribute to Americana roots making you feel like driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its nice to have another unique and non-traditional score on the Broadway stage. Pre-order Album

6. Something Rotten

Our list wouldn't be complete without a goofy satire show about theatre itself. With a 2015 Tony nomination for best original score, Something Rotten has plenty of tunes with a reminiscent flare of Monty Python's Spamalot. To give you an idea of this musicals personality, two of the tunes are titled: God, I hate Shakespeare, and The Black Death. Merde! Get on amazon     Listen on Spotify

7. The King And I

The only revival on the list, you cannot ignore the eternal scores of Rodgers & Hammerstein. A classic tale told in vocal perfection by Broadway stars Kelli O'Hara & Ken Watanabe. The 2015 rebirth won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. This score goes nicely with a light, warm, and sunny spring day. Shall we dance? Get on amazon     Listen on Spotify [post_title] => 7 Must-Have Broadway Cast Albums To Add To Your Spring Playlist [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 7-must-have-broadway-cast-albums [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-03-31 02:20:28 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-03-31 02:20:28 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=842 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 762 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2016-03-29 23:21:59 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-03-29 23:21:59 [post_content] => Ahhhh, being a thespian...there's nothing quite like it!

1. When You Hear Someone Bad-Mouthing Your Show.

2. When The Director Shows Up To Rehearsal In A Bad Mood...Everyone Pays.

3. When You're Being Upstaged...

4. When The Glow Tape Didn't Help.

5. When Someone Approaches You In Public And You're Still In Your Stage Makeup.

6. When You Get Mentally Prepared Before Auditions...

7. And Then How You Feel When Its Your Turn...

8. When Your Mom Is The Only One In The Audience Clapping...

9. When You Go Back To The Green Room And The Food Is Gone...

10. When You Dread Two Words: Tech Week.

11. When Closing Night Comes And You Say Goodbye To The Show You Love & Family You Have Formed.

12. And Then Realize Auditions For The Next Show Are Only 2 Weeks Away...

Like, agree, have one we missed? Leave a reply below...

[post_title] => 12 Problems Only Theatre Kids Understand [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 12-problems-only-theatre-kids-understand [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-11-21 09:04:59 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-11-21 14:04:59 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=762 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 21 [filter] => raw ) [9] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 709 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2016-03-28 16:48:12 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-03-28 16:48:12 [post_content] => I got to be a theatre investor/producer, thanks to a simple blog comment, which lead to an email correspondence, that eventually lead to a meeting with a Tony Award winning producer. While there were a few more steps along the way to the place that I am in now -- that of a young producer -- my early experiences in this industry were a powerful lesson in the power of one email to change the entire direction of your life. These days I am on the receiving end of many similar emails. I am sure that many of them are from talented, passionate and hard working individuals. But often, it is difficult to see that because they first impression they make is less than desirable. I realize there really isn’t a class on this, but its something every young and aspiring actor/theatre professional should know. Heck, it is something every young professional needs to figure out. How you represent yourself in first encounters, even through email, has a HUGE impact on how you are received, and the kinds of opportunities you will find open to you. I cannot underestimate the value of taking the time to make sure that you show yourself in the best possible light right from the start. So, I’ve mined my own experiences, working in the theater world and the business world more generally, and came up with a few key tips to help those of you who might be just starting out. If you do these things below, you will separate yourself out from the crowd, and more importantly, could get a life-changing email in response.

1. Keep It Brief

Professionals are busy…well…being professionals. The last thing they want to do is sift through their inbox everyday reading short stories from people they have never met. Cold emailing is tough, and the key is to only hit the points most necessary to make your case. Go ahead and skip the part about how you have been doing theatre all your life, how this would be an amazing opportunity, etc. Make precise points about why you are emailing, and what you are expecting from this dialogue. The first email should be no longer than 2 or at most 3 paragraphs long. Even though this is an email, you should edit and proof read, much like a school paper or cover letter. This will ensure you say as much as you can, in as few words as possible.

2. Keep It Professional

For the sake of being “cute” do not forgo proper English. Write a clear-concise email that displays professionalism and a respect for the time of the producers, directors, or professional to whom you are writing. Skip the emojis for now, a “winky” face maybe acceptable, only after a correspondence has been established. Remember this is your first “audition”, and they have never met you to see how you are charming, cute, and professional all at the same time. Its difficult to make cute and comedic translate via email, especially to a stranger who doesn’t know you. Because of this, let the first thing they see be your ability to communicate in a business-like manner.

3. Don’t Start With What You Want

We know you want something, (unless you are an adoring fan or a harsh critic just telling us your opinion) but don’t come out of the gate asking for something in the first sentence. I can’t tell you how many emails I get that start with…”How do I become a professional actor”, or “How can I work on Broadway”, or “Can you get me a job.” And these are seriously the opening lines, not even an introduction, sometimes not even their name until the end. Hey we are humans, and we want to feel like more than a stepping-stone for your career. If you want an email back, try politely introducing yourself, then talking about why you chose to email us specifically. Mentioning a specific work, project, or piece they worked on will automatically give you points.

4. Keep It Confident

Confidence is an amazing asset to have in life, and is a skill that can be developed. Avoid apologizing for the email in any way. Don’t give them an out by saying if they are too busy you understand. If they really are too busy, you don’t need to mention it, they will simply not respond. Go into it like you respectfully deserve to be in the conversation. And if you do go into it, go prepared. Be thoughtful with every sentence you write. Confidence shows us you can handle high-stakes situations and have an ability to come through in the end.

5. Show You Mean Business

There’s a fine line between selling yourself and coming across as…frankly… a tool. Master the art of showing how serious you are and how much work you are willing to put in, without spamming your points. In other words, back up what you are telling me you can do. There is nothing wrong with letting us know you work hard and can grind things out until they succeed. Hard work is rare, especially when that means taking a risk, so do your best to tell us why you will be different than the 5 emails we got from others that day. If I see this in someone, it tells me they could provide value in my career as well. An email back is an investment, and the more confidence you give us the more we are willing to make that investment.

BONUS: I Got An Email Back, Now What?%@!

Great, you must have made a good impression and peaked their curiosity. Read their response carefully and respond accordingly. The 5 rules above still apply, with the exception of developing a specific voice for the correspondence. If they answer your question and it is an abrupt no, then politely tell them thank you for their time, avoid getting angry and saying something that could burn the bridge later. You never know if/when your paths will cross again, and they could have your email filed for future opportunity. If their answer gives permission for further dialogue, then proceed, still treading lightly for the first few backs and fourths. It’s important not to overburden their time and resources. The relationship is most important, so respect all areas of it. If you can add value in any way, offer your ideas, help, or resources. Overall just show them you are an investment that will bring return in some form. Likewise, support their ventures in anyway possible; share their content on Facebook, take a course or seminar they offer, and put your “skin in the game.” Show them you really want to learn and are willing to put in the resources and effort. Lastly, if you have taken a risk by sending an email to a professional you admire, congratulations. The crazy thing is that you are in the minority. Many people freeze, and chicken out. Just remember most of the time you have nothing to lose, so take the chance, you just may end up taking a meeting in a Tony Award winning producers office.

Have a question, comment, or story? I’d love to hear from you, just leave a reply below or email ben@theatrenerds.com

[post_title] => A Producers Advice On How To Get An Email Back From A Producer [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => a-producers-advice-on-how-to-get-an-email-back [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-03-28 16:54:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-03-28 16:54:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=709 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [10] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 516 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2016-03-24 18:43:59 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-03-24 18:43:59 [post_content] => Are you more likely to go Into The Woods or give someone a very close shave? [viralQuiz id=1] [post_title] => Which Sondheim Musical Best Describes Your Life? [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => which-sondheim-musical [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-07-09 10:40:30 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-07-09 14:40:30 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=516 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [11] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 665 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2016-03-23 01:36:30 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-03-23 01:36:30 [post_content] => As actors, we are no stranger to the emotional roller coaster ride that is auditioning. So why do we go through all the trouble? The answer is simple; nothing can compare to the thrill of nailing the part and fulfilling your dreams on stage. In honor of actors everywhere, here are some of those emotions we experience, represented through gifs from one of my all time favorites, ​The Graham Norton Show​.

Walking into the audition with confidence.

When you see how long the line is to get in and someone asks you if you are here for the audition...

When someone speaks to you in line.

Then you recognize someone and say all the wrong things...

​

Your number is called and you walk into the warm up rooms to see something like this?

You go back and the director seems woefully unimpressed...but they send you on to dance call...

You think you're completely unprepared for the dance call....

They question you on your special skills which you have listed 'Stage Combat'...

And whatever this is...

When you’re reading with someone and there's a big kiss at the end and only ONE of you goes for it... #awkward

You walk out not really knowing how you did.

It's been two days and no phone call...

BUT, after about a week of worrying, you (hopefully) get the call saying you got the part!!!​

Though the life of a performer is full of uncertainty and disappointment, we live for the rush of it all. Now you just can't wait for the adrenaline that you’ll feel on the first day of rehearsal!

Have a similar experience? We'd love to hear your audition stories, leave a comment below...

Post by Samantha Shepherd, Theatre Nerds Contributor [post_title] => Showbiz: The Hardest Profession In The World [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => showbiz-the-hardest-profession-in-the-world [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2016-03-31 23:33:58 [post_modified_gmt] => 2016-03-31 23:33:58 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://theatrenerds.com/?p=665 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [12] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 576 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2016-03-20 20:04:56 [post_date_gmt] => 2016-03-20 20:04:56 [post_content] => Preparing a trendy audition song seems a logical choice to many. The piece may have universal appeal, and a sense of it being "safe" material. Many actors fail to see that though this may be "popular" to perform in front of their peers, directors might have a slightly different take. Directors are looking for unique & creative individuals, and having "fresh" audition songs can separate you out from all the others. As an actor, you also show the ability to stretch yourself and take a risk on something that no-one else is doing.

I polled a group of directors, and here are the top 10 most "overdone" audition songs.

10. Adelaide’s Lament (Guys & Dolls)

A fun, silly, & very annoying song if not done in context. Just imagine a director hearing this one as their 97th audition of the day ;)

9. Giants In The Sky (Into the Woods)

Okay guys, great song, but there are too many giants in the sky at auditions.

8. Mama Who Bore Me (Spring Awakening)

We love Spring Awakening, but mama may "Bore" the directors.

7. Defying Gravity (wicked)

Let's face it, gravity has been defied way too many times.

6. On My Own (Les Mis)

You are not ON YOUR OWN if you sing this at auditions, especially after the release of the motion picture in 2012.

5. Don't Rain On My Parade (Funny Girl)

Sorry to rain on your parade, but Lea Michele nailed this song on Glee, & Barbra Streisand before her. You really want to go there?

4. Gimme Gimme (Thoroughly Modern Millie)

Directors Say "Don't" Gimme Gimme....Instead, Gimme something else.

3. On The Street Where You Live (My Fair Lady)

Another one for guys to hold off on. Auditions have often walked down this street before...

2. I Can't Say No (Oklahoma)

You can't, but directors wish you would!

1. Popular (Wicked)

Directors think Popular is no longer....popular. It was good while it lasted, but after 13 years its time to move on.

Agree or Disagree? Leave a comment below...

Big thanks to directors: Deborah Johansen Jenni Hennigh Bertels Rachel Duncan Katie Lindbeck Heather Dunkin Toller Jeff Witt Geri Sanders Seth Renne Blair Cromwell Tom Mayhall Rastrelli

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Rebecca enters, SR, with a large binder & copious volumes of books.

Rebecca Hi, my name is Rebecca, and I’m a dramaturg. (beat) A dramaturg…. (beat) I’m this theatre’s Hufflepuff. Dramaturgs are the intellectual catch-all of the theatre world. A dramaturg often works on a project-by-project basis with playwrights, theatre and opera companies, festivals, and new work development.

3 Ways Dramaturgs Work With Theatres and Operas:

1. Dramaturg As Researcher

Have you ever watched a production and thought to yourself, I wonder how the playwright/director/actor knew so much about turtles on the Galapagos Islands?

There’s a significant chance the production and creative team worked with a dramaturg. A dramaturg often  researches various topics in a production, taking copious notes and collecting various source materials. This collection of information is then shared, starting with the production team, which then applies it to various parts of a production.

If the paint crew has questions about the coloring of a Galapagos turtle’s eyes, the dramaturg would find proper photo and art documentation to assist. When a director wants their actors to walk like a turtle in a scene, the dramaturg would find video clips and turtle stats to share with the director before rehearsals.

The dramaturg, as researcher, is a finder.

2. Dramaturgs As Editors

When working with playwrights on new play development, dramaturgs work as continuity editors. Where a dramaturg may do research for a playwright and assist with the flow of a play, they are NOT a co-playwright. In new play development, a dramaturg’s job is to work as an editor for the new work.

For example, in the first draft of a play, the playwright writes that the main character always wears a white shirt when on stage. After multiple drafts, rewrites, and trial and error, the play now contains a scene where the main character’s favorite shirt is bleached by accident in the wash by a visiting relative. The dramaturg would make a note to the writer that the color of the shirt shouldn’t be white since bleach wouldn’t harm it. While this does assist with the progression of the play and a critical visual moment in the production, the dramaturg does not change the shirt color in the text. The playwright must make the conscious choice to take this note and choose to apply it or not.

3. Dramaturgs as Mechanics

Maintaining a similar vision can be very tricky in a production, especially large scaled productions. One person’s idea of a particular setting can be dramatically different than another person’s. A strong dramaturg can help eradicate the chaos that occurs when many people work on a project together.

In this example, let’s think of a dramaturg as a mechanic. If we view a play or opera as a really impressive locomotive, the dramaturg is person who walks through each wagon unnoticed and fully aware. The dramaturg helps create a line of communication and continuity between the conductor which carries all the way back to the baggage handler working in the caboose and back again, connecting with the ticket puncher, coal shovelers, and passengers along the way. The dramaturg never tells any of these individuals how to handle their job or what to do but instead keeps communication and new developments shared while everyone is busy focusing on their direct task. This communication allows each department of a production  to work near full capacity without stopping to continuously check-in.

A Dramaturg’s Insight:

Modern-day dramaturgy origins are credited to German philosopher, playwright, and critic Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. More on him at a later date.

Questions about Dramaturgy? We'd love to hear from you! Leave a reply below...

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