By Sami DeSocio Not every show is a success. It’s true, more shows close after opening than those that make it to become the next Phantom of the Opera. But what makes those shows that do survive so incredibly special? First and foremost, I believe it starts with the music. A musical really is only […]
Photo of Isaac’s King of New York iPhone case. by Isaac Grivett Last weekend, I had the privilege to attend our local theatre festival at Fullerton College. Although I have been heavily involved in theatre for a while, somehow I’ve never found myself at a festival until this year. After going to one this year, I really wish […]
By Emma Filosa We’ve all heard directors request that actors “get into character”. For a number of actors and actresses, a character begins on stage and ends off stage. However, some performers use the technique commonly known as “method acting” to not only get into character, but to literally become a character. Method acting was […]
By Sami DeSocio All actors have certain tools to make them successful. Whether it be certain acting techniques, your audition book or something else, the actor has many tools. However, those tools mean absolutely nothing without a great head shot to sell you! Why is a head shot so important? First off, it tells the […]
By Sami DeSocio To an actor, a costume is part of discovering the character and for some it is really the only way they know how to ‘step into their character’. It takes on a whole new meaning when you’re asked to provide part of the costume yourself out of your own wardrobe. After the […]
By Sami DeSocio Being a community theatre actor (for now) is nothing like being on Broadway, clearly. But, just like actors on Broadway, we all have our own daily routines before hitting the theater for the night. I compared my schedule to that of Andrew Kober of Les Miserables. 7:00 AM: I wake up and […]
As excited as you are about being cast in a show, every actor knows that the show of their every day life must go on! The question becomes, how do you deal with balancing your life in show business and the life you have at home? People who have mastered that skill deserve an award! […]
If you have never checked your cell phone during a performance at the theater, you definitely have reasons for not doing so. And you’re familiar with the dire consequences that occur if you do: 1. The jaded theater-goers will definitely use you as an example to complain about the ‘new generation’ ruining the theater! 2. […]
Through 12 guideposts, Audition by Michael Shurtleff illustrates what tools the actor needs not only to find truth, but also how to communicate that to the audition panel. These guideposts are the building blocks for successfully and truthfully performing! 1: Relationship First ask, what is my relationship to the other character(s)? Once you have your basic facts, […]