“I’m grateful that stage makeup was my introduction to makeup in general. I internalized makeup as being a fun, artistic venture, not something meant to correct “problems” with my face. It’s part of creating a character and allows you to ‘put on a mask’”
Read More“Many (not all) actors are so focused on what they need to be doing that they tend to forget about the people who work hard to make the show possible. Because of this, I believe that every actor should work backstage at least once.”
Read MoreNo matter if you are going into musical theatre, classical music, or even pop music, a strong and solid vocal foundation is where everything begins. But how to begin? Its a big old world out there, even bigger now that the internet has made everything available at the touch of our fingertips. A word of caution as you take this very crucial first step; not everyone is what they seem. It used to be that snake oil salesmen the like of Pirelli were found only at the circus; now they can be found in the pages of well-known industry magazines, on YouTube, and from self-professed ‘coaches’. So how can a young singer take the first steps?
Read More“This movie is something that I will hold close to my heart as I move forward in my theater career and I hope everyone will be as inspired by it as I was.”
Read More“Here are a few shows that should produce a musical episode.”
Read MoreWhat is it that makes The Nutcracker so enduring? Is it the story? Is it the music? Is it the dancing? Or is it simply a holiday tradition? Having danced in the show, learned variations in ballet class, and seen multiple productions since my first, at the age of four, I have always wondered what brings people back to the show and how it has turned into a special holiday tradition for so many.
Read More“There are thousands of theatres around the globe that showcase one of the world’s oldest professions. There is only one question left: which theatres and art houses should you visit?
Here are nine theatres that may not be as front and center as Broadway but have their unique characteristics.”
Read MoreSometimes, when I’m looking for inspiration as I write, I turn to musical theater. It makes sense that such a creative medium would be chock full of songs that capture the creative process so well. Here are some of my favorites—while a few are specific to writing, I think anyone who has ever been stuck in a creative rut can find some inspiration within them.
Read More“What makes us passionate and willing to go to great lengths to expose vulnerability should not live in the same space as a weak approach in communicating about it.”
Read MoreAspiring actors and theatre majors should not pass up the chance to work on a devised work. At Hope College, where I serve as professor and Director of Theatre, we have had the fortune of working on four devised works to date. Every single time, I’ve seen our students flourish and grow because of their experience with this type of theatre making.
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