Theatre newcomer, Arielle Crosby, is no stranger to the stage. A native Detroiter, Arielle has been singing all of her life and has been performing since the age of 11. It all began with winning the city-wide Delta Sigma Theta sponsored Jabberwock Talent Competition and led to performances across the eastern/southern region of the US and countries around the world.

It’s hard work running a theater company, even harder running one designed for kids. There’s several not for profit and for-profit theater companies that focus their efforts on children’s theater. Based on my experiences as both an audience member and performer with children’s and community theaters, here are some examples of what NOT to do when in charge.

Musicals are incredible works of art. The dancing, the singing, the acting, the lyrics - all work together to create an incredible experience for all involved.

Even ones that may seem more comedic have their very touching moments (yes, I’m looking directly at you, Something Rotten!)

The beauty of musicals is that no matter what you feel, there’s a song for that. There’s a show for that.

Broadway theatre is one of the biggest draws for tourism here in the Big Apple. All year round, but especially during the summer, it’s what people from across the world come here to see. However, what people outside of the city often don’t seem to realize is just how much brilliant new writing, and how many of the next potential Broadway performers, there are Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway. When discussing these productions, the theatre festival scene is at the heart of much of this talent and creative energy.

Tony-winner Greg Nobile has produced shows on Broadway like “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder ,” the revival of “Sideshow” and the current, site-specific “Sweeney Todd”  at the Barrow Street Theater. He has invested in musicals like “Dear Evan Hansen,”  “Fun Home”  and “Spongebob Squarepants .” He has produced multiple shows in the West End, including the Imelda Staunton-lead revival of “Gypsy,” and the film “India’s Daughter.”  He is the managing director of Legacy Theatre , a fledgling company on the shoreline of Connecticut, and runs Flying Horse Hospitality, a group that recently opened their first restaurant  and are already working on their second. Did I mention that Greg is 25 years old?

“This Is Me” has become an anthem for anyone and everyone who’s ever felt different, bullied, or ashamed of themselves. While The Greatest Showman does a phenomenal job of showing that everyone is good just as they are, there were and are plenty of other shows with that same theme. Here are a few that drive the point that just you is more than enough.

Imelda Staunton made a statement suggesting a ban on food and drink in theatres, also stating “I don’t know why people can’t engage in just one thing. I don’t understand this obsession with having to eat or drink something at every moment of the day.” 

One of the most rewarding things about being a working actor and playwright in New York City or anywhere for that matter is when you get the chance to work on new shows and learn about what inspired the creative team. No matter how old you are, we all can agree that there is a certain magic to the New York theatre scene and how new work thrives here. 

And now coming to the ring that we call the theatre world is "Manuel vs. The Statue of Liberty".

When receiving feedback from professors, especially in a conservatory setting, you normally would expect constructive criticism or maybe encouragement. Then again, you also might have a professor who will give it to you straight with blunt honesty which can be much appreciated. 

What you wouldn't expect or deserve would be racist comments along with grossly ignorant statements about your religion. No one deserves that. 

Many of the American classics from the last century are written in three acts with two intermissions.  When presented nowadays, however, they are often chopped into two acts with one intermission.  I am guilty of having so bastardized some plays (it’s not always structurally possible). What I have found is that it’s much easier to hold today’s audience when you feed them the story in two servings.  Or, as is the current rage, in one serving.  “90-minutes, no intermission” has become the war cry of producers on and off-Broadway and at regional theaters across the country.