Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
To the High School Director Planning an Illegal Production of 'Hamilton', Please Don't
“I was recently alerted that a high school in VA is planning on performing ‘Hamilton’ later this spring. They have announced the cast and even school district leaders are supporting the production. My message to them is to please stop. Don’t do this. Pick another show.”
What Makes A Theatre Show Good But Not Rewatchable
“The talent of the cast and production impact heavily on our overall enjoyment of a musical and play but I do think there is something intangible that makes something especially rewatchable.”
It's Fine to Turn Down a Role, So Stop Punishing Performers Who Do
“It’s completely okay for actors to turn down roles, and directors need to be mature enough not to punish them for it down the road.”
Performer Confidence in the Face of Insecurity
“Confidence doesn’t let you hide or forget your lines. Confidence is what helps an actor succeed. Insecurity doesn’t.”
The Broadway League's Failure to Honor Hinton Battle Is Unacceptable
“The fact that it has been almost a month since Hinton Battle’s sudden passing, and still not a word from The Broadway League regarding dimming lights in his honor, is not just a disappointment, it's a disservice to his memory.”
Practical Advice for Actors Making Tough Decisions
“Do I sign with the big, powerful agency where I’ll just be another face in the crowd, or the boutique agency where I’ll get more attention and guidance?”
Why I Love Attending Opening Night
“If you haven’t attended an opening night production before, I highly encourage you to do so. Things may go wrong or they may all go right, you never know, but enjoy the experience and support the people who put in so much hard work”
High School Drama Budgets Should Be Raised
“Larger budgets for the arts can help students to learn valuable skills, express their stresses through words or painting sets, and spread the wonderful feeling of ‘home.’”
An Ode To the Actors Who "Move Well"
“This one is for the actors who move well. This is for those who step, change, kick, turn, kick, change their way through many a harried afternoon, and vow to never be broken by the inadequacy they feel on those days.”
How do I recover from a bad audition?
“Recovering from a bad audition for theatre can be challenging, but it's important to remember that everyone has off days and setbacks are a natural part of any performer's journey. Here are some steps you can take to bounce back and move forward after a disappointing audition:”
How to Live in Society
“There are moments in the musical, How to Dance in Ohio, where the parents of the autistic characters worry aloud about the future of their children after they pass on. To me, this was probably the most important moment of the entire show, and the story that was being shared.”
Theatre Cancels Show Over Racial Discrimination Claim Regarding Casting
“A community theatre in Arizona is facing backlash today over canceling a show due to a complaint of racial discrimination over the removal of a non-Mexican-American performer cast in a role written for that heritage.”