The Training Studio
Advice & Insight For Aspiring Theatre Artists
To All Directors - Let Actors Act, Stop Giving Line Readings
Line readings are the quickest way to turn a rehearsal room into a one-person show with a bunch of understudies.
Actors, Let’s Talk About Crying on Stage
Let’s talk about crying on stage. Why it doesn’t always show up when you want it to, why forcing it rarely works, and what actually matters more than tears.
If You Did Well at Callbacks, Why Weren’t You Cast?
Ever wonder why you can get a callback, do well, and still not get cast? From the other side of the table, here’s what’s actually being considered—and why it’s rarely personal.
Lesson #1 - You Can’t Rehearse a Show You Don’t Have the Rights To
A community theatre announced a show, held auditions, and scheduled rehearsals—only to discover they never secured the rights. It’s an uncomfortable but important reminder: before dates, before casting, securing the rights has to come first.
Community Theatre, Prop Guns, and the Responsibility We Share
Prop guns aren’t just props, they carry real responsibility. A reminder that safety, training, and clear protocols aren’t optional—they’re part of the craft.
When Callbacks Don’t Actually Call You Back
One of my biggest audition pet peeves: the pointless callback. If there’s no direction, no curiosity, no intention behind bringing people back, it’s just wasting everyone’s time.
When It Comes to Casting “Rocky Horror”, Age Matters
Every fall, “Rocky Horror” takes the stage. I love this show as much as anyone, but casting minors in it is not bold, it’s reckless.
Callbacks vs. The Cold Shoulder: The Agony of Audition Limbo
“The audition grind: that nerve-wracking wait, the crushing silence, and the bittersweet thrill of callbacks that don’t guarantee a role. Here’s a raw, honest look at what actors really go through in audition limbo.”
Confronting My Fear of Heights in the Theatre
“I never thought I had a fear of heights until college theatre. What followed was an unexpected journey of anxiety, growth, and learning how to function through fear.”
Your Follower Count Matters: Truths Aspiring Actors Need to Hear About Social Media
“Let’s start with the uncomfortable truth. Yes, your follower count matters. No, it’s not the only thing that matters, but if you think social media is just a distraction or a popularity contest you can afford to ignore, you are missing a crucial part of today’s entertainment industry.'“
Directors, Keep it Simple with the Notes in Programs
“In a world of digital playbills and deep thematic essays, wouldn’t it be refreshing if more directors just... told us a fun story from rehearsal?”
How to (Gracefully) Quit a Community Theatre Show
“So you said yes to a community theatre show… and now you need to quit. Here’s how to bow out without burning it all down.”
The Art (and Agony) of Letting Someone Go: Firing an Actor in Community Theatre
“Firing an actor in community theatre is never easy and never one-size-fits-all. It’s a tough, emotional decision that calls for compassion, clarity, and a whole lot of care.”
Why Singing Might Be Your Best Dialect Coach
“While there are plenty of traditional resources to help you sound more like a Glaswegian fisherman, sometimes the best breakthroughs come from outside the box. So here’s one method that might surprise you: learn the accent by singing in it.”
Yes, Your Social Media Posts Can Cost You Landing the Role
“If you’re an actor who wants to work, your online presence matters.”