Two summers ago, I had the pleasure of working with an assistant director who introduced me to a little phrase that would change the way that I looked at acting. Specifics Set You Free. It’s something that one of her college professors would tell them in class. We soon adopted it into our daily mantra,Continue reading “#specificssetyoufree”
Tag Archives: theatre
The Company Way
If you follow this blog at all, you know that I am most passionate about my work with young actors. A year ago, I had the good fortune to be hired to work with the Civic Arts Stage Company; first as the music director, and eventually as the director of the program. Civic Arts is aContinue reading “The Company Way”
All the Sounds of the Earth Are Like Music
Music truly is all around us. It’s in a Robin’s song, the rustling of leaves, and waves crashing against the shore. But how often do we actually stop to hear the sounds of the world around us? My running team only has a few rules: No strollers, no pets, no wimps, and no earbuds. AtContinue reading “All the Sounds of the Earth Are Like Music”
How To Succeed
This week, I’ve been giving a great deal of thought to my role as a director and leader in various theatrical settings. I found myself in a situation where I needed to clearly articulate the various aspects of my job and how I am able to do each of them successfully. Following the structure ofContinue reading “How To Succeed”
Who’s Who In The Cast
A large portion of the success of any production comes down to casting. We see it all the time in the movies and on Broadway. Producers know that by casting a world-renowned actor or a popular celebrity, there is a greater chance of people buying tickets to the show. Pop singer Carly Rae Jepson ofContinue reading “Who’s Who In The Cast”
“There is no place I know to compare with Pure Imagination”
The arts these days are in an excellent state. At least in Pleasanton, California, where I have had the pleasure of working with their Civic Arts Stage Company these past 5 months. There are many factors that have gone into making this the most enjoyable work experience of my career thus far. I’m working withContinue reading ““There is no place I know to compare with Pure Imagination””
“It makes you wish that the world could be as lovely as it looks.”
What I love most about musical theatre is that it has the power to fill the viewer with hope and possibility. Musical theatre exists in a world of heightened existence. Where characters sing when the emotional stakes are too high to simply just talk. Where kings, peasants, sailors, and movie stars explode into dance whenContinue reading ““It makes you wish that the world could be as lovely as it looks.””
Why Kids Are Better
“It’s a very ancient saying, but a true and honest thought, that if you become a teacher by your pupils you’ll be taught.” – Oscar Hammerstein II If only I could have known what these words would one day mean to me when I played Anna Leonowens in our 8th grade version of THE KINGContinue reading “Why Kids Are Better”
Audition Ennui
Auditioning stinks. No matter which side of the table you’re sitting on, auditioning is one of the most brutal pieces of the theatre puzzle. As an actor, I came to dread going to auditions, not because I was scared, or anything having to do with the time I would spend singing or reading. Rather, myContinue reading “Audition Ennui”
The Beauty Is – 10 Most Influential Musical Theatre Experiences
Tonight, I finally managed to carve out a little time to just sit at the piano and play some music. It’s rare these days to find the time to play simply for pleasure and not for work. I find that one of the major hazards of a career in musical theatre is that you loseContinue reading “The Beauty Is – 10 Most Influential Musical Theatre Experiences”
Rachel Robinson Music 