So, you’re doing that show at your local community theater, your college, etc. Are you taking it seriously? You better be! Just because a production is small doesn’t mean you can put less time and effort into your performance. The only difference between your current show and one on Broadway is the budget. Yes, that’s it! I get that it’s also a $14 million difference, but at the end of the day, it’s not a big enough reason to treat your current show any differently.
Your future career on Broadway is built in the here-and-now, on the stage of your show at school or the local theater house. Just because it’s not under the Broadway lights doesn’t mean the same professional rules don't apply. If you want to get on Broadway, you better start treating your current show as if you're already there.
Here are some tips to help you be as professional as a Broadway actor no matter what stage in your career you’re on.
1. Show up on time (or even early) and be warm.
As a coach, I’ve witnessed many young actors rush in late and not warmed up. Don’t assume your teacher will allot time to wait for you to be prepared. When you’re on Broadway, you’re expected to come in ready to work.
2. Memorize your lines.
If you want to get a step up on a career on Broadway, go the extra mile and memorize everything before rehearsals even start. The best way to become a better performer is to get the technical stuff out of the way, so you can start to get in touch with the emotion of the character and give the director more to play with. This goes for the ensemble as well: know your lyrics, know the songs, and know what you’re singing about.
READ: How to Get Cast on Broadway
3. Wear rehearsal clothes.
Shorts, flip flops, and a graphic T-shirt (no matter how cool) are not appropriate rehearsal clothing. You want to look professional and you want your clothes to help you rehearse without twisting your ankle. You also don’t want your outfit to distract the team from visualizing how the show will look. Stick to neutral colors, closed-toe shoes, and functional pieces you can move and sweat in that still make you feel good about yourself so you can confidently make choices.
4. Make choices!
Your job is to interpret the script and what the writer’s intention is for your character. It’s not the director’s job, and it takes away from your own creativity when you rely on them to do so. So this is your permission, if you need it, to make some choices. If they turn out to not be the best ones, just stay open to making new ones, so that you can take direction and play!
5. Be ready to commit.
Truth time: When you book a Broadway show, you’re not allowed to put any priorities before it. It’s eight hours a day, six days a week. If you can’t commit to your minimal rehearsal schedule now because of other things you think are more important, you’re going to have a hard time once the run starts. But this is what you’ve been working for, so be prepared and embrace it!
Come on along and check out Backstage’s Broadway audition listings!
The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
