Patty Craft, Author at Dramatics Magazine Online

4 Tips to Avoid Being Typecast

Patty Craft — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 20:55:13 +0000

Yes, we all have certain skills we love to showcase and characters we love to play. These are often our most memorable roles and frequently lead to additional parts and performances. Yet, even when trying to showcase our versatility for casting directors, it can lead to the challenge of typecasting. So how do you break the mold and land the roles you want?

Here are some tips to help you showcase all your talents and avoid getting stuck in the same role over and over.

Some Who Have Been Typecast

Typecasting is the process by which an actor becomes so strongly identified with a specific character or roles they’ve played that casting directors find it hard to see them in other types of roles. It may happen because of our ethnicity, physical appearance (like height or overall build), or simply because of success in a past role.

A couple of typecasting examples:

In 2003, Johnny Depp starred as Captain Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.” Since then, he’s played characters who all behave much like Sparrow did in that first movie.
The cult classic “Friends,” debuted in 1994 and quickly skyrocketed in popularity. Even today, its popularity has persisted, with a new generation of followers thanks to streaming services and syndicated reruns. The show’s success left Jennifer Aniston (who played Rachel Green) typecast as the sweet girl-next-door type. She’s been quoted as saying that while she loved playing Rachel, the typecasting has prevented her getting offered edgier roles in Hollywood.

So how do you avoid falling into the same situation?

1. Great Headshots Will Help You in the Door

Studies show that humans connect when they see another human’s face. MIT did a multiple-duration study showing participants photos, and when asked what they saw in the split-second interval, viewers focused on faces.

In your marketing, unforgettable headshots are a must. Think of them as the perfectly designed business card or the stellar influencer’s Instagram grid that stops you from scrolling to take a closer look.

Harsh as it may sound, a harried casting director may be flipping through headshots at the speed of light, so invest your time, creativity, and money in producing the best one you can afford. Often times, actors will have multiple headshots that subtly convey different “types” of characters in their range.

Entire articles are written on how to create memorable headshots, but here are a few key Dos and Don’ts:

Dos

Do work with a photographer that helps you feel comfortable and who feels like a partner.
Do apply a bit of makeup that is neutral and polishes your natural look.
Do wear flattering, solid colors.
Do design your looks based on your casting goals.
Do format your photos to industry standards.

Don’ts

Don’t use a selfie!
Don’t use your yearbook photo as a headshot.
Don’t apply heavy makeup that distracts from your natural look.
Don’t wear patterns or styles that overshadow your skills.
Don’t include poses that go against the character you want to play.
Don’t submit black-and-white photos; don’t filter or airbrush wrinkles, freckles, laugh lines, etc.

Tip 2: Create Video Clips Showcasing All Your Skills

Thanks to the ubiquitous nature of smart phones, creating video clips is easier than ever. However, a successful video clip requires more than attaching your phone to a selfie stick and recording. Why video? Because your clips show (rather than tell about) your abilities, and allow for a level of creativity—visuals, sound, color, setting—that written words capture differently.

Remember, casting directors process information in many ways. Some will find your written resume more helpful, and others will be swayed by seeing you in action in your video clips. Your material is strongest when you show variety, creativity, and effort.

Do collect videos from as many of your performances as possible. If a professional did the photography or videography, see if you can get clips from them, and be willing to compensate them fairly if you choose to use their work.
Do collect videos of different lengths, keeping in mind the attention span of the average viewer today is, well, short. We scroll quickly as we walk to our next appointment or class. We flip across multiple platforms. Give the people what they want, and don’t waste screen time.
Do make your clips count—grab powerful dialog you delivered, or magically lit scenes from the show that show off your best performances. Be sure to show your range and depth: humor, drama, movement, voice, etc.
Don’t share videos that you do not have permission to use; copyright is a real thing and must be honored.
Don’t use any video clips with poor sound or visual quality.

Tip 3: Keep Learning New Acting Methods and Drama Techniques

The best advice we ever got: “Keep learning new things.”

Many actors stress themselves out over which acting method they should learn. Sure, it can be useful to focus on one thing at a time for positive results, but the reality is that learning multiple methods has no downside.

Fill your acting toolbox by being a lifelong learner! Here are just a few methods to consider:

Classical Acting Method
Chekhov Technique
Laban Movement
Meisner Technique
Method Acting
Stanislavski’s System
Stella Adler Acting Technique

The more we know, the more we grow. Trite, yet true. Of course, each acting method has its merits, and some techniques may be better suited for a specific production than another.

Rely on suggestions from trusted mentors, troupe directors, acting coaches, etc. Find out why they recommend a specific method, and then decide if you want that tool in your toolbox. Remember, ultimately you want to hone your method.

Tip 4: Don’t Be Afraid of Failure

Last and certainly not least, don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is the chance to begin again with experience on your side. Sure, there is pressure to succeed, but don’t typecast yourself by being afraid of trying something new. You’re going to do well with some effort, and you’re going to try things that simply aren’t your strong suit.

When an effort tanks, use the experience and knowledge you gain to get closer to what you really want to do or as a push to try it differently if you still want to hone it.

Patty Craft is a regular contributor to Dramatics.org.

The post 4 Tips to Avoid Being Typecast appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

Ride Your Feelings with Confidence

Patty Craft — Tue, 07 May 2024 19:22:08 +0000

Feelings. They’re powerful, and as a Thespian, you probably have plenty to contend with – nerves before auditions, anxiety leading up to a performance, and the general stress of being a student.

When you successfully manage emotions, they can help you become a better actor and find more joy in your theatre journey. But how do you learn to make your feelings an advantage?

Math Matters, Here’s Why

Wait! You thought we were talking about feelings and now you see the M-word: math. Fear not, we’re only talking about the basic math of the booking ratio.

In simple terms, a booking ratio is the assumed number of auditions an actor does to get cast once (or to be booked). In the professional world of acting, agents have an expectation of how many auditions are reasonable for an actor to do before winning a part.

For example, an agent’s booking ratio may be 1:25, meaning 25 auditions should lead to one booked gig.

Both sides of this equation

First, think about the ratio from an actor’s point of view. You may need to prepare and audition for 25 different shows to get one role! That’s an average, of course, and your actual experience could be fewer or more auditions.

Understanding a booking ratio this way helps you avoid living and dying by each single audition. Prepare methodically, then show up with passion and a desire for the part. Once you’ve done what you can to stand out, trust the process.

Second, the flip side of the booking ratio from the agent’s point of view helps actors understand that it’s a realistic expectation to do 25 auditions to earn a role.

Set your own booking ratio

The professional world of acting is a much larger sphere than your high school troupe’s productions and/or community theatre opportunities combined. Yet now is a great time to set realistic goals and, again, not live or die by each audition’s results.

Know how many opportunities lie ahead in your high school and/or college theatre career. Set a goal, prepare, and trust the process. The reality of auditioning beyond your school career will seem less brutal with a realistic approach.

Audition Prep Includes Positive Thinking

A wise mentor once said: “YOU are not sad. Sadness is on you.”

Let’s back up. Imagine another audition is coming and you’re eager to get a part in the show. You’re nervous about the actual audition, happy about the opportunity, then suddenly “sadness is on you.” Those emotions of sadness may include a heaviness in your body, tears springing to your eyes, a tightness in your throat. Why? Because you remember not getting a part in the last two auditions.

Suddenly your mind thinks: “I’m not good enough to be an actor, so why am I even auditioning? I’m making a fool of myself trying out and no one is telling me how bad I am!”

Stop right there. When sadness is on you, YOU are not sad. You’re having a combination of body reactions then thoughts. Yes, it can be uncomfortable or even downright painful so go ahead and set a timer and ugly cry for five minutes. We get it.

After five minutes though, remind yourself you have power over those thoughts and stop them immediately. Take a cue from the meme that says, “You’ll talk more to yourself than anyone else in your lifetime. Talk kindly.”

Negative thoughts waste valuable prep time

If you’ve decided to audition, and you have a legitimate concern that you need to improve in a specific area, talk with your troupe director. Get input from trusted advisors on how to sharpen your skills for a better chance of winning a role. Use positive thoughts to redirect your focus on productivity that helps you grow.

Once you’ve stopped that rash of negative thoughts, ask yourself what you’ve learned since those previous auditions when you didn’t get a role. Remind yourself, for example, that you’ve learned to make better audition selections. Or remind yourself that the weight training, running, or yoga you’ve been practicing has helped you be more physically able to handle on-stage fight scenes. Even remind yourself of the booking ratio and the fact you’re not going to get every part (1:25!).

You Got the Part! Now, the Next Hurdle

Congratulations! Now let’s get ready for the rigor of rehearsals. The director’s job is to bring all the parts of a production together for a thrilling performance. Their job is, in part, to identify problems with the show and work with the team to solve them for a better outcome.

It’s important to have thick skin during rehearsals. What do we mean by “thick skin?” Train yourself to not react negatively to criticism or corrections. Learn to listen to the corrections with an open mind. Regardless of how the critique sounds, there’s goodwill behind it: the director wants to help you have your best possible performance.

Directors are only human. Like you, they’ve likely had a long day before even getting to rehearsal. And just as your personal life or your physical well-being changes from one day to the next, so does the director’s. We rarely know what others are dealing with.

Of course, if you think you’re consistently being unfairly treated by the director, make an appointment to speak with them, face to face, outside of rehearsal. Be ready to share a couple specific examples of when you felt you were treated unfairly and give them a chance to respond. Clear communication, paired with your thick skin, will go a long way. Together you’ll likely forge a stronger working relationship.

Emotions Are an Asset, Not a Lability

As a Thespian, there’s a chance emotions are even more present in your day-to-day as you step out of your comfort zone on and off the stage. The bottom line is it’s OK to feel them.

The thing to focus on is how you turn them into an asset. Whether it’s putting rejections into perspective with your booking rate, setting intentions during your audition prep, or opening yourself to feedback once you get a part, there’s plenty of strategies to try.

And if all else fails, remember, the best plays and musicals are the ones that take the audience on an emotional roller coaster – leverage yours to make it happen!

Patty Craft is a regular contributor to Dramatics.org.

The post Ride Your Feelings with Confidence appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

How Theatre Prepares You for Any Job

Patty Craft — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:15:08 +0000

Whichever adult(s) in your world mentor you on how to succeed in life, chances are, at least one has said something like, “You can’t make a living in theatre!” As frustrating as it is to hear, let’s assume they mean well. They want you to be able to eventually support yourself in a comfortable lifestyle, and they fear a career in the arts is just too unpredictable — even though that may not actually be the case.

Let’s dispel the idea that reliable employment is only found outside the arts and remind our mentors and ourselves that fear isn’t always right.

The theatre skills you learn in school are vital to success in nearly every field of work, and when the time comes, you’ll find a way to pursue the arts out in the real world if it’s your true passion. Meanwhile, let’s do a refresher on the value of what you’re learning now.

5 Ways Your Theatre Skills Transition to the Workforce

The Bard must have seen into the future and discovered the current social media scene! Shakespeare’s line from As You Like It, “All the world’s a stage,” is embodied on social media every day. Now, you’re wise enough to know that the most effective social media feeds employ serious planning, staging, editing, and branding. Long gone is the notion that a person can simply hold up their smart phone, record themselves, and go viral with their clip!

Even beyond social media, successful entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, lawyers, political leaders, and, yes, actors, use theatre skills daily. Not to mention there are plenty of theatre careers to consider and many ways that your theatre lessons can transfer to real-life roles. Case in point: Read our story of a self-proclaimed music kid who is now a successful sound designer.

So let’s explore the skills you already have that can help you land the perfect job.

1. Inspired public speaking can be learned.

First off, get your voice warmed up to do its job. Maybe this sounds silly, but warming up your vocal cords and preparing to enunciate so listeners can clearly hear your message is important for speakers as well as singers. Try these tongue-twisters for actors and have fun as you get ready to inspire.

Along with getting your body ready to speak, remember the power of pacing and emphasizing your words. You can partner up with another Thespian and experiment with this technique, taking turns speaking and listening. How does emphasizing too many words distract the listener? How does a slower or faster pace affect the message? Does it become more urgent if said quickly?

2. Clear communication matters everywhere.

Yes, we live in the age of text messaging and texting abbreviations abound. Maybe you’ve experienced miscommunications based on text messages that have left you laughing or crying.

Text messaging is often misinterpreted for several reasons. Perhaps the sender meant their words as a joke, for example, but the recipient couldn’t hear the laughter in their voice or see sender’s body language.

It may be trite and it’s true: An actor’s body is their instrument. The subtleties of facial expressions, hand gestures, vocal inflection, and even the direction in which an actor is speaking all tell part of the story. Try these exercises to improve your presence on stage or improve your general communication skills. You’ll find yourself giving new thought to how you walk, use your hands, and even how you use your facial expressions.

Investing in physical training is always worth the time and effort, especially when we remember how powerful our body is in communicating clearly.

3. Effective collaboration is vital to every show’s success.

We’ve all been part of a group assignment outside of theatre where some contribute more than others. And we’ve felt the resentment of having to carry other people’s loads for that assignment to succeed. Don’t be the one not contributing—you won’t learn anything from the experience, and you’ll be a burden to others in the group.

Theatre teaches collaboration intrinsically. Each member of the company—from the producer and director to all the cast members, technicians, and ushers—have a key job to do for the production to be successful. If even just one person’s job doesn’t get done, it affects the end result. Learning to understand your piece of the puzzle, own it, and execute it with commitment and authority while also leaving room for others to do the same is a valuable skill. Our directors are there to coach us when ideas abound or priorities collide, so learning to let go, readjust, and continue forward in a slightly new direction without derailing the process for everyone is also just as important in the real world as it is in the theatre.

4. Commitment to a collaborative effort includes everyone agreeing on the goal.

In theatre, one short scene in which a character’s greatest challenge is revealed can be the key to understanding their motives. Learning to work with others, whether in an acting scene or on the props crew, improves your value to a show.

When it comes to commitment, do what you say you’re going to do. For example, if you’re struggling to find a costume that’s on your list, speak up sooner rather than later. Maybe someone else on the crew knows exactly where to find that period piece of clothing.

Also, find the courage to say you can’t take on a particular assignment when you know it’s outside your ability or skill set. Perhaps offer to switch with someone who has the required skills. Saying “yes” when you know you can’t do what’s asked sets everyone up for failure. And the other person may have the desire to take on something else. Win/win!

5. Become more coachable and you’ll go far!

What does it mean to be coachable? There are a couple million results if you Google this query, but it comes down to a willingness to change. Yes, the willingness to set our egos aside and try new things that may (or may not) work. It’s an admission that your initial attempt might not be the best or only way to achieve a goal, and feeling safe enough to try a different approach that might not come as easily for you. Being adaptable to various viewpoints and experimenting to get the desired result is a highly transferable skill desired in almost every profession.

And it’s something you’re likely already doing with your castmates, director, or theatre teacher.

Being coachable means having a genuine curiosity about different techniques or beliefs. Communication coach John Millen has these six tips you can learn to be more coachable and ultimately more successful.

Success Beyond the High School Stage

Whether you’re taking on a leadership role and need to command attention on the “work stage,” are leveraging your years of script analysis to improve your written communication, or just working with new people and are looking to create healthy boundaries and collaboration, transferring the skills you’ve learned as a Thespian can go a long way toward helping you advance.

Patty Craft is a regular contributor to Dramatics.org.

The post How Theatre Prepares You for Any Job appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

A Meteoric Rise in the World of Lighting Design

Patty Craft — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 12:58:50 +0000

Jack Cannon is the principal designer at the company he founded, Cann Light. Jack is just 20 years old and the youngest graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, which means if you’re a high school or early college reader, Cannon was recently right where you are.

So how has he built a career in the world of lighting design and what advice does he have for students looking to do the same? Read on as Jack shares his story and actionable tips to chart your path beyond the school stage.

Focus Delivers Results

Jack Cannon Headshot – Photo By Meredith Adelaide

At age 14 Cannon got involved in theatre and quickly “fell in love,” and realized he strongly disliked having to turn down theatre work gigs because he had to finish high school first. So Cannon graduated early in 2020 as a 17-year-old junior.

Even before he’d graduated from high school, Cannon was focused on his dream. “I taught theatrical design for the first time when I was 15, at the Illinois Community Theatre Festival,” he said. “At age 16, in January 2020, I taught at the Illinois High School Theatre Festival and the Indiana State Thespians Conference where I also adjudicated the [state] Thespian Excellence Awards.”

During the pandemic, Cannon completed his CalArts degree plus an associate’s in Business Management and Administration.

Seeing is Believing

Students experimenting with lighting design at the California State Thespian Festival Workshops – Photo by Cann Light

While not everyone knows so early in life what they’re passionate about, Cannon knew what he enjoyed and saw opportunities that became stepping stones to his current career. If you know it’s theatre you love but you’re still not sure what you want to do, check out this post.

At the end of the 2020 Illinois High School Theatre Festival where Cannon taught six workshops, a participating teacher told Cannon, “It’s one thing when an older professional comes in to teach. Students see what they can become in 30 years. It’s a whole other thing when a student sees someone who is literally their age; a working professional and teaching.”

That experience has led to much of his success in lighting design and has also led to countless other opportunities.

Jack Cannon’s Tips for Theatre-Industry Success

1: You Be You.

“The best advice I can give to students is to never let anyone put you in a box or try to keep you in a box. You have to force yourself to push boundaries,” says Cannon. “It’s the only way you can explore your art and the art form that you enjoy most.” So be brave enough to figure out who you are and courageous enough to bring a unique set of skills to the table.

2: Think Like a Business Owner.

“Another piece of advice is that you must learn the business side of entertainment. Art programs struggle to effectively teach the business of being an artist,” he said. “It’s important that you take the time early in your career to understand business management, client development, accounting, and contracts.”

3: You Must Network. Period.

NBC Universal Virtual Production – Photo by Cann Light

Cannon admits, “All of my work can be traced back to asking and having coffee with an industry professional.” Who you know, who knows you, and who knows what you can do, makes the difference in getting gigs. In a world full of so many choices, it’s human nature to choose someone you know – or at least think we think we know. Introduce yourself and talk to people at every gig you do.

Choose the social media platforms where your decision-makers are hanging out; you don’t have to have a profile on them all. Then present a polished, on-brand profile with clear and easy ways to communicate with you. Interact in a general way on social. That is, don’t leave your profile to gather dust from inactivity.

Go to trade shows and meet people; leave a positive impression on them along with a way for them to remember you and contact you. And believe it or not, email is still one of the most effective ways to connect with people. Grow your email list and use it wisely. Reach out via email with a clear reason for someone to respond and have a conversation with you.

Jack Cannon teaching lighting design at California State Thespian Festival Workshops – Photo by Cann Light

4: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

“Photography of your work is key. Start building a portfolio as soon as you have work to showcase,” Cannon says. Become friends with photographers that you meet, because it takes a special skill to capture the right image in a theatrical environment. Make genuine connections so photographers can also get to know you and what you’re trying to convey through your photography.

You can contact Cannon who said, “I’m open to everything and can be reached for engagements via email at education@cann-light.com.” Find him on Instagram and LinkedIn, too.

Patty Craft is a regular contributor to the Educational Theatre Association.

The post A Meteoric Rise in the World of Lighting Design appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

3 Ways to Get Your Back-to-School Theatre Goals on Track

Patty Craft — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:35:48 +0000

We’re well into the school year, and you’re way past prepping for back to school—you’re living the reality. Your days may seem beyond full; been there, done that. But all that business could leave you feeling like your back-to-school theatre goals have fallen by the wayside.

Luckily, there’s still plenty of time to get back on track. Here are three tips to help get organized and make time to do more theatre.

Tip 1: Learn to (Respectfully) Say No

It’s trite because it’s true: There are only so many hours in a day. While we want to spend plenty of time with our “want to” activities, like theatre, we’re often left with a lot of “have to” chores—it’s hard to enjoy anything when we’re over-committed.

We suggest you make time to talk with your theatre teacher or Thespian troupe director. Why? They want to see you succeed and have some fun doing it. Be brave enough to ask for help organizing (or reorganizing) your days so that you can balance your responsibilities with your passions.

Until you get the chance to have that important conversation with your teacher (and if no one has told you yet), it’s OK to say no.

How? Practice the pause. That is, every time you’re asked to volunteer for a cause, participate in a group project, or are invited to an event, learn to say, “Let me check my calendar and get back to you.” With a bit of time to consider the offer, ask yourself if saying yes supports your goals and passions.

It’s not too late to get your schedule under control, and honing the “just say no” skill will help you manage well in all aspects of your life.

Tip 2: Get Back to Basics

People who stand out in their chosen fields often possess a small amount of natural talent, but those who find lasting success developed discipline. They all know that practice makes progress and understand the proven value of preparation and repetition.

What that means for you: Right now is a great time to get back to basics.

With auditions in your future, you can regain a sense of control by revisiting what you’ve been taught from the very start. Audition coach Laura Enstall put together this easy-to-follow audition etiquette guide. “Act like you’re auditioning the minute you arrive,” she advises. “Maybe the stage manager is holding the door for you, or maybe you run into the choreographer in the hall. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings.”

Maybe you’re already cast in the first show of your school’s season and you have a table read coming up. Arrive well-prepared and you’ll help the entire process flow a bit more smoothly. Do you know that you should read the whole script ahead of time, and not just your parts? Plus, here’s a separate post if you’re the playwright running a table read.

Tip 3: Get Curious with a Purpose

To be the kind of actor who transforms into a character so authentic that the audience suspends disbelief, you must understand people.

And to meet a variety of people, you’re going to need to go where you don’t normally go; talk with people you may not normally talk with. Get to know people outside the theatre. Yes, the musicians, the STEM gang, the 4-H crew, the athletes, and whomever else you can interact with.

Talking with new acquaintances opens doors into worlds you’ve not explored. For example, be curious and ask the first chair trumpet player in the marching band how they honed their skills. Ask about their practice routines or performance-day rituals. Connect with students in the STEM program and listen to what motivates them to be part of those activities. Even find out how the kicker on the football team stays ready to play when they’re only on the field for a few opportunities in each game.

And when it comes to your theatre skills, now’s a great time to explore new parts of every production. Instead of auditioning for an acting role in the next production, join the tech crew and experience what goes on behind the scenes so the show can go on. You may even discover talents you haven’t tapped into yet.

Remember that it’s not too late to begin again. Schedule a meet-up with your theatre teacher. Return to the basics and practice, practice, practice. And light a fire under your curiosity so you can achieve all your theatre goals.

Patty Craft is a regular contributor to the Educational Theatre Association.

The post 3 Ways to Get Your Back-to-School Theatre Goals on Track appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

5 Must-Know Musicals with Hispanic Heartbeats

Patty Craft — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 21:04:11 +0000

A willingness to remember the past, and the trailblazers who made a way for today’s Latinx artists to shine on stage, is at the core of this post celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month (NHHM) in the U.S.

In 2023, Broadway got the party started early in September with the ¡Viva! Broadway concert. It was a showcase of current Latin excellence on Broadway. Some participants were asked: “Who is a Latin performer in the industry who inspires you?”

Today’s artists provide shoutouts to some of “the five you want to know” when it comes to musicals with Hispanic heartbeats.

1. West Side Story

Yani Marin, proud daughter of Cuban immigrant parents and an actress, dancer, singer, and producer from North Bergen, NJ, named living legend Rita Moreno her inspiration. Marin said, “I am inspired by Moreno’s phenomenal career, and I pray I can still be doing what I love when I’m her age.” Moreno is 91 years old at the time of this post and most recently served as an executive producer on the 2021 remake of the film West Side Story.

Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress, dancer, and singer who has performed on stage and screen in a career that spans seven decades. She starred in the 1961 film adaptation of the 1957 musical West Side Story. The story is an updated telling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – star-crossed lovers struggling in modern-day New York City.

While West Side Story was (and is) a popular production, it’s vital to note that the 1961 film in which Moreno appeared is a source of controversy because it was written by non-Latinos: the music was written by Leonard Bernstein, and the lyrics were written by Stephen Sondheim. Brown face was used on many of the actors, including Natalie Wood, who played Maria. In fact, Moreno was the only Latina involved in the production! Still, it has an enduring place in the American musical theatre cannon and more recent productions (including the 2021 film adaptation) have striven to bring a higher level of authenticity to the material.

2. In the Heights

Jaime Lozano, musical theatre composer and self-proclaimed dreamer was asked to name a Latin performer who inspires him and named Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lozano said, “Lin-Manuel has been always an inspiration and a great supporter of what we [the Viva Broadway organizers] are doing.”

Miranda made his Broadway debut in 2008 with In the Heights, for which he wrote the music and lyrics, while also starring in the leading role. The story revolves around a street corner in the Dominican Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan in New York City, where everyone pursues their sueñitos (little dreams) for a better life.

3. Hamilton

Miranda returned to Broadway in 2015 with Hamilton, another show for which he wrote the script, music, and lyrics (sung and rapped) while assuming the lead role. Hamilton earned the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was nominated for a record 16 Tony Awards (winning 11).

If you’re a musical theatre lover, you’d have to have been under the proverbial rock not to know that Hamilton has become a pop-culture phenom. It’s the story of U.S. founding father Alexander Hamilton’s fight for honor and love, striving to leave a legacy that helped shape a nation.

4. Kiss of the Spider Woman

Thirty years ago, Kiss of the Spider Woman ran in the West End and on Broadway. The show won the 1993 Tony Award for Best Musical. The story is based on the Manuel Puig novel El Beso de la Mujer Araña.

The story is about two prisoners in one dank cell somewhere in Latin America: A Marxist guerilla named Valentín and a gay window dresser named Molina. As the story unfolds, they learn to understand their differences and respect one another.

A movie by the same name was made in 1985 starring William Hurt and Raúl Juliá. (Yes, you may be more familiar with Juliá in his role as Gomez in the 1990s movie versions of The Addams Family!) 

5. On Your Feet

To round out “the five you need to know” when it comes to Broadway musicals with Hispanic influence, check out the 2015 jukebox musical On Your Feet. It hit Broadway at the Marquis Theatre. The story showcased the pop-music hits of Gloria Estefan, her husband, Emilio Estefan, and their group Miami Sound Machine. Give the soundtrack a listen – the rhythm is gonna get you. (Sorry, not sorry.)

The History of National Hispanic Heritage Month

In the U.S., National Hispanic Heritage Month began as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Then in 1988, the celebrations were extended to a full month running from September 15 to October 15. We’ll let you explore on your own why the festivities straddle both September and October and learn what the Cry of Dolores refers to; a phrase you may hear associated with NHHM.

Patty Craft is a regular contributor to the Educational Theatre Association.

The post 5 Must-Know Musicals with Hispanic Heartbeats appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop

Patty Craft — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:57:59 +0000

Before Hamilton became synonymous with hip-hop theatre, nearly five decades of the hip-hop movement supported that massive hit. So, yes, if you’re a high school student reading this article, there’s a good chance your grandparents were grooving along the cutting edge of hip-hop’s birth into our world culture. (Grooving? Go ask your grandma.) 

The start of hip-hop history

In summer 1973 in Brooklyn, NY, DJ Kool Herc was spinning vinyl at a party, and had a wild idea. He put the same record on a pair of turntables, then isolated and extended the instrumental/percussion breaks – all the better to bring dancers onto the floor, he thought. He was more right than he could’ve ever predicted.

The people heard music in a way they’d never before experienced and were pulled to the rhythm and the beat. Without planning to, Herc had created a hot, new form of expression that took root in the souls at that party as soon as the sound hit their ears. From that tiny seed of experience, hip-hop has grown into a global influence in music, dance, fashion, language, technology, art, and so much more. It’s more than a musical category or style of dance: It’s a movement.

But what, exactly, is hip-hop

We did a short, unscientific experiment and said this phrase to a handful of different aged people and ethnic groups asking them to fill in the blank: “We say hip-hop, you say [fill in the blank].”

The answers we got largely fell into three categories:

Hip-hop is a movement; a culture
Hip-hop is a musical category
Hip-hop is a style of dance

Lin-Manuel Miranda on Hip-Hop

In a July 2020 interview with Billboard.com, Lin-Manuel Miranda said, “I mean, hip-hop’s the language of revolution, and it’s our greatest American art form.” 

However, long before Miranda spoke with Billboard, we interviewed him for Dramatics Magazine in March 2016 and he wasn’t talking so much about revolution as he was about being an aspiring actor. Here’s a brief excerpt we love, because, well, #thespiansforever:

[Miranda’s] earliest artistic goal was to be in his sixth-grade play. “The entire school would watch the sixth-grade play,” he said. “I remember as young as second or third grade already fantasizing, ‘What’s going to be the sixth-grade play when we get to sixth grade?’ It’s funny in retrospect to think how much of my life was spent thinking, ‘What show are we going to get to do?’ which is not the usual elementary school concern.

For fun, test your Hamilton IQ with our most popular quiz.

Hip-hop in theatre today

While Hamilton gets a huge amount of attention these days (rightly so), hip-hop’s influence has been seen and heard in a variety of musical productions: “Witch’s Rap” from Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim in 1987; “Today 4 U” from Rent, Jonathan Larson in 1996; and “Dancing Is Not a Crime” from Footlose, Jeremy Kushnier in 1998, just to name a few.

Broadway choreography has also embraced hip-hop, with folks like: Jennifer Weber, 2023 Tony nominee for & Juliet and KPOP; Andy Blankenbuehler, multi-Tony winner for In the Heights and Hamilton; and Chirstopher Wheeldon, the talent behind MJ the Michael Jackson musical.

Choreography is especially important because it’s the easiest segway for students to bring their existing talents to the stage. If you’ve been to the International Thespian Festival (ITF), you’ve likely danced with Santana Trujillo in one of her hip-hop workshops. And if you haven’t experienced ITF yet, join us June 23-28, 2024 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Santana Trujillo is the owner of Gayton Dance Studio in Denver, and a favorite teaching artist at Thespian events like ITF in the United States and internationally.

Here’s Trujillo showing you how to step up your freestyle and TikTok game. These are five hip-hop dance moves every theatre student needs to know. Stand out at your next audition!

So whatever your niche is now or what you hope it will be, do yourself a favor and embrace hip-hop as one more must-understand theatre fundamental. It’s the way of the world, on stage and off.

Patty Craft is a regular contributor to Dramatics.org.

The post Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Patty Craft — Tue, 09 May 2023 21:17:20 +0000

The International Thespian Festival (ITF) main stage showcases the best of the best of student performances in school theatre. In 2023, the musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood hits the stage with Thespian Troupe 1794 of Floyd Central Theatre Arts.

Come behind the scenes with director Brooklyn Chalfant. If you’re already registered for ITF 2023 you’ll get to see this show. (Registration is closed at the time of this post.)

A Q&A with the Director of Edwin Drood

DRAMATICS: Why this show right now? What considerations were made in your selection process?

BROOKLYN CHALFANT: Our student performers are extraordinary singers and dancers, so I found a musical that would challenge them as actors. This one has rich characters and music, and has more than 30 possible endings! The audience chooses by vote at each performance which ending they do. The technical crew, performers, and musicians all had to be completely focused and prepared to follow the audience’s decision.

Choosing a show that challenges the students’ weaknesses may seem counterintuitive; typically directors highlight strengths. But one of my goals as a theatre educator is to never be comfortable. Growth happens in the challenges.

It’s been such a rewarding experience watching these students rise to the challenge. They exceeded all expectations by securing a spot on the ITF main stage!

DRAMATICS: Please finish this sentence: You wouldn’t know it but…

CHALFANT: You wouldn’t know it, but our entire production crew is students. Our technical theatre director and teacher, Mr. Jared Willis, and I work to ensure that the tech students are trained and empowered to run all technical aspects of the show.

Then there’s a team of student carpenters that Mr. Willis leads that built the set. I worked closely with our student charge artist and her painting team to bring the Music Hall Royale to life through professional techniques I learned at Cobalt Studios. Our lighting, sound, and props designers are all students as well! During the show, the student stage management team keeps everything running, while our deck, fly, and wardrobe crew make sure the magic takes place behind the scenes. For this show, our crew is actually larger than the cast! They are such professionals.

You also wouldn’t know it, but this is the first show for some of our student performers. One of the best things about theatre education is that it welcomes everyone. So while some of our performers have been doing this since they were quite young, others tried it for the first time in this show and even earned leading roles.

DRAMATICS: What do you want readers to know that we haven’t asked?

CHALFANT: The Mystery of Edwin Drood is weird and quirky. Yet, it’s a perfect show for thespians who love all things metatheatrical and audience interaction. Insider Tip: If you want to get involved with voting on the ending for the performance you see, be sure to sit in an aisle seat!

For ITF 2020, our seniors had earned the privilege of bringing Guys and Dolls to the main stage at festival. Then COVID restrictions resulted in cancellation of the in-person event and festival was virtual. It’s been cathartic for them to have a chance to return and fulfill that dream from their freshman year. They’ve encouraged the other students in the program through the process, too.

Plus, this is my first ITF main stage appearance as a director. I’ve only been teaching theatre for three year. It’s been a career goal of mine since I was a teenage thespian to have a show on the ITF main stage! After festival, it’s time to start dreaming again.

Our Floyd Central Theatre is active all over social media. You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Patty Craft is Dramatics.org content manager.

The post The Mystery of Edwin Drood appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

Mean Girls: High School Version

Patty Craft — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 18:04:41 +0000

The International Thespian Festival (ITF) main stage hosts the most outstanding productions in school theatre. In 2023, Mean Girls: High School Version will be performed by Thespian Troupe 6896 from J. J. Pearce High School (Texas).

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savannah, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming, but ruthless Regina George. When Cady and her friends devise a “revenge party” to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung. Adapted from Tina Fey’s hit 2004 film, Mean Girls took Broadway by storm and will leave you seeing stars.

Here’s a peek behind the curtain with director Heather Biddle. (At the time of this posting, you can still register for ITF and see this production live and in-person!)

DRAMATICS: Why this show right now? What considerations were made in the selection process?

BIDDLE: The story in Mean Girls: High School Version is important to be told right now because we live in a society where people feel protected to say whatever they want online. We have forgotten that behind the screens are real people with real feelings. Mean Girls might not only be about social media its perils, but it plays into the larger message very clearly: that everyone is dealing with something. We never truly know what is going on with others.

DRAMATICS: Finish this sentence. You wouldn’t know it but…

BIDDLE: If you’re thinking of producing this show at your school, we highly recommend using Broadway Media for the projections. Their products make it so easy – you could do the entire show with only a cyc and some tables. Scene changes are seamless and Broadway Media makes it so easy for your audience to imagine that they are in the world of the show. Borrow rolling tables and desks from your school’s cafeteria and your set budget it minimal!

Additionally, costumes for this show are so simple, if you have any parents who are collectors, I can guarantee they have all the costumes you will need. Bonus points for chunky belts, Doc Martens, and tank tops over t-shirts.

DRAMATICS: Tell us about the unique creative process you had during the rehearsal period.

BIDDLE: We are without a theatre for the next 18 months, so we blocked the entire show in other areas of the school, like a locker room, a gym, a hallway, and other non-theatrical spaces. We rented the Allen Performing Arts Center for our performances, and because of these challenges, tech week was only the third time we had been on a real stage during our entire rehearsal process.

We would be remiss not to thank to our wonderful friends at Richardson High School (our district neighbor school) for letting us use their theatre a few times before our tech rehearsals began. The lesson we learned is this: You do not need to have a traditional stage if the story is good. The story and your company will make it all work!

Patty Craft is content manager for Dramatics.org.

The post Mean Girls: High School Version appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

Lend Me a Tenor

Patty Craft — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 17:04:30 +0000

The main stage at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) shines with the best in high school theatre. In 2023, Lend Me a Tenor will be performed by Thespian Troupe 1470 from Mount Vernon High School (Iowa).

Set in September 1934, Lend Me a Tenor follows the story of Saunders, the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, who is primed to welcome world-famous singer Tito Merelli – known as “Il Stupendo,” the greatest tenor of his generation – to appear for one night only as the star of the opera. Tito arrives late, and through a hilarious series of mishaps, is given a double dose of tranquilizers and passes out. In a frantic attempt to salvage the evening, Saunders persuades his assistant, Max, to get into Merelli’s costume and fool the audience. Madcap, screwball hijinks ensue, guaranteed to leave you teary-eyed with laughter.

Mount Vernon High School’s Troupe director, Tom Stephens, took us behind the scenes. (At the time of this posting, you can still register for ITF and see this production live and in person!)

DRAMATICS: Why Lend Me a Tenor now? Why this show for this season?

STEPHENS: “COVID obviously impacted the ability to offer programming in the arts everywhere. We lost our spring production in 2020 and have slowly built our theatre department back with virtual audiences, masked actors, and small cast shows just like everyone,” he says. “This year, when it finally felt like we’ve regained a sense of normalcy, we wanted to do something lighthearted, engaging, and just plain fun. Nothing beats a farce, and Lend Me a Tenor is one of the best. Full live audiences were welcomed back to our performing arts center to enjoy the escape that only live theatre can offer.

DRAMATICS: Please finish this sentence. You wouldn’t know it but…

“I’m a big baseball fan. In fact, it’s my goal to take my son to see all 30 MLB ballparks (we’ve made it to 20 so far). Lend Me A Tenor is set in Cleveland in 1934. In 1932, the Lorain–Carnegie Bridge opened, featuring the eight Guardians of Traffic art deco statues (the namesake of the newly re-christened Cleveland Guardians baseball team). Our hotel suite set features a large black and white photo of one of these Guardians as a period-correct nuance and also as a nod to my personal interests. IYKYK.

Another fact you likely wouldn’t know is that we’re a very small school with only 440 students. Performing on the ITF main stage is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. I credit the work ethic of the students and the amazing support of our community. We are so humbled and appreciative of being included in this year’s #ThesFest and can’t wait to see everyone in Bloomington!”

Patty Craft is content manager for Dramatics.org.

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