BollywoodTimes11- Entertainment News’ Post

"We’ve all heard it before, “Directors, stop casting the same performers for every single show.” Take a peak at my newest article on OnStage Blog on the importance of not casting the same actors and actresses for every lead role. #performingarts #theatre #director #freelancewriting #youthempowerment

David Burton has been investigating the impact of self-tests (video recorded script readings) for actors. As a video producer and director with my own studio, I have recorded many of these for actors, and am often the off-camera reader (I really hope I didn't lose anyone the job!). Some embrace them, some do not, but it has become the norm, so they have little choice. And, with very tight turn-around for some audition 'tapes,' actors are now forking out for home studio equipment in case the quality of their phone, hanging bedsheet and kitchen lighting lets them down. This just pushes the barrier for entry higher and higher. And then, they may never hear back about them. Shouldn't this be about them doing their best acting work, with other actors and directors? One positive is that some actors may get a chance to audition by video where they may not have been able to audition in-person. David highlighted accessibility issues and I know others who have cited, timing, distance and their other employment as barriers in these cases.

Life is funny. Recently, I've been relishing in the joy of spending time with my son Manny, as we both take part in this upcoming theatre production of NEWSIEs, offered by Shine On Performing Arts (SOPA). But an interesting thing happened along the way - I was reminded of a powerful lesson in leadership and inclusivity. We are fortunate to be part of SOPA, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a love for musical theatre in individuals of all ages and abilities. SOPA stands out not only for its captivating performances but also for its inclusive approach, offering opportunities for everyone, regardless of age or experience, to participate in all aspects of production, whether onstage or off. As we work together on this production, I’m reminded of the transformative impact that embracing different perspectives and working towards a common goal, augmented by great leadership can have. Each cast member, set designer, choreographer, prop maker, costume designer, tech crew member brings their unique talents to the production. We all receive “notes” from our director to improve and we all provide feedback on our view for the scene. Problems are solved collaboratively and quickly because no matter the hurdle – the show must go on. It works because we are all focused on the common goal and our director owns the vision, treats everyone with respect, and is decisive. This lesson holds true not only in the realm of community theatre but also in the workplace. By capturing your team’s mindshare to focus on the common goal, and fostering an environment of inclusivity and collaboration, great leaders harness the full potential of their workforce, drive innovation, and achieve success. In the same way that the Newsies unite behind Jack against adversity, and SOPA brings together a broad crew to put on a great show, teams in the workplace can overcome challenges and achieve extraordinary results when they rally behind their leader and work together towards a shared vision. No matter the challenge, great leadership and the principles of diversity and collaboration serve as guiding lights, that shine on the path to greatness. And if you’re in Austin and wish to catch a great show, come on by! https://lnkd.in/gacSEV4j #leadership #musical_theatre #life_balance #family_time

🎭📚 Actors and improvisers, check out this insightful post by Jennifer Estlin! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, understanding different acting techniques can elevate your craft. Jennifer shares her top book recommendations, including Improvise. Scene From the Inside Out by Annoyance Theatre's Mick Napier, along with other gems that offer deep insights into character development and the creative process. Check out the full article for an insightful read on StageLyncMEDIA. 👇 #ActingTips #Improvisation #Theatre #ActorLife #BookRecommendations

Actors, it's time to rethink what it means to have a successful career in the industry. Check out this insightful article on StageLync that highlights the importance of talent AND organization in the acting world. It's not just about the show, but also about mastering the business side of things. Patrick Oliver Jones #ActingCareer #BusinessOfActing #StageLync #Theatre #Actors #Acting

I am sharing my experience watching "Merrily We Roll Along" last night on Broadway, timing, modifying your idea, taking a different approach and winning.   Last night, my wife and I, along with another couple, the man of which is an old friend of 40 years went to see Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along”, a Broadway revival from 1981. Now usually seeing a Broadway show doesn’t feel LinkedIn worthy but, in this case, I woke up feeling differently.   You see this show, in its first incarnation was a COMPLETE FLOP.  It went straight to Broadway and closed down after 16 performances – 2 weeks!      While it was written by a powerhouse team of Sondheim and Harold Prince, a duo that had struck gold over and over again, this show was dead on arrival. Why? Lots of reasons - too high concept (show works backwards chronologically), wrong cast (too many young unknowns), missing a song, timing, bravado?   But what has happened in 2024 is what is so inspiring and a lesson for all of us in business and for me, ad tech.  The show has been reworked to become a hit! Now there are 6 age-appropriate stars including Jonathan Groff (Hamilton), Daniel Radcliff (yes, Harry Potter), and Lindsay Mendez (Carousel), the addition of a new song (“Growing Old”), changing costumes, killing scenes (feature) and the skillful cultivating of the still high concept story by an incredible director, Maria Friedman. It’s already been on Broadway since Fall 2023 and it will be into July 2024.  Go see it!    The lessons of “Merrily We Roll Along”   1.    Good ideas may flop the first, second or third time, but that doesn’t mean the core idea is bad. On the contrary, it may be great! 2.    Write the ideas down and revisit them with a critical eye periodically, maybe even years or decades later. 3.    Be open to changing parts of vision. Maybe not the core idea, but the ways you execute it could be the difference-maker. 4.    Bring in experts to help you. 5.    Don’t be afraid to kill a feature you love but the world does not. 6.    UX can lead to massive improvement (just like costumes) 7.    A great team with passion for your idea can create an entirely better outcome. 8.    Keep trying.   I have been too early on ideas, not asked for help, abandoned the vision, and later seen others be super successful with similar concepts. I have also swallowed my pride and ego when someone with a fresh-take took a product concept I birthed to stratospheric heights years after I had left the organization. All of this is still a win.

Since COVID-19, most film, TV, and theatre auditions have been by self-tape: over 80% of them, according to a London agent. To be noticed, the tapes have to stand out to catch the casting director's eye immediately. If you want the recall and the job, our next workshop with Gary Grant will help. Why not book up and work on your self-tape to make sure that you are being noticed? Top Tips Interpreting a brief Multi-character scenes Using improv in auditions Plus, scene work, discussions on lighting, props, and how to make sure your home self-tape is as good as it can be. For more information about the work Clarity VA does, please use the link below or contact Mary at mary@clarityva.co.uk https://lnkd.in/e2Fj3KAz #actors #improvisation #auditions #selftapes #getthatrecall #theatre #TVandfilms #virtualassistant #smallbusinesssupport

Bailey’s Rules of Theatre Going…. I love working in theatre, however, it can be frustrating as on occasion people show up for a show acting as if they’ve never been out of their house let alone to see a play. With that in mind a wee primer on theatre etiquette. 1.) Be on time. That means in your seat by the time listed on your ticket. If your mother, brother, cousin or sister in law’s dentist’s wife are in the show that’s all the more reason to be prompt. 2.) This ain’t Macy’s. Your ticket purchase does not entitle you to be rude, disruptive, demanding or otherwise unpleasant to anyone! The ticket price represents hours of training, rehearsal, production meetings, costume fittings and various other things that go into making a live performance. Don’t be a dick. 3.) The stage isn’t your coffee table. Should you be fortunate enough to have a front row seat kindly refrain from putting your purse, drink, drink, feet, phone or child on the stage. It’s tacky, not to mention dangerous. 4.) Observe the Six Block Rule. Do not discuss the show, the people in the show, the company producing the show, the actors in the show or anything else related to the show you are seeing until you are at least six blocks away from the theatre. You never know who is seated next to, in front of or behind you. It could be a producer, it could be an artist’s mother or their best friend. It’s bad form.

Check out my latest blog, and learn about the striking similarities between pitching a concept and performing Off-Broadway!

When I was little I dreamed of becoming an actor. A term into a drama degree at Goldsmiths, University of London quickly told me that my acting skills perhaps (!!) weren’t up to scratch to make a living. So I funnelled my love of theatre into PR and spent 4 fabulous years working with Ben and Clair who now lead bread & Butter - seeing brilliant shows 2 or 3 times a week and working of a range of west end and fringe productions. Although my career has now taken a step away from the arts, I still want my children share my love of theatre and have taken them to a wide range of shows since they were little. But lately the cost of taking the family to shows has skyrocketed. So the The Guardian article below on the push and pull of ticket pricing was super interesting. The Kids Week initiative from Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre is brilliant - but getting tickets is somewhat stressful. I’ve learned to embrace off west end theatres and highly recommend the Rose Theatre , Polka Theatre and Unicorn Theatre for excellent child friendly shows at more affordable prices. However the problem still remains. How do we make theatre more diverse and inclusive if access to simply seeing shows is financially impossible for so many. Could more broadcasts of live shows (such as the NT live series) be the answer so that people can still be inspired? How would you solve the reputation problem the theatre industry currently has of being too expensive?