A QUICK TIP FOR WANNA-BE OFF BROADWAY PERFORMERS
Published 2010-03-18
New to New York? Just graduate from that prestigious 40k a year Theatre Conservatory? Ready to break into the New York Theatre scene? Easy. If you listen, that is. Now, as every actor knows, the most important thing to have to be able to make it in New York is, well, a job. And no, I don't mean a 9-5, I work at an office, I'm a bartender, sales associate, kind of a job. I mean, "Hey! Look! Read my resume, someone before you has actually hired me as an actor for a NEW YORK production!" The ugly truth is that if you are new to New York and have NEVER preformed in a New York theatre, chances are slim to none that you will be able to land your audition. It doesn't matter how many community theatre shows you starred in your hometown of Montgomery, Alabama or that you received a "Best Actor" award for your performance as Adelaide from Guys and Dolls in your high school musical. It won't matter. Until a casting director decides to take a chance on you, a virgin to the "Theatre World" as he/she would consider it, then it seems that you will remain an out of work actor. Kind of a double edge sword, huh? You can't get hired until you have experience, but you can't get experience, until someone takes a chance on you. It almost seems impossible, doesn't it?
Now, this doesn't mean to deter you in the least bit. Someone is bound to have some faith in your talent and from what I've experienced there is a very easy way in which you can jump on the bandwagon and get some true New York experience on your resume. There is one play in particular that I have had the fortunate opportunity to have been a part of when I first started acting in New York. And, as you will discover, or already have, almost every person you will meet at auditions will have been a part of this show. Curious?
Then Discover:
Happy Hour
Directed by Michael Horn
Produced by the Michael Chekhov Theatre Company (354 West 45th St.)
Admission: $25 (Includes a night of guaranteed laughter and as many drinks as you can handle in 90 minutes!)
What it is:
Adapted from the play Sex, Relationship, and Sometimes Love, by Joelle Arqueros, Happy Hour is an one-act comedic play about the trials and tribulations of relationships and all of the unpredictable situations that result from these emotionally charged encounters. And not all of these relationships are actually acknowleged by both partners, but some, like we all have experienced, are one sided. One being, a lonely woman in a bar, gawking at every rippled muscle that walks by her table, resulting in a hilarious monologue called "Fearless," in which she attempts to seduce and mate with one particular bar-goer. At one point in her wooing she is lifted on to the shoulders of her gentleman friend and takes her audience with her as she experiences a sensational orgasm. And if this sexually charged monologue doesn't make you want to wet yourself from laughter, then perhaps a monologue about a hooker in a Walmart parking lot will catch your attention. And these are only two of 18 vignettes that explores sex and relationships.
How it applies to you:
An easy audition. Michael Horn is a director who WILL take a chance on you and if he finds that you have remotely any talent, he will gladly give you the chance to add his show to your resume. How is this possible? This amazing show doesn't just run with one cast, but Horn has made it possible for many actors to be a part of his show by simaltaneously running the same show multiple times, with multiple casts. A.K.A: Making it possible for you to be able to be cast in a New York show. Even better, Horn is the director for the Michael Chekhov Theatre Company and if an impression is made, there is a good chance that you will be invited to audition for his theatre company. A cast of devoted individuals that meets once a week, for a small monthly fee, and preforms awe-inspiring theatre. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that? So, keep your eye out for auditions for this play as rumor has it that it might be popping its head up as we near towards summer.
Speaking of Theatre Companies:
Even though these do cost a bit of cash, if you have an extra $50 lying around that you can spend on heightening your career, being a part of a Membership Company is a great way to go. Yes, it may be odd to think that instead of getting paid, you're paying to be a part of Theatre; for a chance to grace the stage with your talent. But, when you think about it, if you choose the right theatre company, it can actually benefit you. I know, it's a drag, I thought so too, but in exchange you get to put numerous plays on your resume and include that you were a part of a "prestigious" theatre company in NEW YORK. How impressive is that? I mean, if I were a casting director, I would hands down go for that!
How do you go about finding the right theatre company? Easy. Google! Check out all the companies that you can find and look carefully at their websites. Basic rule of thumb, just like with Talent Agencies, if the website is respectable and put together in an orderly fashion, then it's more than likely legit. Also, check out the history of the company. Do they list a founder, a mission statement, are there legitimate past and current productions and is there a member's page with pictures and resume? Most likely, if you are an actor, you will be able to point out fact from fiction. But, for those who are a bit weary, stick to checking Backstage and Playbill for information on auditions for Membership Companies and keep in mind that most membership companies only audition once to twice a year as many of their actors stay on for additional seasons.
Some Membership Companies to check out:
Michael Chekhov Theatre Company
Actor's Project NYC
Public Theatre
Atlantic Theatre Company
New Victory Theatre
Looking Glass Theatre (This is more internships than anything, but still great to check out!)
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