LEARN ACTING THROUGH ONLINE BROADWAY LESSONS
You know that incredible feeling you get when you see a great performance or, better yet, step out into the spotlight yourself? If you’re excited and passionate about theater, the stage on Broadway is likely your ultimate goal. While it’s demanding and requires perseverance and hard work, a career in performance can be both thrilling and fulfilling. If you want to pursue your dreams and make it all the way to the top, you’ll need to make preparations, hone your skills, and share your talents with the right people. These tips on taking the stage on broadway can help you build a solid foundation for a successful future as a Broadway actor.
Begin the Initial Steps for Taking the Stage on Broadway
Landing a spot on Broadway, or any other professional venue for that matter doesn’t happen overnight. This type of coveted spot often takes years of preparation and experience and when you’re in the beginning stages of making your dream a reality, be sure to start here.
Find a Great Instructor
Natural talent is hard to deny, but even the most gifted performers still need instruction and guidance to grow and flourish as an actor. Without the proper training, you’re unlikely to get a chance to audition for big Broadway roles. These days, online acting lessons make it easy to learn everything you need to know to become a standout performer. While even just a semester of acting instruction can help, serious actors should commit to at least a few years of lessons to build their skills while discovering their own unique style.
Attend Live Performances
Making it as a performer can be downright grueling at times, so it’s important to remind yourself of what motivates and moves you. See as many live performances as you can to help you stay excited while also learning new ideas and techniques along the way. Live theater can also be very inspiring for actors who appreciate the time, commitment, and talent it requires.
Study Theater and the Broadway Stage
If you’re not well-versed in the history of musical theater and the most influential shows of the genre, it’s time to catch up. Listen to and watch recordings of as many musicals as you can to familiarize yourself with the standards. You should also read up on the subject, so find articles and books about Broadway to help you better understand how the organization is run at every level.
Create and Perform Often
While you’ll likely have some opportunities to perform with your fellow acting students, you should also look for ways you can act on your own time. Community theater is a great place to start where you can practice and hone your skills. Also, keep an eye out for local commercial or small acting gigs in your community. Audition for everything you can to gain experience and keep your skills sharp. If opportunities are few and far between, connect with other actors in your community and create your own stage!
Build the Skills of a Broadway Stage Actor
Once you’ve built a solid foundation for a future in theatrical performance, it’s time to start focusing on the details that will get you there. This is where the hard work truly comes into play. If you can commit to studying and practicing on a routine basis, you’ll be that much closer to a career on the Broadway stage.
Keep Up With Your Lessons
It may seem like you only need a few weeks to learn the basics of acting, but the truth is, most actors have years of training before they make it big. Prioritize your lessons and follow your teacher’s instructions on how to develop your talents into a formidable acting force. As you progress, you may find that it’s time to move on to a different instructor or to focus on a new technique. These little changes can make a big difference in your overall progress.
Build Your Audition Repertoire for the Stage on Broadway
Successful actors audition again and again and again. To be ready for every potential acting opportunity, you’ll need to have a good set of audition songs and monologues that are polished and ready to go. Everyone needs a wide variety of genres that suit the potential character or role you’re hoping for. Old and new music styles and a combination of comedy and drama are a must. Your instructor can help you choose pieces that showcase your strengths.
Learn the Lingo
You’ll likely cover some of this in your online acting lessons, but there are a lot of terminologies you’ll need to know to be a successful actor. Basic stage directions and proper names of equipment and personnel should be second-nature to you before you become a pro. There are also many terms and phrases that are unique to the theater world. Knowing the lingo can keep you from falling behind, so study well.
Become a Well-Rounded Performer
It’s no secret that the best Broadway performers are a triple threat: They can act, sing and dance. While you may stand out in only one of these areas, you’ll need to be proficient in all three. For most people, acting is much more difficult to master and requires the most focus and instruction. Even so, it’s still a good idea to supplement with online voice lessons as well as dance lessons. This way, you’ll be ready for every opportunity and can gain even more experience.
Prepare for a Career on the Broadway Stage
Your ambitions are clear, your skillset is strong, and your talent is blossoming like never before. It’s now time to put yourself out there and make a name for yourself as an actor. Now more than ever, you’ll need a good support system that can help you take the right steps. You can set yourself up for success by keeping these ideas in mind.
Find a Great Mentor
Every new career comes with a lot of unknowns, and the same is true for Broadway actors. Find an experienced and successful performer who can offer insight and advice on how to approach big auditions and the Broadway community as a whole. Their support and wisdom will be invaluable at this stage. They can also prepare you for the sometimes harsh realities of rehearsals, performances, and the expectations of your superiors and peers.
Invest in High-Quality Headshots
While it’s your talent that lands the gig, it’s a good headshot that often gets you the first opportunity for an audition or callback. Your look matters, so find an experienced pro who can help you take some professional-level headshots to send out or keep with you for acting opportunities.
Keep Your Resume Ready and Up-To-Date
Every time you land a role, no matter how big or small, it’s another piece to add to your resume. Keep the file easy to access so you can update it as you go. Having a current resume ready for auditions is extremely important. Keep in mind that a resume for an acting job will look very different from other professional careers. Talk with your instructor or another expert to help you determine the best format and which elements to include or cut out.
Learn How To Network
Sometimes, who you know lets you get your foot in the door for auditions and opportunities that you otherwise wouldn’t have heard about. Networking helps you get your name out there while introducing you to people who can help you in your professional career. It’s also a great way to build relationships with people who have similar schedules and goals, allowing you to create a community of support as you pursue your Broadway dreams.
Make the Most of Every Opportunity
When you hear the words “dream role,” you probably have a very specific scenario that comes to mind. It’s important to prioritize your ultimate goal, but neglecting other different but valuable opportunities can hurt you in the long run. Go to every audition you can, no matter how small or unimportant it may seem. If you can, accept roles that will give you a chance to learn something new rather than refusing anything but the lead. The more experience you have, the greater your chances of landing the roles you truly want in the future.
Bring Your Individuality to the Table
Often, it’s doing something different or unique that sets you apart and makes an impression on the decision-makers in the room. While there are some basic techniques and practices that are essential for a good audition, it’s your unique take on a song or monologue that matters most. As you grow as an actor, remember to focus on what makes you exceptional.
Become a Star of the Broadway Stage With Broadway Lessons
Are you ready to become a professional actor who stands out amongst the competition? Online lessons in voice, acting, movement, and more can help you build the skills you need to live your dreams. Earn more roles as a performer and make your way to the biggest and brightest stage of them all with Broadway Lessons. Contact us today to learn more about our variety of instruction opportunities and which ones are right for you. We can help make your Broadway dreams a reality.
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