An Open Letter to Tech Week

I’m writing this letter from the battlefield. It’s Wednesday—well, early Thursday now—of Tech week and the show I’m working on opens Friday. I’ve slept 8 hours in the past 3 days. The paint in my hair is at least a couple of days old and I haven’t changed my clothes in a week. I can’t remember the last time I saw the costume designer without some sort of sewing in her hands. At least I’ve seen her—I asked the props designer to go find gaff tape a couple days ago and I haven’t seen her since.

EditorialOnStage Blog StaffJune 8, 2024Caleigh Derreberry

Actors Deserve a timely “Yes or a No” from Casting Directors

Have you ever waited weeks, sometimes months after an audition to hear if you have been cast or not? Cringing by the phone, frantically checking your email every two minutes, even going through your spam and text messages to see if a Casting Director has contacted you about that latest audition. You’re stressed out because you have not heard one peep, and you’re not sure if you should audition for other theaters and gigs. You really have your heart set on that one role, company and show and may be going out of town for a long run, or on the road, or cruise ship and you don’t want to lead other casting directors or companies on by attending other auditions!

Editorial, New YorkChristopher PetersonMay 12, 2024Liz Turner

10 Songs I Never Mind Hearing At Auditions : Part 2

There are so many lists warning you what songs you shouldn't audition with, I thought I'd switch things up and list a few that I'm always glad to hear.

EditorialChristopher PetersonApril 13, 2022auditions, Musical theatre

How a Christmas Tradition Made Me a Theatre Lover

The Holiday season is that wonderful time of year where families celebrate their various traditions. Whether it's a religious or a family custom, this is the time of year where people get together and celebrate annual activities.

Editorial, BroadwayChristopher PetersonDecember 23, 2021Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

5 Things "Waiting for Guffman" Got Right When It Comes To Community Theatre

Believe it or not, this coming January marks the 25th Anniversary of the indie classic "Waiting for Guffman". What made this film so memorable, and required viewing for any theatre person, is not only the humor but also how well they nailed the culture that is small-town community theatre. Here are 5 of the many things that this movie got completely right.

EditorialChristopher PetersonAugust 26, 2021Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

13 Things All Theatre Kids Can Relate To

From tech crew to leads, from directors to choreographers, if you’re involved in theatre you will immediately know what I’m talking about. We’ve been teased for our “over-dramatic ways” and our “cult-like behavior” and all the other nonsense non-thespians make up about us, we all know they’re just jealous! Whether you’re a “noob” or a seasoned actress, you’re sure to relate to this list of fourteen experiences we all share!

EditorialChristopher PetersonDecember 29, 2020Sarah Ferguson

"Oh Sandy..." - A Different Perspective on Grease!

“Sometimes when you revisit a musical with fresh eyes, you notice things that you may have missed the first time around. So without further ado, here is how Grease! changes when you look at it through the eyes of Sandy.”

EditorialChristopher PetersonJune 30, 2020Grease Live!, Chris Peterson, Grease

The Lasting Impact of Angels in America

“Since its premiere, many of us in the theatre community have long known just how great “Angels in America” is, but given recent events, I think there is plenty of good reason to start looking at the long-term impact and legacy of this play in a new light.”

Broadway, EditorialOnStage Blog StaffJune 16, 2020Angels in America, Anthony J Piccione

Theatre: Why Do It At All?

“ Why spend weeks rehearsing taking time away from family and friends, potentially missing out on other activities? Why? Here’s why.”

Editorial, Massachusetts, Community TheatreOnStage Blog StaffMay 26, 2020Liz Chirico

A Professor’s Recipe to Electric Musical Theatre Stage Presence

Stage Presence. Star Quality. The X-factor. Whatever you call it, it is the difference between an adequate actor and a good actor and often times, between a good actor and a star. Many people say it is an indefinable quality that someone is either born with or not. As a college professor who is charged with teaching students how to be solid actors and musical theatre performers that does not cut it. It is my responsibility to teach my students everything in my power to make them stronger and “you’ve either got it or you don’t” is a mantra that does a disservice to my students and my profession.

Editorial, BroadwayChristopher PetersonJanuary 20, 2019Matthew Teague Miller

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