Arts & Theater
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How Can Theatre Fandoms Be Less Toxic — OnStage Blog
by Chris Peterson Let’s get real. Theatre fandoms are some of the most passionate groups you’ll find anywhere. We obsess over every note, every costume detail, every twist and turn in the story. That kind of passion is awesome. But sometimes it goes sideways and turns into straight-up toxicity. When that happens, what should be fun ends up full of…
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Quentin Tarantino Coming to the Stage? I Can’t Wait — OnStage Blog
by Chris Peterson Quentin Tarantino is writing a play. Just typing that feels like a plot twist. For three decades, his name has been inseparable from cinema: the whip-crack dialogue, the shocking bursts of violence, the monologues that build like symphonies of menace and wit. He is a director who has reshaped how we watch movies. And now he is…
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What Makes a Perfect Opening Number? — OnStage Blog
What makes these songs unforgettable is not only their music but their confidence. They know exactly what they need to do, and they do it without apology. They do not waste time. They do not hesitate. They tell us: this is the story we are telling, and this is how we are telling it. When an opening number falters, the…
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How Actors Can Build an Acting Business Plan in 5 Steps. — OnStage Blog
— The 5 Day/5 Month Planner is a fast and furious guide to getting you motivated, confident and moving towards your acting goals without waiting for any permission or “the right time. ” This is your career, and you’re in control. You’ll have 5 days to put together your 5-month plan. Each day will have 5 action items related to…
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An Open Letter to Tech Week — OnStage Blog
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…
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Bootlegs, Boundaries, and the Curious Case of “Heathers” — OnStage Blog
by Chris Peterson Last week, the team behind Heathers the Musical issued a firm statement: Stop bootlegging our show. They called it a “major no-no,” comparing it to “cheating on a quiz,” and made it clear that filming live performances is not only illegal but also disrespectful to the cast, crew, and creative team. And they’re right. Recording a live…
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Dear Broadway Influencers, I’m Sorry I Didn’t Save Your Favorite Show. I couldn’t afford a Ticket. — OnStage Blog
Dear Esteemed Broadway Influencers, I write today with a heavy heart and a light wallet. I’ve seen posts and Tiktoks from some of you angry that not more true fans bought tickets to Broadway shows that have since announced their closings. Please accept my sincerest apologies for not single-handedly keeping your favorite Broadway show open. I now realize that by…
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New “Heathers” Revival Is a Hit. But What Story Is It Telling? — OnStage Blog
by Chris Peterson Warning: Spoilers ahead I haven’t seen the new revival of Heathers: The Musical at New World Stages, but I’ve been paying attention to the reviews, the audience reactions, and the growing conversation around it. And whether you’re a longtime fan of the original film or discovering the story for the first time, there’s no denying that this…
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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. Songs not to avoid. But this is just to get your mind going. The best audition song highlights the things you do best, better than others. That’s going to be different…
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Why Do We Clap for That? The Strange, Wonderful Things Theatre Audiences Will Always Applaud — OnStage Blog
by Chris Peterson Theatre audiences are a curious species. We pride ourselves on our refined tastes and critical instincts. We dissect performances, praise nuance, and discuss dramaturgy like sommeliers at a wine tasting. But then someone does a high kick, and we absolutely lose our minds. Seriously, why do we clap for that? There’s a long-standing, unspoken agreement among theatre-goers…
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