Like many relationships, collaborations between performers and directors don’t always result in a match made in heaven. This is particularly true in the theatre, where the director has such an integral influence on the actor’s performance. Miscommunication and misinterpretation may stall, sidetrack, or completely sabotage an otherwise promising endeavor. An actor’s character choices may not…

It’s minutes before showtime. You are in your dressing room—or the converted storage space that passes as one. You’re nervous, excited, joking with cast-mates, flirting with crew members, hoping your agent showed up, and wondering where everyone’s going for the after-party. All of a sudden, you hear the stage manager call “Places!” Suddenly you realize…

A speech is given before most stage performances and live events – turn off your cell phones and other devices. Sometimes the request is greeted with laughter, but it holds a very serious message: Don’t ruin the concentration of the actors or the enjoyment of your fellow audience members. During a stage performance, actors must…