As I've gotten older and been introduced to more things, there are certain theatre-related genres or artists that I've grown more fond of. Let's take a look at them.

For the last year, I have been an Intern at Philadelphia Young Playwrights, an arts education nonprofit serving youth in the Greater Philadelphia area. Here, I have worked for a team of three women who have given me opportunities to do meaningful work, hone valuable skills, and learn a lot about both myself and the theater community I am working within. Since it is Women’s History Month, I want to take some time to reflect on three things I have learned while working for these leading ladies. 

Now in March, just a week before Pippin rehearsals begin, we prepare ourselves to film our show reels for our ‘Technique & Repertoire’ module that helps us set up a portfolio to leave with after completing our course!

Every spring break, Oklahoma City University gives its performing arts students the chance to step beyond the classroom and immerse themselves in the industry through OCUNYC. More than just a training program, it is an opportunity to experience the professional world firsthand.

Being an Autistic/Disabled person working in theater can be difficult, but I had wonderful opportunities that have allowed me to turns my dreams into realities. My journey started as a teenage student in a musical theater program that changed me for good, so now I am reflecting on how that experience led me to where I am today.

It’s tough for a musical theatre-loving teenager who lives 2460 miles from the Great White Way. You try to connect to anything you can that reminds you of Broadway and the people who work there. That’s why I have been obsessed LaDuca dance shoes. Similar to a basketball player wearing their favorite professional shoes, whenever I put on a pair of my precious LaDucas, the same shoes that Broadway professionals wear, I feel, even in my high school outside of Los Angeles, like I am one of them.

To all my theater “children” and all my theater “parents,” past present and future, you’ve made me into a version of myself I am proud to be, whether we still talk to this day or no longer speak, Thank You.

Hello y’all! For the next couple of months, I’m shining a light on one of the coolest parts of UC San Diego’s theatre department. Every spring quarter features a culmination of artistry that brings grads and undergrads together from all theatrical disciplines: the Wagner New Play Festival. The engine that revs the festival to life is the cohort of MFA playwrights. Each of them spends fall and winter quarters working on a piece ahead of its world premiere production in the spring. We have five playwrights this year, so this article is the third installment of a five-part series where I’ll be sitting down for a conversation with each of them. I hope reading these will be half as much fun as I had putting this together.

I often hear people talk about the importance of saying no to the things that aren’t good for you. And while I agree wholeheartedly with the theory, I would propose a revision.  When building a career or an understanding of theater (or anything really), you must try new things and find what, and how much, is right for you. It's not just about knowing when to say no or what opportunities to take.

Being a theatre kid in high school who is going to college for Musical Theatre, having good grades and taking AP classes isn’t thought to be a requirement. But for me, balancing my grades with my passion is a priority for me. I often get asked how I juggle everything - school musicals, college auditions, volunteering, plus an AP and IB course load. To be honest, I’m still figuring it out. I don’t have the juggling down to a complete science and hope to get better at that in college, but here are some tips that have worked for me throughout high school.

You got back up again. You had to….Or you’d still be there. But evidently you aren’t because you’re sitting here reading this article. Congratulations my friend. You survived the Great Unknown and turned it into a Simple Known.

Despite my disorganization, there are tools that, when I actually use them, really help me manage and balance different facets of my life. Remember who you are and what you need aside from what you do. Organize your duties but leave time open for unexpected fun and joy. Remember why you love what you love and what it adds to your life. Live with intention. Maybe sooner rather than later, some of your plans turned into action will lead to goals being achieved and dreams coming true in ways you never expected at all.

Hello y’all! For the next couple of months, I’m shining a light on one of the coolest parts of UC San Diego’s theatre department. Every spring quarter features a culmination of artistry that brings grads and undergrads together from all theatrical disciplines: the Wagner New Play Festival. The engine that revs the festival to life is the cohort of MFA playwrights. Each of them spends fall and winter quarters working on a piece ahead of its world premiere production in the spring. We have five playwrights this year, so this article is the second installment of a five-part series where I’ll be sitting down for a conversation with each of them. I hope reading these will be half as much fun as I had putting this together. 

Most universities across the country have between one and two on-campus theatres - sometimes even more. But when those spaces aren’t available, where can one hone their craft?

If you’re anything like me, audition season is both the most exhilarating and most stressful time of the year. Juggling in-person and virtual auditions, and trying to stay on top of the most recent casting call is overwhelming to say the least, but by preparing an audition book that you’re comfortable and confident in, the stress of material prep can be alleviated. Armed with my own book and a pack of sticky tabs, I’ve compiled some tips to help you build your book!

Hi, I'm Makena, a current college freshman pursuing a BFA in Acting for the Stage & Screen. I love theatre in all forms and can't wait to share all I'm learning from my theatre program and experiences.

Willkommen, bienvenue, and welcome to my first article with BroadwayWorld! I am beyond excited to take you into my life and my love for theatre! Over the next four months (and beyond, who knows!), I will be sharing everything from my daily routine as a full-time college student, to my theatre background, to my budgeting methods to support live theatre in my area, and more!

This time of year marks the peak of audition season, a time of high stress, early morning casting calls, and many “nos.” If you’re looking to find new ways to approach auditions, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! 

As silly as it sounds, these games help fill my cup. When I have had a long week or an especially stressful week, getting to go play these games with some of my favorite people is so much fun.

As the spring semester kicks off, the flurry of auditions, applications, and new opportunities begins to unfold. For many performing arts students, it’s easy to fall into the trap of viewing this season as a race to compile a list of accomplishments that will catch the attention of professors, casting directors, and future employers.

As the spring semester kicks off, so does the whirlwind of auditions, applications, and fresh opportunities. For many performing arts students, it's tempting to fall into the trap of treating this season like a race where the goal is to stack accomplishments that will impress professors, casting directors, and future employers.

In class, we dove into the age of romanticism and how that movement influenced theatre at its time. How does that relate to today? What do we see now that we didn't before? Or what's something they did right we should remember?

I’ve always considered myself a creative person. I’ve been creating things for as long as I can remember whether it’s stories, dances, or songs. But with all this creativity, I’ve always had insecurities about my abilities and work. There seems to be a persistent doubt whenever I create, and while this seems to be a common issue that creatives deal with, it troubles me.

Early spring hits each year and I am always faced with an overwhelming number of tasks. I am so thankful to feel overwhelmed because I know what a privilege it is. Yet, that does not stop life from feeling like a lot sometimes!

Auditions stressing you out? Having a hard time feeling comfortable and audition ready? Here's how to master your audition with tips and tricks from an acting major to make your life a bit easier!