Audition Update

*slow clap*

*standing ovation*

This is awesome! Yes, yes, and yes!
A good accompanist/collaborator is an incredible thing!

And I second conducting skills! That is the one class in undergrad that I took that has been the MOST helpful in the real world! Know your ictus people!

yes.

Thank you! I love the advice - I can also tell you why we sometimes fail to communicate: a monitor snapped at the line right before we walked in the room "keep it moving guys, 2 minutes! If you are doing 16 bars, 1 minute monologue" and other such things that have us running on lost time before we even walk in

-the last audition we did, where we put down our music, started to give a tempo and point things out and the accompianist snapped at us, ignored us, or shushed us (it happens)

-we practiced the whole spiel, walked in the room, the CD said something to us, blew our nerve infused minds and we put our music down whilst hoping we responded with "how are you" correctly

Love your advice, and good to remember, but mainly we love and appreciate that 9 times out of ten, despite us being our own worst enemies, you pianists save our butts. Seriously. When we say thank you in the room, we mean it (cus you and me both know I skipped that measure in the bridge but the CD doesn't and that's thanks to YOU) :)

This is wonderful, thank you!

"MotherMonsterApproved",
Thank You! Yes!
BUT
"emuhe",
Thank YOU, too.
Both sides are true.

Wait... there are people that DON'T do these things?! Did they learn ANYTHING ANYWHERE?!

It's certainly not the most glamorous place on Earth, but Champions Studios on 39th btw 7th and 8th has studios with pianos, offers dirt cheap hourly rates and usually I have no issue getting a room the day of, or even an hour before I need it.

I love auditioning at Pearl & Ripley, but I don't need to pay for the ambiance when it's just me.

Actually, I rented at Shetler today for the first time. I didn't know this, but their rooms are only $4.50 for THIRTY MINUTES if you rent between 9am-noon with less than 48 hours notice. Not bad!

Prices are also good at Michiko Studios a few doors down from AEA. Nice to sign up for an EPA, run down and vocalize, then come back for audition. Forget exact price but it's around $6-8 for half hour.

I absolutely love the early bird special or $4.50 at Shetler... It's a bit out of the way, but if you have time, you can't beat it. Also, it depends on if you want a full piano, or if you are just plunking out some notes here and there, but Michiko has these awesome little 4X4 cubicals with tiny little keyboards, and it is only $5 for 30 mins!

Singers Forum has rooms at $5 for 30 minutes, but before Noon only.

Both uptown Ripley locations (the 55th street area one near Nola and the one in the 70s) have good same day rates.

And, yes, I love the same day Shetler rooms. But hard to get on a day that the EPA or whatever is held there!

I had a very similar experience and I am glad you posted this!

I moved to the city in June of last year and I am sure that all of you can attest to the fact that that is a very slow time for auditions. In my very first week, I submitted for 'Something Outrageous' which claimed to be looking for 'young actors for a play about love, sex and relationships'. It seemed pretty straight forward to me. I submitted and got an e-mail the next day with a slot...my VERY first New York Audition.

I knew something was wrong the minute I walked in the room. The audition room was not even a room...it was a weird little vestibule and there was only one person in the room, a young lady in her 20s...which seemed odd because the director was apparently a man. THAT night, I got an e-mail saying I was cast in the show and that the first rehearsal was the following Monday morning.

I only made it to one rehearsal before RUNNING out the door. This man is so creepy and it is so clearly a scam to get young actors to fork over money. It is also a bad sign when the "director" on the first day gives you a phone number to call for you to quit if you decide after the first rehearsal that this isn't for you. He had us acting out the strangest, overtly sexual sketches that he uses again and again with a different cast every month. He also made some comments about how my outfit wasn't sexy enough.

The whole situation just reeked of desperation. Mostly, I think it was a group of young actors who had just graduated, didn't have work for the summer and thought they were making their NYC debut. Frankly, I am happy I didn't waste more time than the four hour rehearsal. I am just sorry that people keep going through this month after month.

Spread the word!

Same experience.

I did see on Actor's Access yesterday that he was posting again (under like 3 made up names). But this time instead of at his own theater, it would be at The Producer's Club. Another lie?

Most likely... unless he manages that too... How can we shut this guy down? I wrote to playbill.com but never heard back... he also advertises in backstage.

Wait is this it?!?!?! (from playbill)


Dare To Bare theatrical producer is currently casting for a late night show 10.30pm on Saturday Evenings @ The Producers Club Theatres in NYC.
Looking for hot, sexy, male dancers, that move well, age range 21-40 who are bold enough to dance on stage in their wildest pair of briefs, you can feel free to bare all if you dare. This is a new late night exotic Boylesque show. You will receive a small percentage of the door fee as a stipend. Music will be provided for all dancers. Trim, toned, in shape males with good moves will be required by all.
This is an experimental showcase, non equity. Please submit a headshot along with a body shot if possible. You will be asked to move to music at the audition. You may be asked to stay and dance in briefs immediately after the call.
You may contact (347)456-7235 to schedule an audition or by e-mail.
Please leave a detailed message if scheduling by phone. You still need to submit a headshot to hystericaltheatre@gmail.com

nope, that's not it, although he may change the name of the production. It's probably going to only take place at the 45th street theatre. Also, the production I was talking about would never offer monetary compensation (even a portion of the ticket sales) to the talent.

I am so glad I'm not the only one who noticed this!! I was thinking of writing to Backstage to warn them and hopefully have them remove his listing since it's been in there forever...

I didn't even go in to audition for him. I submitted and when I got an email asking me to come in, I knew that something was off. The sentences didn't make sense at all and pretty much every other word was misspelled. I decided not to go because something about it just made me feel weird.

I realized that I must have made the right decision now that he keeps reposting it in Backstage just with a different start date for the shows.

THANK YOU for putting this out there! Now that I know it's officially a scam, I am definitely going to contact Backstage!

Well guess what I am the author of the monologues he has been using - The play is called SEX, RELATIONSHIPS and SOMETIMES ...LOVE - its actually a beautiful play however Michael has stolen about 6 of the pieces and turned them into degrading embarrassment / He has been stealing from me for years my plat is copywritten and published and I have send letter from lawyers and he still continues he is a horrible human being an lier and mentally unstable

Might I suggest contacting the Better Business Bureau (www.newyork.bbb.org) OR perhaps asking someone over at Actor's Fund or Lawyers for Arts if they have any suggestions? Esp. if he is stealing intellectual property! That's a tricky issue but there are places you can turn to for action! Good luck!

I too, did this show and stuck it out. He casts like 5 casts of actors to do the same show in one night. It is a horrible scam for him to make money. I advise all new actors to the city to RUN if they see SOMETHING OUTRAGEOUS. It was a horrible experience. I didn't even let my husband come see it.

Attention to any actors who have been involved with Michael Horns Scam SOMETHING OUTRAGEOUS - I am getting a group of fed up actors together to send emails to the back stage so that he can no longer post auditions - he needs to be stopped - the person at backstage to contact is: Luke.Crowe@backstage.com - send him an email and explain please let him know your experience - the Backstage doesn't realize that he hides behind different fictitious production co. names!! He has been taking advantage of actors and writers for too long now lease send your emails -

I have had friends in the past who have done Something Outrageous and have said nothing but awful things about there experience. My experience with this guy pretty was me trying to find a place to perform a stage reading of a play I wrote. When I contacted 45th street to put it up I spoke with him and he was nothing but nasty to me, I called once and asked about rates and he gave me a rate and then I called back the next day and he literally told me he doesnt have time for this shit and hung up. I was SO confused. I am not holding a vendetta in anyway but I truly hope this man gets whats coming to him.

I had the exact same experience with this man a few years ago when the show was called "Happy Hour". I quit after one rehearsal and never looked back. Stay away, people!

I'm so glad I came across this post. I was "cast" in his show "Satire: Off-Broadway", and at my first rehearsal I noticed several things that made me suspicious. First of all, the cast was huge. 18 people for 17 sketches. A sketch show cast should be half that size. Then I noticed that all the other actors I was in the waiting room with before my audition had also been cast in the show. Yes, literally all of them. Everybody was young, like myself, which struck me as odd, since some of the roles were parents, grandparents, doctors, etc. And then I found out about the double cast. He does the same show with a different cast immediately after the first cast walks off stage. I did a quick google search and found tons of old Facebook events for this show going back MONTHS. It seems like he puts it up with a new cast every single week. At the end of the rehearsal he asked all the actors to write down how many people they thought they could bring out to the show, and I could practically see the dollar signs in his eyes as he counted up the prospective audience. He then made some off hand comments about how some actors wrote down "very low" numbers. After reading this post I will not be returning for my second rehearsal. Thank you so much for confirming my gut instinct about this scam artist. His currant show is called "Satire: Off-Broadway" and is at The Producer's Club. I found the audition on Backstage. I feel like such an idiot for wasting my time. Please spread the word.

Oh, it gets better. His Father and Step-Mother are infamous cult leaders. I'm not even kidding. I've been up all night researching this. michaelhornchehkovtheater.blogspot.com

That blog content has been removed. First I heard of the cult thing, but he was constantly talking about his mom and paying her money.

Joelle (the playwright) when I did this show, he was dropping your name all the time & saying he was paying you. The Drama Book Shop was getting calls from you to keep your book in stock, bc actors were buying it like crazy thanks to Michael Horn. The employees told me when I came to buy the book. They were going to stop carrying it and report things to Backstage...I think they did.

Sorry if things didn't work out w him, but I know you were part of this for a while. It's all in all a bad situation for the actors and the audiences that come for these things. Please everyone stay away from ANYTHING at 45th St Theatre, The Michael Chekhov Theatre Co, Michael Horn, Something Outrageous, and other related things.

Also of SERIOUS NOTE, from experiences of many actors I've talked to and myself directly--Michael Horn is verbally and sometimes physically abusive. He makes threats. He talked about alcohol issues but it looked like he was on coke and I heard things in that direction.

PLEASE STAY AWAY FOR YOUR SAFETY! I didn't experience/ find out some of these things until the last rehearsal and still to today keep hearing horror stories. I met some cool actors but otherwise regret being part of a show. He recruits people to their ACTING COMPANY w MEMBERSHIP DUES--SAY NO! I knew better at that point.

Similar situation here... got cast last year in "Satire Off Broadway" and quit after one rehearsal. It was all incredibly strange and even though I felt bad leaving, my intuition was firing warning signals all over the place. Strange person, huge cast; he told us that many people quit and decide its not for them, and from what I could tell many people did in fact quit shortly after it started.

Is this really a scam? I was asked to join the Satire Off Broadway show for May 3 and 4, rehearsals begin today for The Producers Club with Michael Horn. I thought this was a nice thing, but maybe not. Any advice would be wonderful on how to proceed. He seemed so knowledgeable in the audition! ugh, what do I know.

BlahBlahBlah, Gallery Players operates under the Actors Equity Showcase Code. They are able to use Equity actors in their shows and often do. THAT'S why it's not community theater. It's no different from any Equity showcase opportunity in Manhattan.

I think you posted this in the wrong thread :) But I agree with you and Blah Blah Blah needs to see it!

Sorry to hijack this thread but in response, I'm not dissing Gallery Players. I know it's an AEA showcase. I've worked there. What I'm saying is if you're non-eq then you get no pay. So therefore it's essentially glorified comminty theater. Even the Equtiy actors don't get paid. It's a travel stipend. It may be "professional" because it's close to NYC and a lot of broadway actors do it to keep their equity insurance weeks, but it's not that much different to me!

Showcase code "contracts" do NOT factor into health and pension benefits weeks. They are only accepted on the grounds of possible NYC industry exposure and creative fulfillment. If it did count towards weeks, I'd be jumping all over them!

Oh sorry. I just assumed that's why people always did them.

I'm always dumbfounded when I see someone who was just on Broadway doing some showcase at some random theater on the UWS or something. I figured that was the reason, but I guess not.

its possible people "do them" cause they love acting and want to act

I find it amazing that the people posting here had such an extremely different experience than me. I initially acted in a production of "Happy Hour" and became a member of the Michael Chekov Theatre Co. I worked on many plays and several full productions. I had the wonderful good fortune to be directed by Ann Bowen and to work with extremely talented actors. I learned so much from my experience with this theatre company, all the actors, directors, and stage crew involved, Michael Horn, and every production I was a part of. "You get what you give." I gave a lot, and I got a lot out of the time I spent with the Michael Chekov Theatre Co.

I have done a few Step It Up classes, and just forayed into Actors Connection.

I like Step It Up. The guy who runs it is super nice, and he leveraged his friendships with agents and CDs in town to make a casual setting where we can actually get feedback.

The first time I went to Step It Up I didn't get a true glimpse into the vibe of it. The room had (honestly) a really unsavory feeling. People were very stiff (even a bit cold) to each other, and there was a feeling of competition. It was a three agent class and I kinda felt like I had wasted my money on it. I got very general feedback that was nothing that I didn't already know about myself.

I decided to give it another go about two months later and it was COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. The room was warm, open, and casual and there was an on-going dialogue as each person went and did their spiel. We were all very much on each others side throughout the evening. This was, again, a three agent class, and this time I got feedback that I hadn't necessarily thought about and could actually put to use. I ended up seeing a girl from the first class at an audition about a month later, and we talked about the negative vibe we'd both felt the first time around. I was relieved that I wasn't alone, and she was glad to hear that the second class I had gone to was friendlier in tone.

The third SIU class I went to I was one with a CD, and I LOVED IT. The CD in question urged to really think of it as a classroom setting, and sing something that maybe we were still working on, or hadn't taken in the room yet because we weren't sure if it was working, etc. So because of her words I switched from my "go to" to a song that I love singing, but have hesitated to take in. She gave me really awesome feedback and some great adjustments that I cannot wait to implement and take into the room. I left feeling like I understood how I was being perceived from the people behind the table. AND I made a connection!

As for Actors Connection, I've only gone once. The atmosphere was a bit chilly (not competitive, but definitely not overly friendly), but I enjoyed my time with the CD I went in for, again got some adjustments to use, and some feedback that cemented how I thought I was being seen, and how to alter that perception a bit. The seminars there are only $30. Overall not a bad use of money. The work you do is one on one, and when you're done you can leave. I'm alright with that.

I took Rachel Hoffman's class with Tep It Up and really enjoyed it.

They show up early and they're crowded, honestly. Almost always. Especially if it's a well-known agency.

Attended once. Arrived an hour before we were allowed into building and AEA...the line was quite long & got even longer during the wait. Did get an appt slot. Spoke to someone who had done it before. Their experience: only 1 of 3 agencies scheduled for the evening showed up. So no guarantees.

I dunno but we should start a drinking game where everytime one shows up and posts something ridiculous we take shots of something. Like say, tequila. Yes! I like tequila!

Well, some of us are just assholes so that occasionally looks like trolling. But I think that a lot of the straight-up-reactiong-only trolls are probably frustrated actors. No attention or response from the industry so they come get it here.

Speaking as someone that is kind of an asshole by nature, I'm really finding these trolls offensive. Most of us don't have the time to waste blabbing a bunch of crap on a website meant for informational purposes. See the post by JollyRaja.
Things are just getting outlandish...and, like Raja, I attribute the general energy to an inexplicable influx of idiots. Dunno where they came from, but PLEASE go away...some of us are trying to work.
Furthermore, the posts about periods are making me throw up in my mouth.

Speaking of, what ever happened to QMP Casting? "Legal action" ever materialize one way or the other?

i3.kym-cdn.com

thejollyraja and Tom, the owner of this site, both defended the troll and her off-topic post and called me an asshole in the process. I don't see how bringing up raja's rant helps reinforce your idea of keeping the threads on here industry-related. There was nothing industry-related about Beth's dating life nor her offensive jabs at other members of this community.

So here you go, giving you the same response Tom gave me when I pointed out that I wished the threads here could stay on-topic:

youtu.be

@BobbyBaby: Not sure if you saw, but Tom posted a very long and kind apology. I apologize as well for my overreaction. I try to make it a point to argue without resorting to name-calling, and I definitely broke that rule. You're of course allowed to react however you want - as in, accepting the apology, or not. I just wanted to make sure you knew this existed, though.

I think some people take this site too seriously! Get off this site and go for a run or take a class or something! My goal is to do something to progress my career everyday whether it's submitting or just making good choices when I eat! Live people!!

I can only speak of a few musicians I met while singing for CCL that got their jobs through that company and can't speak for other cruise lines, but for Carnival, Landau appears to cast the "musicians around the ship" which included singers in various bands and not the singers on the stage. They were all extremely talented musicians, but for Carnival, those two different categories of entertainers have very different onboard experiences. They had far greater hours and were not guaranteed their own cabins and were paid much much less.

So that's Carnival. Anyone else have similar experiences?

I was the one who asked that old question: if I recall, the consensus was that it's okay to use your old headshots, and if they ask, just say that you had to change your hair for a play, or that you're waiting for your new headshots to be printed.

I couldn't remember if they recommended attaching a snapshot. My gut instinct is that it's a nice gesture, if it's not too cumbersome. Maybe you could even just print the snapshot on your resume?

Thank you!!
It's just my hair color so I'm hoping to just get that photoshopped since I love my current shots. I originally photoshopped it myself and it looked great but the program I used made the resolution low and pixelated -___- THANKS!

Thank you, Tom. #faithrestored

I feel the same way, I think I overreacted a bit when I saw that post. My viscera overruled my sense. Apologies. I promise to stay civil.

Three cheers for civility.

I SWORE it was in here: actorsequity.com

But this has everything BUT what you're looking for.

I'm fairly sure that AEA makes that determination on a show by show basis with the theater. For example, if it's a 3 character play at an SPT theatre, AEA often determines all 3 actors must be union. In a musical, they set a certain number of chorus and principal contracts. It's not a universal number.

^Lightbulb moment.

Makes sense. I'm pretty sure if there's only four actors the union will insist on contracts, too. At least at SPT 3 (and I guess up?)

It is negotiated on a company by company basis.

For a new company, it may be 1 per show for the first year, then 2 per show in year 2, building up to an agreed upon fixed number or percentage by year three, or four, or five.

A stable company may have an agreement with AEA something like "first 3 cast per show" or "60% per season, but no fewer than 2 per show."

No need to be in the darK: you can always contact the AEA business rep for that company to find out.

I am curious about this too! Thanks for posting.

Bump! Please anything would be very helpful!

I agree whole heatedly. I am going out of town for almost a year. And while it isn't going to boost my career in NYC per say, it is keeping me in tight with a company I love and want to continue to work for. Disney. So. In every situation I realize that I've sacrificed one thing for the other. I guess it depends on how you define a career. My definition had changed over the years. And now it's less about broadway broadway broadway and more about making money and having experiences, also not losing myself in a sea of EPA's and ECC's. try and see the glass as half full! While you're enjoying life on the high seas people will be here sweating out the summer. Yes you'll miss some things, but that's life. Allow experience to win out over all the advice and "career" pep talks. That's what I have learned recently at least :) a career is what you make of it! Plenty of people make cruise ships a career and completely ok with that! They're travelling, they're making good money, and they can buy a house when they turn 25! Haha that may not be what you or I want out of a career but maybe that was their goal all along! Who's to say who is right or wrong about a career :)

You're right. "A career" is how you define it. For me, cruise ship isn't a good move for MY current "career" definition and goals, but I TOTALLY see the value in it. I think that's what I'm trying to explore in this post. It's such a personal journey.

Raja -- the person who was called out (Beth) did say several TRULY ASININE things. As did lilbunnyfoofoo. Thus why there were "raked over the coals"

I agree jolly! I was just gonna post about how much I miss omni here... plus this whole aggression towards each other has gotten down right vicious. What happened to calmly explaining your side instead of reducing every argument to name calling? I feel like we are in the virtual hunger games practically

I just wish that people would keep the topics here industry related. I don't have time (other to lampoon) to read about someone's personal relationship issues. Especially when their post is offensive to closered gay men and women.

But apparently that makes me an asshole. Let's keep filling the site with nonsensical off-topic posts!

Gotta agree with Bobby on the point of keeping this industry related. This isn't an advice column ala Dear Abby. It does get frustrating when people post things that have nothing to do with the business.

LOVE YOU RAJA!!! xoxo

I agree completely. I sometimes wish this wasn't anonymous so people would have to own up to the rude things they say to people.

how come more people aren't outraged at Beth's insinuation that people who have sex before marriage are "sluts"???

I won't miss her. If you are going to post something like that and then be frightened off by a negative response, you don't have the stones for the internet much less theater. If peer pressure causes people to use their google or simply have a think before posting something stupid, well, then our work here is done.

I'm shocked Raja is so keen to leap to Beth's defense after the absolutely reprehensible insinuations and insensitive comments she made on this board against gay men. When you post inflammatory things on a public forum, expect to be held to account

Let me be clear: I am not rushing to Beth's defense. Beth, though your posts were not ill-intentioned, you did not consider the repercussions of them, many of which were totally valid, and overall, I'm glad the conversation progressed the way it did.

What I am saying is that the tone of this page *in general* had shifted away from the buoyant snark and wit that made this page actually fun to hang out and towards outright nastiness. Nastiness is entertaining, but not helpful. And personally, I have higher hopes and aspirations for what this page is and can be.

There is a difference between being a witty and humorous asshole and just being an asshole. I agree with Raja. However notice how after people came to Beth's "defense" saying that personally attacking someone is uncalled for. Notice how Beth came back with a truly childish attack at bobby. I mean atleast bobby was a little creative ( a tad bit humorous even) while Beth was just name calling. And re reading her post berating bobby and calling men in the closet selfish. PLEASE!!!! Beth you are the only one being selfish here...everyone gets dumped and no matter the reason, it can be very damaging to the ego. For one second stop thinking about yourself and think about them and the struggle that they faced coming out and continue to face in this world. You are acting like these closeted men are predators scheming against you rather than individuals who were struggling to figure out themselves. We are all still young and going through phases of self discovery. And figuring at one's sexuality can be confusing and scary. I think sometimes because we are lucky enough to live in New York and be artists we live in a bubble thinking that everyone loves gays... When really someone was recently just shot down in the west village in an anti-gay attack. Beth this is serious. Stop being selfish and telling gay men to grow up and come out. It would be the equivalent to me telling you to grow up and just have sex already.

Raja, are you on my side or not then? Your posts contradict each other. So very confused....

no one should be on your side, Beth. Your posts are nothing short of reprehensible

This reminds of my days on Gilmore girls..

Beth you are so right... You totally figured it out. There is a cult of gay men out there who get together to seduce pretty young women to make them think they are straight for the sole purpose of their own entertainment. They throw a dinner party every month (cause what gay man doesn't like a dinner party?) and invite their "girlfriends" and they all laugh at them and collectively decide which girl is the most clueless of the bunch. The jig is up boys!! In all seriousness though Beth continues to think with a narrow mind only about herself and her feelings, while calling all these men selfish and manipulative for actually going through a difficult process of self discovery.

Goob, you shouldn't generalize or stereotype, it's offensive, how do you know she's a pretty young thing?

sorry "pretty young woman"

Not cool, dude. Not cool.

www.youtube.com

www.youtube.com

All right. Apparently I'm the asshole and the douchebag. It's not like I logged onto a career-orriented website and posted an offensive thread about my personal dating life containing derogatory comments about gay people, people in the closet, and non-virginal women... Oh wait, that was this Beth girl.

I'm just scratching my head as to why anyone would think to come here (of all places) and make a thread about this topic. I'm pretty sure that's what Yahoo! Questions is for. But okay, let her air her dirty laundry out for all to see here if she wants... but with something so off-topic and ridiculous, she's got to be prepared for some negative feedback. Not that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed her thread mind you. It's provided countless laughs between me and a group of friends over the past couple of days. I was even at a get-together this evening where we sat around and, over drinks, did dramatic readings of some of the comments. (I highly suggest trying it sometime with some of the more ridiculous threads on here... makes an amazing party game.) That and the video with the cats talking about how one should be on Broadway prompted this post. Bad taste? Maybe. Accusing straight musical theater performers of not actually being straight and calling girls who've had sex sluts? Worst taste.

But really, Beth, in all seriousness... I'm sorry you're having so much trouble in the romance department. Welcome to life, honey. Are you expecting some kind of trophy because you've just converted your fourth gay? Why should any of us care about your dating life? How does it even pertain to this industry? Because you were both actors? I'm just really at a loss here. You do realize that gay men exist in all industries... not just performing, right? Even gay women too! Which brings me back to the wonder (excitement?) and confusion about why you posted about it here? But if you're actually looking for support on the issue, you might want to see a psychiatrist instead of asking a bunch of actors... Just an idea. Or maybe hit up Liza Minnelli. Rumor has it she even married a couple gays. Oy.

www.youtube.com

There's a difference between making a rational argument with someone because you disagree with them, and just being hateful.

At this point, you're just being hateful. So quit it.

Um I think lilbunnyfoofoo deserves a thread like this more than Bethsingssoprano....I MEAN COME ON. ::still enraged::

Bullshit. Nobody deserves a thread like this. Hearty debate is fine, but anonymously calling a community member out in such an aggressive way is fucking low.

Bobbybaby you are a PRICK! I'm glad that Tom and Raja are on my side here. I should be able to vent about anything I want without being attacked for it! You are rude and an ASSHOLE like Tom said above!!!

And who CARES about closeted men anyway? There is nothing offensive that could be said about them that could compare to the offensiveness of the trickery they subject us women to! Time to MAN UP little boys!!! It's 2013!!! Either be proud or leave us poor women ALONE! Start thinking of OTHER PEOPLE instead of YOURSELF!!!!

sorry to bring this up again but Beth...I have a few guy friends who I believe fit in the category of closeted gay men. I love them dearly and don't mention it because really its up to everyone to come out in their own time and in their own way. And there is such a thing as being confused...where a guy who has possibly been told while growing up that it iss wrong so he is desperately trying to conform and be straight. I think you need to look at this and be a bit more sensitive. I doubt that any of these guys are being malicious....yes it is 2013 and the world is making HUGE leaps and bounds in accepting the gay community, but not everyone is caught up.

Yes, I must agree with @thegoob on this one. It is absolutely ludicrous to suggest that no one could say anything to closeted gay men that compares to the "trickery" that some women encounter. I am a straight male, but a strong ally for the gay community, and I find that assertion and its condescending language both incredibly offensive and mind-numbingly stupid.

Beth, it is not closeted men--who are likely enduring all sorts of emotional and psychological turmoil that VASTLY outweigh your little heartbreaks--who need to "man up". Yes, it may be 2013, but we need only read the news to understand just how cold and scary our world can be for gay men, even here in NYC. How DARE you be so insensitive and so rudely suggest otherwise? It is you who needs to grow up, learn not to make wide-sweeping and hurtful generalizations, and move on with your life.

And Beth, here's a piece of friendly, albeit unsolicited, advice: if someone replies to your bitchy posts in a bitchy manner, and people (very charitably) leap to your defense, don't get even bitchier. It makes people feel less sympathetic towards you and your woes. This is a moot point, however: your comments struck a nerve regardless, and show just how ignorant people are of LGBT issues, even in a community as accepting and as nurturing as our own. It saddens me that you have shed light so garishly on the issue.

I love you BobbyBaby. Would I have posted that? No. Do I agree? Yes. He has as much right to call her out as she did to make the initial post. If someone would like to create a site for back-patting, book building and hitting on every actress in spitting distance... well, I'm sure he's already working on that.

I see nothing wrong with this post...a little tacky...yes....but this is a free for all forum. What the hell do you expect?? Beth came on here ripping on everyone and Bobby says one little comment about Beth living in a bubble and he's a terrible person? Nope.

I don't think Bobby should have posted this, but I also don't think Beth should have posted hers. We got 2 wrongs here. Not just one....but I completely see where your coming from Bobby. I was highly offended by Beths post and sometimes when your throw fire you get it thrown right back at ya. #sorryboutchayabeth

While I would not have started a whole new thread, I agree with everything BobbyBaby said.

I also (and again, wouldn't have bothered with a thread) agree with Raja about the change in overall tone. It's a snarkier environment, but I chalk that up to an obvious influx of idiocy.

For anyone worried about people getting their feelings hurt: Welcome to the internet! Don't post asinine shit and no one will tell you not to!

Falsettoland, maybe this site should be about backpacking, book building, and dating as well. This is a hard enough industry and I really dont under stand what the big deal is about me griping about pathetic actors who trick women. I'd rather read about ACTUALLY straight people trying to hit on women than a lot of the threads on here. And we SHOULD be talking about building our books. Bobbybabty, do you have a problem with that as well? Not industry related enough for you??

"pathetic actors who trick women"? Seriously? You cray cray.

honestly, yes what bobby did was rude but it was also kinda funny. but beth, honestly, the only thing that's "pathetic" about your situation is YOU being rude after people tried to stand up for you. not.cool. maybe not all the guys you dated were gay, just tired of your 11-year-old-girl bullshit way of arguing. oooops sorry. maybe that was too mean :P

First off, what does any of this have to do with auditions??? Bobby, justifiable but maybe a little more tact next time. And Beth, dear sweet little delusional Beth, if you are going to lash out at the gay community on a website for theatre people expect it to come back to you 10 fold (I mean really who are you to make any judgement of anyone's sexuality and how they come to terms with it). There seems to be a common denominator in all these failed encounters, maybe it wasn't the men. Time to look a little more internally before you jump to the conspiracy theory. Or maybe it's time to go "backpacking" on your own (yes I'm gonna be a bitch and point out that she said backpacking when Falsetto said back patting ) Grow the hell up.

I would take Studio first, as it's more of the foundation for the work you do with Jen. Audition is more about the polish and the "result". I feel like you'll get to know Jen's vibe better if you take Studio.

But I mean...if you can afford both of them...

Agreed...Studio is in my opinion a more in depth class, though I have taken and benefited from both. and damn, give me some of your money. ;) i haven't been able to afford class in months!

Oh trust me, I'm not rolling in the dough! I've just been wanting to take this class for awhile and been saving up for it- so now that I can I'm not sure what to do! One/both?

I just don't want to experience a ton of repetition, especially because the classes are a day apart. hmmmmmm

I would say take Studio to get a feel for her ideas and her style. Why spend all the money if you don't gel with her, ya know?

Between Studio and Audition, there is virtually no repetition. That's about all I can say :) Both are worthwhile, I just think Studio is the more beneficial!

I have my BFA too...And I WISH I had taken both of Jen's classes as soon as I graduated because she is INCREDIBLE...That $800 is worth more than the $20,000+ of any BFA tuition, in my experience. She is FANTASTIC: The perfect blend of business-smart (I mean, she KNOWS her shit. And she will help you figure out yours.) and artistry (studio class is the best, safest play space I've ever encountered). All in all, The money is worth it in my opinion because what you can get out of it is priceless. Plus, you gain a loving, supportive community of JWS artists and that also is priceless and hard to find in this big ol' city :)

Thank you!!!!

That is REALLY expensive for a class. You should check out D.Michael Heath's class. He teaching with DreamHonor Productions and has clients in pretty much every Broadway show right now and it's affordable! I think he's teaching this class this summer called I.M.P.A.C.T which is basically musical theater bootcamp to get you ready for the fall. $255 for four weeks On-Going a lot cheaper and a proven track record. Just wanted to give you a heads up :) Hope this helps!

Can anyone clarify how Jen's classes differ from her STUDIO's classes? I.e. if her personal classes are full, but there's an audition class taught by someone else at her studio, do you still feel like it's amazing and worth it? Or should I be holding out for her classes?

All of the teachers are truly fantastic and share Jen's outlook. Obviously they have a little bit of a different style, but none of them would every be like "F what Jen says. This is the way it's done."

If you can get into any class in the JWS, do it.

I just forwarded this on to someone in the union. Hope that helps.

I was just in the bathroom and there are trash cans.

Gypsy, I am NOT having my period in a trash can. The least Equity could do is give us tampons or maxis. Just another example of the union dropping the ball! I miss living in a right-to-work state...

Trolls are funny.

I really couldn't help it. Thank you, Beth, for creating my new favorite quote.

i.imgur.com

Thanks, AuditionUpdate.

And Gypsy, really?! That's great! There weren't any trash cans (in three of the four stalls, as I said) on Monday when I posted this. Maybe it was AuditionUpdate's forward that finally pushed the issue through. Or maybe the suggestion box suggestions were finally taken? Whatever did it, I'm glad. I do wish it hadn't taken them two months to do it, though.

Hahaha. Thanks for making my day.
We should all write our suggestions in period blood.......
...too much?...

Bobbybaby! You are a DICK !!! There is nothing funny about having your period and having nothing to clean yourself up with!!! The very notion of Equity thinking that putting a little trashcan in the stalls that we are expected to drip into is OFFENSIVE !! The union should provide us with a properly stocked TAMPON MACHINE!!!! Your picture is SO offensive!!!!

OK Beth,

It is now pretty obvious that you are trolling. Congrats, as you had us all going there. Well played.

Now stop so that we can get back to the purpose of the board.

I was afraid this was going to be about someone ruining those new COMFY cushyy benches!
I love them, dont you?

If Beth is not trolling...


...then I feel like that post just set women back 50 years...

(Posted before i was done! Oops). i don't know what the hell i'm doing wrong. I have no summer work, and beyond frustrated. I've already spent loads of money on matilda (completely amazing and everyone should go right now) and the scottish play(alan deserved that Tony nom damn it, he was snubbed) in an effort to make myself feel better, and while both were immensely inspiring i just look at my summer calendar with nothing on it and just want to cry...any ideas peeps?

There's so much fun and affordable (if not free) stuff to do in NYC during the summer... How exciting that you'll get to be here to do it!? Also - what a great time to take some classes, not have to worry about auditioning so much, and focus on yourself for a few months.

And, of course, I'm sure you're more than just an actor... What a great excuse to give some attention to your other hobbies and desires this summer.

AND this is hard for me too, we as actors cannot define ourselves solely by the jobs we book/don't book. Perhaps you've achieved some personal successes or goals this audition season. Treasure those! Learn from your experiences! Know that you are probably AMAZING and sometimes it came down to the fact that you're one inch too tall for the show! Know that you're talented, unique, and worthy of work and that something great is just waiting around the corner.

Lastly... maybe you're MEANT to be here this summer because the love of your life is going to finally meet you, or that show you've always wanted to be in is casting mid July, or you'll find a killer apartment, or something else thrilling is going to change your life.
SO MANY POSSIBILITIES!!! Just be open to them!

"...we as actors cannot define ourselves solely by the jobs we book/don't book."

THIS. This all day!

thanks guys! yesterday was just really rough. also, if anyone happens to see Josh Groban around let him know i'm here this summer and waiting for his proposal

Take two Manhattans and call me in the morning:

3/4 oz sweet vermouth
2 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
1 dash Angostura® bitters
1 maraschino cherry
1 twist orange peel

Combine the vermouth, bourbon whiskey, and bitters with 2 - 3 ice cubes in a mixing glass. Stir gently, don't bruise the spirits and cloud the drink. Place the cherry in a chilled cocktail glass and strain the whiskey mixture over the cherry. Rub the cut edge of the orange peel over the rim of the glass and twist it over the drink to release the oils but don't drop it in.

^yesssssss. to heck with JG! This is all i need!

actor88- your post warmed my heart. yay for positive/supportive actors! we must hold each other up! beautifully stated. i'm sure you'll find your reasons for being here this summer soon enough bwaystar. life can be so mysterious at times. and this industry is TOUGH, but stick with it! you're tough too!
wish you all the best!

you guys are all awesome thank you so much for the support and kind words! I think I'm gonna focus on just training and relaxing a littl (clearly I'm a little uptight...) and enjoy finishing my first year in the city. you guys rock!!!!

Agree! Think of what positive things you can generate by being here during the summer (when the majority of the fish have swam up and down stream)

This little "pick me up" is a share of a situation that happened to me and I'm sharing it A. To remind myself and B. maybe it will help a fellow in need of a boost.
A good while back I was the swing in a show. I frequently went on for a princip. Role that I LOVED. And I was GOOD... Damn good! The lead left and I asked to be considered! As often In "swing world" I was overlooked (asked to fill in for a month while the replacement could come in). And through a whole bunch of other things... I felt very taken advantage of...i got angry I asked myself "why" a million times ... I got so angry I told myself I'm getting myself an agent so I never have to do this alone again. It worked. That I did. Moral of story.... If they had just given me the role... I have a strong feeling I wouldn't have an agent at the moment.... Cause I needed a motivational booster. At the time I couldn't understand but once the ball was Rolling and the dust settled... I knew why I wasn't given that role (ps.... A few months later the "replacement" "wasn't working out". With my agent in my corner I was moved into the role. Now I had everything I truly wanted from doing the show. But had they just moved me at first I wouldn't have been motivated as much..

I'm saying this mostly as a reminder to myself currently (put it out there in actor universe). Recently I was up for a role in a show I wanted bad. Through many callbacks at the end I didn't get it. I was devastated. Again I started asking "why" I couldn't see the good! The good being a top NYC CD personally called my agent to tell him how good I had done... But that it just didn't fall this time. The positive is I left a huge impression on the creative team... Who will all have next projects (guaranteed).

The other is I have an upcoming appt for a "bigger" opportunity which I wouldn't presently have had i booked. (And I look forward to hopefully posting on here that I Booked this BIg one coming up)

So yeah I wholeheartedly agree that we cannot be defined as actors by the roles we book/didn't book. But rather in our progress! Find the positive and make bigger things happen and keep growing. A wise friend with many years in the business told me "you have 1 day". 1 day after you didn't get the role/show etc to bitch/cry/complain etc. then let it go. Next Day you make a list of all the positives as you can think of that came outta the experience. Sorry I got on a soap box.... But though the sharing of our experience perhaps we can all feel connected and help each other keep on keeping on!

heard nothing but bad. non union.

bad as in i shouldnt accept?

try to find out some more specifics from others mine is just heresay. have not heard its a pleasant experience, bad working conditions, non-equity production values, crazy management. I remember them from Surflight. But you should try to get more info from ppl who have worked with them recently before accepting or declining. if the pay is decent and its a role you want to do and you dont have any better work lined up, it may be worth considering, but collect more info....

I heard it was a good gig but I have no further info. However, I would take it if offered.

JSE (Jersey Shore Entertainment) can be found on gig and tell under Ocean Professional Theatre Company. They also have another company called Boebe Productions. I worked there last year and there were good things and bad things.

what was good and bad about it?

There are 14 reviews on gig and tell that really sum up the bad.

They hire some talented folks and a good mix of right out of college and people that have been working for a few years. The choreography is going to be good. She will work you hard so be ready.

If you have any specific questions I will gladly answer them. I met a lot of wonderful people and I enjoyed my time there.

Okay good. I took the offer. I just want to have a good experience I know that there will be good and bad. I just heard only heard the bad I wanted to hear about the good! did you do your show reno?

I had a friend who worked for JSE at this Reno venue a few years back. She had some issues with her cast, that can happen, but the venue was nice, tech staff great, housing good. Based on her review, I took the contract! See you in July!

MusicMan thanks for all that wonderful information! Yes cant wait! See you in July!

I'm interested in hearing feedback about this, too.

Anybody?

I studied at Margie Haber Studios, it is in LA, but she's ALWAYS coming to New York to do intensives. I can't even put into words how great she is. A lot of her teaching is for the actual audition, but it applies to when you're actually in scenes too. She teaches techniques for cold readings and how to get your eyes off the page in a way that is natural. And she teaches ALOT about being in the moment and letting your surroundings affect you instead of fighting against what's happening in your current situation. =) I personally think her studios are GREAT!

Awesome! Will look into her. Thank you!

So, I'm not gonna get all axe-grindy here, but I have to say, this is a huge pet peeve of mine. If someone says they're straight, assume they're straight until proven bisexual or gay; none of this straight-in-quotation-marks bullshit, please, I beg of you.

I'm straight

I am with JollyRaja on this one. I think it is really unfair to choose someone's sexuality for them. If someone says they are straight, they're straight. If you think they are gay, don't date them and chalk it up to them not being your type, not to them being gay.

All that being said: I HAVE dated quite a few men who later came out after we broke up... or at the same time as the break up... And yes, that REALLY sucks. But it sucks just as much as any "normal" break up.

Wow, what an incredibly insensitive post...
Coming out is an extremely difficult, complicated, and often emotionally draining process, even for guys you might think are *obviously* gay.
Now, if they were dating you and stringing you along, that's one thing, and shame on them, but until you become a gay man yourself (which will be never), you have no way of understanding the pain that comes with coming out.

Well girls, maybe if you stopped assuming every guy is gay, we could all be a little less sad, lonely, and single.

Dating fellow actors is really, really dumb. You are a performer so you are probably the flower in a flower/gardner relationship (I got that from Ellen, don't yell at me) Find someone in the business so they understand but isn't on the same roller coaster of that you are. Stop chasing pretty boys who take longer than you do to get ready. Can you imagine dating someone when you are both in final callbacks? It's worse if you're gay. My ex just lost on a part to his recently-separated partner. That's gotta sting.
I know a lot of happy performers who are with civilians who provide a calming counterpoint to our lives, not to mention a steady co-income. Being settled down with the love of your life improves EVERY aspect of your life, including your auditioning. My mother's advice is better than any survival job: "Marry up!"

I....wow. Not sure how that's relevant here, but....ok?

yeah! F#$% love! Marry a rich dude you don't like!

Seriously?

Why is the sexuality of anyone your business unless you're romantically involved? It's not. Full stop, no arguments, it's none of your business.

Guys: do what you want, who you want, when you want. Just be safe.

Addendum:
Same goes for the rest of my ladies out there.

@Falsettoland: Errrmm I would withhold on telling people to "marry up". Getting married as an actor is trickier than you think. Just think of how much you have to travel as an actor, for auditions, callbacks, tours, film shoots...now imagine doing that while newly married.

Not to say that actors SHOULDN'T get married. Some of the happiest couples I know are actors. I'm just saying: don't get married for the sole purpose of thinking it will solve all your problems.

Also, there are as many reasons for dating an actor as there are against. With the recent events in the news regarding gay rights, you'd think that we would all know that no one has the right to tell anyone who, when, where, or how to love.

Okay, I'm gonna stop before this thread completely derails off topic...

I'm just saying the OP won't run into this problem if they stop dating other actors, which is a bad idea anyway. Not everyone posts here for a pat on the head.
You can marry for love and someone who's lifestyle compliments yours, meaning ads to it, not just in a financial sense. Many people who make a great deal of money could really use someone fun and imaginative to help them relax and enjoy life. You can marry up and still love the person. Trust me.
It's just my opinion. Another one is stop using AU and EPAs to pick up chicks. It's sad and obnoxious.

I was just broken up with for the 4th time by a guy who led me on only to turn out to be gay. STOP DATING US IF YOU REALLY LIKE BOYS! It's damaging to a person. I feel like I'm not adequate as a woman... Like, I feel like I will be alone for the rest of my life.

Closeted boys, LIE TO YOURSELVES. STOP BRINGING OTHER PEOPLE DOWN WITH YOU!

Wow classicism still exists.

Wow.

Beth, as much as it sucks (and believe me, we all knows break ups suck), you need to look at the commen denominator here.

If you're being used (for a beard or anything else), after a certain amount of time it's because YOU are allowing it.

I agree. If you complain about straight musical theatre guys not being straight... Stop dating actors. We all cray cray anyways...

Also I don't really see guys tryin to pick up women on this site. Straight males in this business probably get pussy galore thrown their way (as long as they don't act stupid and mess it up) I way more often see women makin desperate attempts on here and at EPAs and as a fellow single gal I say "for shame". Ladies we are multitalented goddesses...I'd like to think we are better than that!

I am sorry, FALSETTOLAND, but I personally think it is VERY strange when an actor says they won't date other actors or that it isn't a good idea for anyone else to do so. By saying that, you are essentially saying that YOU, as an actor, are also "unworthy". (What?!?!?)

I LOVE ACTORS! Actors (real actors) are intelligent, passionate, creative, flexible, compassionate . . . who wouldn't want to date people like that? Now, if you are saying "insecure/neurotic people who like to call themselves actors shouldn't date other insecure/neurotic people who like to call themselves actors" . . .

THAT I support.

*slow clap*

Girl...you need a better gaydar and it sounds like youre a hag/fruitfly...and I don't mean that in an a offensive way.
Hags are not always a fat, ugly girl. I'm a fierce, beautiful, fantabulous hag/fruitfly who lets my gays point out the ones who are a no no. I mean, my gaydar is 100% anyway, but I let them reaffirm my thoughts.

P.S. If you're next boyfriend is overwhelmingly alright with laying in bed with other boys, loves having kiki's almost every moment of the day, and knows every single lyric to all Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Cher songs (mostly Cher)..it's time to keep it moving.

P.S.S. Not all actors are gay...BUT if you wanna not have to question as hard, don't date em. Date the tech crew. They make way more money anyway...and they can watch you perform!

It's just really frustrating. I feel completely inadequate as a woman and I feel like my religion is just making me the butt of some horrible joke. I am a Christian. I am a virgin. I don't plan on having sex until marriage. And apparently that attracts the gays!!!

I have no issue with gay guys mind you. I'm not like that crazy poster from a while back who wanted to know how to "deal" with them. I DO have a huge problem with gay guys who are afraid to MAN THE F*CK UP AND COME OUT and take advantage of us girls who don't want to be sluts like everyone else!!!!

Oof, you're not earning any friends here by saying that you're not a slut "like everyone else" because you're a virgin. I am a girl who loves sex (who doesn't besides maybe you?) and I am certainly not a slut. I understand it's a bitching post and you're entitled to your opinion, but here's my opinion: the common denominator in your 4 relationships with gay men is you. If a man is prettier than you, ask yourself (or HIM) if he likes the peen. Maybe it's frustrating, but blaming men for not coming out? That's ridiculous.

The slut comment was...not cool.

Is it just me, or does the original poster seem...super uptight?

Maybe if you got laid once in a while (like the rest of us sluts!) you'd lighten up a little bit and stop trolling hate on the theatre boys around you when it seems that YOU'RE the one that can't tell the difference. I don't know if it's gaydar or whatever, but the rest of us sluts don't have any issues telling the difference between a screaming queen with better extension than us and their very obviously LESS GAY counterparts. Maybe try dating the boys at church and see how that works out before you come here throwing a bunch of bullshit at random people.

On the flip side, it does get confusing as a gay man who likes a more "masculine" guy. I always fall for the straight guy of the group, assuming he's usually gay. This one guy even told me he came out to his family in high school and then retracted it and is now engaged to a woman. So that's life.

Beth,
You are fine. You are a woman.
You are not inadequate as a woman. Your femaleness can not be taken away or downgraded by four gay men.
They, most likely, have been well aware of their homosexuality for a VERY long time and you have NOTHING to do with it. No amount of heavy make out session with you will change them to straight.
You being Christian and a virgin is great, congratulations. I too am Christian and I am we'll aware that Christ mention not to judge people. referring to everyone who has sex before marriage as a "slut" goes against the judging policy. Like homosexuality, being a sexual person is nothing to be ashamed of. Some people, including Christians, are sexual people and have come to their own conclusion on how they will let it affect their lives.

Now please, go about life with joy and love in your heart for you. Be secure in the amazing daughter of God you are, and have a nice day.

so people who have sex before marriage are sluts?

What a disgusting judgmental thing to insinuate. Thank God all Christians aren't like you

Yes, date the techs! Steadier work in the same industry. And you can always tell a gay tech. Hot carpenter guys especially. Like that Jesus.

Or...I don't know...date not-insane actors? I promise, there are plenty out there.

Who wants to date a sane person? Bo-ring!

I can't believe women on here are still having to defend their sexual lifestyles because "not a virgin" is automatically equalling "slut". If anyone actually believes that enough to say it, even as a hyperbolic statement ... ugh.

#airportentertainmentoftheworstkind

Coming from a straight guy in MT, you just have to take the risk with us. We value having people like you in the community. I know for myself that while I have no problem casually dating or even drunkenly hooking up with an easier girl at a cast party... I have no intention of marrying that kind of girl. My wife will either be a virgin or have had like 1 or 2 previous sexual partners... Just a preference. Don't trust a woman who doesn't respect her body. They're the first to cheat.

Hold out! One of us will actually be straight!!!

@lilbunnyfoofoo: could you be more specific as to what entails a woman who respects her body? Do you mean a woman who doesn't have a lot of premarital sex? How does that mean she doesn't respect her body?

Hey Beth! I agree with whoever suggested dating non-actors. It would be a much better fit! Much less chance of a similar situation arising again. I realize that a lot of actors are straight, but in your particular case, I would recommend dating outside of the theatre circle all together. After a less than ideal experience (not nearly as rough as yours), I've decided to only continue dating people who want the same things in life as me. No matter how much you like a guy, if a dealbreaker or red flag pops up, don't go on another date with that person ever again. If possible, never even see that person ever again. This is how to take care of business. I wish you all the best! :-)

@PineapplePrincess: I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not...

@Bowe123 I wasn't being sarcastic; I actually live this way, haha. I'm happy nearly all of the time, so it works out. :-)

Any advice I offer up on this site is usually constrained to things having to do directly with the industry, and I usually avoid tossing in my two cents about personal matters that arise. However, this is a bit of a hybrid between the two, so please indulge me and take anything I have to say with a grain of salt. Also, while your responses have seemed somewhat judgmental of others, I will spare you the same tone and try to keep this helpful and non-confrontational.

First and foremost, I am sorry for the stream of seemingly bad luck you have been having in terms of matters of the heart. Regardless of the situation, it is always difficult to put yourself out there and make yourself vulnerable to another person, only to be hurt by them later. It has happened to all of us at one point or another. It will probably happen to you again. Such is life and the price you pay for wanting to find someone worth your time.

After reading your initial post and your subsequent explanations in the thread, I feel like you are missing a glaring reality that is quite obvious to the rest of us. I get the impression that your faith is a VERY big part of your life. Judging from past experiences with others, I would be willing to bet that it is something that you wear on your sleeve. Those around you probably don’t dig too deep to find out about your strong faith, and with that, people often assume what you already confirmed here, that your sexuality is very much tied to your faith and it is a safe bet that you are saving yourself for marriage. What that means to a closeted gay man is that you are safe. Safe in the respect that you will not be expecting and sexual intimacy beyond some middle school-level shenanigans. For a guy who has not yet come to terms with their homosexuality, this is very enticing as it solves two problems. The first is it allows them to keep up a façade for those who they may be afraid to come out to. The second is they don’t have to feel pressured to touch any icky vaginas. This is not a commentary on your vagina in particular, as I am sure, to those of us who are interested in such things, that it is a blossoming orchid of sunshine and wonder. But for someone who is not attracted to them, they can be pretty gross and frightening. That is where you come in. All of the benefits of the appearance of a girlfriend without having to worry about staying hard long enough to put tab A into slot B. And unless you unexpectedly spring God’s loophole on him (Google it), you are the answer to their prayers, so to speak.

Now let me be clear that this is completely wrong. Using someone because of their LACK of sex is no different than using someone for their sex. Or for their money, or for their connections, or for whatever else you are using them for. It is kind of despicable to put your own needs above the inevitable hurt feelings of another. I don’t endorse it.

But I also think that if you continue to pursue romantic relationships within your acting community, you are going to continue to find yourself in the same situation because you are placing yourself in a sexual catch-22. Most straight, adult male actors are going to eventually expect a sexual relationship. For most of us, the sexual aspect of a relationship is just as important as the other aspects (and if I am being honest, probably MOST important at the early stages of a relationship). If they are not interested in exploring the sexual side of your relationship, and they are not sitting with you in the pew on Sunday, then I would say that it will most likely leave you with your current repeat dilemma. Now of course there are exceptions to everything, but I would feel safe saying that this would be the case much more often than not.

Here is the thing. Most actors like sex. Most actors are REALLY good at sex. I would even say that a lot of actors are interested in sex even more than the average person, and with good reason. You see, what you probably realize in the abstract, but have not actually experienced yet is that sex (at least the good kind) is not just a physical experience, but an emotional one. That emotion does not necessarily have to be love either, though love does make it great also. There are all sorts of emotions that play into the sexual experience, even if love is not involved. Lust, curiosity, longing, frustration, submissiveness, dominance, power, safety, and even hate can all play a role in the experience of sexual connectivity (yes hate. If you have never experienced the intensity of two people who are sexual attracted to one another but otherwise can stand each other, than I feel sorry for you). All of this is intensified when you are the type of person who is very in touch with, and have easy access to, your emotions. And that is what actors do professionally, tap into emotion. In my experience, that ability to access strong emotions at will makes the emotional roller coaster of the sexual experience all the more enticing to an actor (at least to this actor).

All that said does not mean that I think you should start a sexual relationship if you are not ready. But what it also does not mean that anyone that does is a slut. Frankly, that is an immature and puritanical statement that speaks more to the person making it than it does to its intended target. I am glad that the moral standards of you faith work for you, but just because others find happiness by other means, does not mean they are less than. I can say from personal experience that I would never want to marry someone I have not had sex with. It is very possible to be compatible with someone emotionally, spiritually and mentally, but not sexually. Most people who do not live a chased lifestyle have had that experience. Sometimes the sex is just bad, and it is no one’s fault. The chemistry just isn’t there. Personally, that would be terrible thing to find out after I swore an oath to be with someone for the rest of my life.

And for the record, I could not disagree with lilbunnyfoofoos take on this matter anymore if I tried. Having a strong sense of self, and being in tune with one’s sexuality has nothing to do with how one respects their body. And it certainly has NOTHING to do with their fidelity. Frankly, I find it terribly hypocritical that it is OK for a guy to hook up with an “easier” girl but that same judgment somehow never finds its way to self-assessment. Sexuality is nothing to be ashamed of. Pleasure is nothing to be ashamed of. And one’s willingness to both give and receive sexual pleasure is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. If this is the standard by which we are judging, than let me be the first to say that I am a HUUUUUUUGE slut.

At the end of the day, I would argue that you might be fishing in the wrong pond. Not because actors do not make great significant others. On the contrary, they are usually exciting, spontaneous, intense, fun, funny, sharp-witted, intelligent, well-read, and as stated above, will usually blow your mind in the sheets (among other things). But I think someone who is dedicated to their faith and looking for love in a group of people who traditionally have a strong sense of sexual identity, is going to find it very difficult to find what they are looking for. I don’t think you shouldn’t try and date actors because they aren’t great. I think that you shouldn’t try and date actors because they probably aren’t great for what you are looking for.

Good luck.

lilbunnyfoofoo = HYPOCRITE

I absolutely agree with Tom! Terrific advice. :-)

Dear Tom: you, sir, get a hug from Gandalf.
img.photobucket.com

This thread hurts my brain. Its hard for me to not believe some of this was not written to provoke. I don't think most christian virgin's would call people sluts or use profanity in their posts. Nor do I think anyone should be judged by their sexual choices (including choosing to be a virgin). There are ALL TYPES of people, ALL TYPES of actors, some very sexual, some probably totally uptight, some monogamous, some just in it for a good time, and its alllllll good. Just find someone who you like, who shares YOUR values, and as in any relationship, learn from your mistakes. I dated a jerk once, when I saw jerky behavior again, I avoided it like the plague. So, if you think your boyfriend needs to "come out", get another boyfriend.

Dearest Tom, I skipped your reply in my rage and went straight for the jugular. Terrific post.

Now, lilbunnyfoofoo, I have rolled my sleeves up and, with clenched fists, I will tell you EVERYTHING that is wrong with your statement.

I stand by my previous statement. You are the most despicable of hypocrites. You whip that dick out every chance you get, and yet you judge the women you are so freely fucking as "disrespectful of their bodies." Well then, GOOD SIR, what exactly are you doing with yours? Seriously I want to know why it's okay for YOU.

Men like you are the reason rape victims feel shame at having been violated. Because men like you see them as used up, damaged goods.

Men like you are the reason that wealthy, middle eastern brides to be FLY TO AMERICA to have their hymens reconstructed. So that, on their wedding night, their groom can feel like he's a BIG FUCKING MAN, and then show the whole neighborhood the bloody sheet so that everyone knows that his bride was a virgin.

And quite frankly your future wife's (what a lucky fucking lady) sexual past is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. She can tell you if she wants, and if she doesn't want to, or, LOLOL, LIES TO YOU, you will just have to deal with it.

How DARE you come on this board and slut shame the lot of us, when you admit to sleeping around yourself.

One to two partners? I'm in the three to four category, and by NO ONE'S definition a "ho." Yet according to your standards I'm a "slut" who "doesn't respect my body."

You are the worst kind of man.

TL;DR-- Go fuck yourself.

BOOM.

Massive round of applause for Tom and RedRedRose...like, years worth of standing ovations. Lordy.

For serious. Damn.

I'm sorry... biologically men are supposed to spread their seed. We are biologically designed to release our genetic material at the onset of puberty until the day we die. Women dispose of their half of the genetic party once a month. Men have to either have sex with a person or with their hands to keep their genetic material cycled and fresh. Woman's bodies take care of this for them. It may not be fair, but it's biology... and by nature men are given a "free pass"...

I'm not calling anyone a slut. The OP did that. All I said is that the woman I plan on marrying won't have had many sexual partners. A lot of men feel this way and a lot of men would like to "settle down" with a woman who has had few sexual partners. It's human nature.

Girls who put out are great, don't get me wrong :) But in my eyes... they're not the marrying type.

Fuller response coming in a bit, but you just pushed the berserk button. And when you push the berserk button, thejollyraja gets a lot less fucking jolly.

In the meantime, lilbunnyfoofoo, I would encourage you to think long and hard about asking Tom to delete what is inarguably the most shit-headed thing a non-QMP poster has written on this site.

I wanna stay out of this so bad but I just can't help myself...

As someone who is a female, Christian, virgin, actor; I have just a few things to say...

Lilbunnyfoofoo: I sincerely hope you are a troll. If you aren't...you're an ignorant misogynist, plain and simple. And the consensus between me and my fellow female, Christian, virgin, actor friends? You're CERTAINLY not the "marrying kind."

I can't believe you just used the "we have to spread our seed argument."

You really are a dumbass.

And I'll repeat--your wife could always lie.

Huhhhh boy...this is getting my viscera going.

Do NOT use the biology excuse when it comes to men being allowed to be more promiscuous than women. Biology also states that technically our life spans are 40, 50 years tops. Doesn't mean we haven't found ways around it.

Men are totes allowed to be promiscuous. So are women. Where the hell in biology does it say that if a woman is promiscuous, that makes her less worthy? Like, somehow points get taken away?

Watch Elizabeth Smart's speech. This idealization of "pure" women enforces the idea that promiscuous women or rape victims are no longer worthy.

Marry whoever the fuck you love. Why should her number of previous sexual partners affect your love for her?

Wow. Any time I need a pick-me-up, I just need log onto the Bitching Post. *grabs the popcorn*

@lilbunnyfoofoo: There are so many things wrong with your view of women that I hardly know where to start; you are a misogynist and a hypocrite, that much is brutally clear. But what I cannot forgive most of all is your "spread the seed" argument. This line of thinking is damaging to everybody, men and women alike, and (as you've just proven) still sadly pervasive in our culture.

When we say that a man's sexual urges are uncontrollable, we implicitly absolve him from responsibility. It is this basic premise that things like "she was asking for it" and "she shouldn't have been dressed like that" come from. Somehow, we've constructed this bizarre narrative in which it's the woman's job to not get catcalled (or much, much worse), rather than teaching our men to understand personal space, boundaries, and how to look for an enthusiastic "YES!" rather than merely the absense of a "...no."

I sincerely hope you reflect on your views about sex and relationships. As it stands, I cannot imagine you having a meaningful relationship, as long as you allow your hypocricy to go unchecked.

Major lols about littlebunnyfoofoo's post - I'm guessing he's like 19 or something?

I recommend the book Sex at Dawn for a comprehensive look on how human sexuality has evolved.

Foofoo, have you ever heard of the term "Slut shaming"? Because that is what you're doing. And it's rude and childish.

ps. amen jollyraja!

I'm home now, and fully ready to expound upon my last post with a proper set of keys.

bowe123 and jollyraja have already hinted at this, but it's worth another post from me.

Using your "biology" is such a pathetic excuse. It's like Joel Grey grabbing the Kit Kat Girl's asses backstage and then excusing his bad behavior by saying "Oh, I was in character!"

What we have here is a complete lack of ability to accept responsibility for one's reprehensibility.

And, since this is the excuse you have picked for yourself, then you will never be able to be faithful to your virgin-or-maybe-one-or-two-sexual-partners-in-her-past wife.

Because if you have that need to "spread your seed" (lolololololol forever), then you MUST CONTINUE to do so after you're married.

You've just used the same excuse that countless cheating husbands have used.

TL;DR--That's a crock of shit. Do better.

Hey, for argument's sake, let's expound on the biology argument.

If our instinct as a species to reproduce is the only thing that drives our sexual urges, then can't the argument be made that women should have as much sex as possible, in order to increase her chances of pregnancy?

I just find it hard to believe that you could conceivably meet the love of her life, find out that she has had, say, 10 sexual partners, and dismiss her for THAT.

THANK YOU.

blogdailyherald.com

I call troll. trolly troll troll troll

Troll 2: The Trolling

I just re-read this and realized that earlier I spelled "classism" "classicism."

I am against classism.

I am all for classicism.

I also post on my phone a lot.

I sincerely hope that the misogynistic bullshit of lilbunnyfoofoo is a sad lonely man trolling the internet for attention beyond that of his hand BUT my irate fingers need to type this out anyway.

Firstly, I encourage you (/everyone actually. it's genuinely an awesome video!) to watch this video: www.youtube.com

Spread seed argument: Just because you're biologically wired to do something doesn't mean you are forced into it. You have rational choices. I'm not passing any kind of judgment here on your sleeping around, I just REALLY object to the idea that men have no say in it/just following biology. You choose to have sex with someone just as a woman does. You are not some innocent victim to biology so stop hiding behind it.

Women who have more than 2 partners are disrespecting their bodies argument: There is nothing disrespectful about sex or wanting sex. In what way is embracing your body and desires disrespecting it? Saying otherwise implies sex is shameful or places absurd moral judgements on women who have sex that are just hypocritical neanderthal proclamations without any semblance of logic/reasoning behind it.

Women who have had several sexual partners are more likely to cheat: Women who have more than 2 partners are no more likely to cheat than men who've had more than 2 partners. Fidelity is a completely separate issue.

Ugh I need a drink now.

And jeezy creezy, wouldn't you prefer a woman who's had her fair share of flings, relationships, hookups, and is now ready to settle down? That way she KNOWS that you're definitely what she wants. Rather than a woman who...maybe becomes a little curious to what else she might be missing? Because she's never had anything else?

(That's as far as I'm going to take that argument. I'm not trying to virgin-shame at all, I'm just saying that claiming a "promiscuous" woman is more likely to cheat is a completely illogical argument.)

Oh, look, Pat Robertson uses Audition Update!

Hey everyone! Am moving past the breakup... skies are looking much bluer now!!! I just wanted to let everyone know that I do in fact LOVE gay people. What kind of musical theater girl would I be without my gays?! My complaint was directly with the people who trick poor unsuspecting women for their own personal gain. It has nothing to do directly with their sexuality but with their lack of respect for other human beings. I'm sorry that you can't cope with yourself... but bringing an innocent person down with you isn't right. And I've been through this a number of times.

Yes, my virginity makes me an easy target I guess. Point taken. It is just really hard to date outside of this business. Normal people don't understand leaving on tours and gigs... long periods of unemployment... etc. It's something that I've learned is easier with someone in the industry. Maybe I'll try the techies!!!

Wasn't trying to call all of you sluts either. Do what you do. I'm holding onto myself for personal and religious reasons... but I will be one of the last people to judge you for having sex with your boyfriend. That girl in every cast who is drunk (or high) dancing on tables and acting like the communal merry-go-round... she's another story! Like it or not, there are a lot of trashy girls AND boys in our industry!!!!

@lilbunnyfoofoo... YOU (and your effing STUPID biology) might love your future wife for being a virgin. And MY future husband is going to love me for knowing what I'm doing and being awesome in the sack.

Boom. America.

Oh lilbunnyfoofoo (interesting name choice), you putting your future "wife's" sexual history at top priority for whether you can be with her or not, doesn't make you sound like a guy who's all "women should respect their bodies". It just makes you sound like a douchebag.

For instance: I am a straight male in the business. I just met my current girlfriend back in December doing a show. We took things as slowly as possible because we really like one another. When the time finally came that we spent our first night together, she informed me that she is a virgin. My response, "So?" And if her response would have been that she's had sex with any number of guys, my response would have been "So?", because I look past the sexual portion of our relationship, and see her for the more important things. Like how she is the most loving, caring, understanding, supportive girl I have ever been in a relationship with and I have literally been the happiest I have ever been these past 5 months thanks to her (and a year ago, the past 5 months had been rough for me), and I tell her how thankful I am every day for it.

So as long as you say things like "my wife will have little to no sexual partners or else" & "I have no problem with hooking up with the 'easy' girl at a party, you sound like the complete douchebag that gives straight males a bad rep. Take it from myself who learned that lesson in college, learned the error of my ways, and am with a girl that I live with all my heart.

And jmc120, major brownie points for the Pat Robertson comment!!!!!!!!!

PS also just want to insert a correction. My auto-correct Terri seems to think I "live my girlfriend with all my heart" when in actuality I "love my girlfriend with all my heart"

And yes, my auto-correct is named Terri.

Sex with an actor. You'll grow out of it:
www.youtube.com

How is me wanting to marry a girl without a lot of sexual partners any different than you deciding to wait a while? What if your girlfriend wanted sex RIGHT AWAY? Would that have been too much for you?

We're either allowed to have expectations when it comes to sex or not. Period. Just like most women have some misguided expectation that men should have 12 inch dicks from watching porn and listening to the media. Sorry girls, most of us are under 6 and that's average!

What the fuck would I do with a 12 inch dick?????? No thanks, that's excessive.

Welp. Guess I'll be alone forever, then.

The problem is your hypocrisy. You don't get it, do you? You don't get to sleep around, but demand that your significant other not have done so. It's misogynistic and a slap in the face to every girl you've ever been with--including your "future wife."

Then again, what misogynist has ever looked in the mirror and reflected upon their skewed views and then gone "Wow I'm kind of shitty! I should fix that!"

Pretty much none.

Also, we don't have unrealistic expectations about penis size. Sounds like you've got a complex. If some girl made you feel self conscious about your size, then I'm sorry.

But I'm not THAT sorry, because your attitude is kind of asking for it.

@lilbunnyfoofoo: the difference is you are judging a girl based on her past actions, over which she has no control to change, as opposed to her current choices. If you had a girlfriend who wanted sex right away and you didn't, you could then rationally explain your position to her. But rejecting a girl for her past choices is pointless. Maybe she made a choice you don't agree with, but...too late to do anything about it now. But you're really going to kick the love of your life to the curb because of that?

I find it hard to believe you STILL can't see the hypocrisy of saying "my wife can't have had many sexual partners, but it's totally cool if I hook up with a bunch of people." I wouldn't mind as much if you said "I believe on staying as pure as possible until marriage, so I'm not going to hook up with anyone either." But imposing rules on other people that you don't follow yourself is hypocritical.

Also, @lilbunnyfoofoo, it's hard to take you seriously when every post seems to contain some backhanded attack towards women. You say that porn makes women have unrealistic physical expectations of men? Far more men expect women to have supermodel bodies and impossibly perfect faces, thanks to simple magazines and ads.

You are completely missing the point, and at the same time strengthening my point. Instead of worrying about the more important things (loving a girl for who she is and how much she cares for you, how supportive she is, how much you can communicate with each other, how she doesn't try to find any flaws in you, etc.) you are so focused on SEX.

A little bit of advice buddy, and yes this is coming from a straight man: sex is n

Continuing my post which prematurely posted: sex is not the most important part of a relationship. Sure it plays a part, but as long as you are fixated on the importance of sex, women will think you're a douchebag, and you'll live a lonely life. And again, saying things like "I have no problem with girls who 'put out'" continues to make you sound even more like a douche, so I guess douche on douchebag.

Women of audition update, the business, the world, etc.: I sincerely apologize for men like this. Please note we're not all like this.

And by the way, if my girlfriend had wanted sex right away, that would have been fine too, because in my world, nothing and I mean NOTHING happens unless the girl is 100% ok with it. However, she did not, we mutually decided to take things slow (which btw when we talked about that, there was no mention of sex at all. We were referring to other more important things.)

I have bad news for lil' bunny: those "good girls" you plan to marry? Probably aren't so into the guys who are into spreading their seed. Your double standard is only going to hurt you in the long run. You lose!

"blossoming orchid of sunshine and wonder," I'm gonna call it that from now on.

12 inch dicks?

stream1.gifsoup.com

i have a great idea....i say lil bunny (misogynistic ass) and beth the soprano (virginal and not sluts like the rest) go get married and be off on their merry close-minded little ways

"Lilbunnyfoofoo" is the gayest name on this site. Maybe HE can date Beth.

"How is me wanting to marry a girl without a lot of sexual partners any different than you deciding to wait a while?"

If you're in a relationship with someone, the question of whether to have sex right away or wait a while is an issue that affects BOTH of you. It's a JOINT decision that both partners should discuss and have a say in.

In contrast, your girlfriend's sexual past happened BEFORE she was in a relationship with you, and therefore has absolutely NOTHING to do with you and you do NOT get a say in it.

And as others have said, the fact that you have lots of sex with women you're not involved in is the height of hypocrisy. By your own standards, it means YOU don't "respect your body."

And the "spreading your seed" idea is stupid, because presumably you use protection when you're sleeping around - you obviously DON'T want to get all these women pregnant, so why do you need to "spread your seed"?

bunnyfoofoo, us good girls respect men like you too! We know that a real man appreciates girls who wait!!! xoxo

ugh beth's posts continue to make me want to throw up in my mouth

by the way - beth -- your jab about gays who love Jesus. Christianity and it's great track record for being open and accepting to gays.....is one of the reasons why so many gay are still in the closet. Not because they are out to deceive you. Your posts are outrageous and the most offensive thing I've seen to date on this board

Pretty sure this is a troll. I can't fathom any girl who is "saving herself" that wants to find a guy who wants to spread his seed. Basically, this post is written to offend any and all - and done in the name of my religion, which is also offensive. Sincerely, a non-judgmental, gay-friendly, not-slutty, not-repressed, moral without being nutso (its possible)girl who recommends nobody save themselves for bunny-foo-fool.

Very very very very simplified answer:

Keep going to EPAs and kicking ass at them. That is the best way to increase your appointment rate because it's the biggest variable that you alone can control. A casting director won't feel like they're taking a chance on you by bringing you in front of the creative team if they've seen you knock it out of the park every time you sing for them at an EPA. If you're a grinder (which most of us are), it is a numbers game as much as anything else.

If you'd like more specific advice, e-mail me. :)
***
Raja Burrows
thejollyraja@gmail.com

that one i think is legit actually. but what annoys me is the General LORT Season EPAs which are obviously required yearly, and then people are always on here asking about callbacks. There are no immediate callbacks from LORT Generals

Couple of questions:

1. How do you know that a LORT EPA is a general, yearly required. Is it simply the fact that it's early and they're listing their entire season of shows? Or is there something more concrete?

2. Are these EPAs pointless? (other than exposure). Or might one actually get a callback six months later when they actually start casting the show you're right for?

3. I was at a LORT season audition a few weeks back. The CD asked what roles I was interested in and I mentioned a few from the second half of their season (winter/spring 2014). She told me that they cast app. two months prior to rehearsals, so I should keep an eye out for those EPAs. Does this mean anything? What's your hunch...is there interest or was she just being nice?

they are required annually by the LORT rulebook.

Not necessarily pointless, but don't expect immediate gratification. And not all roles will end up being cast out of New York.

And yes keep an eye on specific audition notices for each show that usually occur closer in to the show dates

I will say, from experience, this is simply how this particular theatre operates. They tend not to cast until the very last minute. So I would be surprised if this was already cast.

Just FYI.

I am 99% convinced you are a troll.

I'm saving the one percent because there are, after all, some really stupid people in this world.

if she is not a troll, i'll eat my hat

I went to an open call for actresses a while ago and have an appointment tomorrow. I don't know if the appointment group auditions will be different but for the open call it was a lot of movement based exercises exploring the space we were in and interacting with other actors without speaking. They also played music for us to use in our story telling. It reminded me a lot of when we did viewpoints while I was in school. Nothing too strenuous. As for what to wear, I wore yoga pants and a t-shirt. Everyone was bare-foot or in socks. As long as you're comfortable and are able to move freely I'm sure you'll be fine in whatever you wear.
I actually have a question: were you asked to have anything prepared? Monologue? For the open call they asked for them but my e-mail for appointments didn't say anything about it.

Lovely, lovely people!! I am managed by them, BUT be aware they work with signed clients only (though they may freelance with you a bit), so be willing to pay them 10% of everything you book. If you're not ready to make that leap, they're probably not for you.

There is no advantage one way or the other. But I'd get it to them asap. Definitely before the auditions though. Since most cd's make choices in the room or later that night.

Check out the Shakespeare Forum!! They're wonderful as a whole, a really knowledgeable, supportive group of people. Great if you want to try things out. They meet Tuesdays at Space on White. I've used Sybille Bruun before privately as well and she's got a great eye.

Scott Whitehurst is great!

Scott Whitehurst is great!

Scott Whitehurst is great!

Thanks so much!

Email me! (Tom, can you put us in touch if eatthefish! wants to talk?) Shakespeare acting coaching is my specialty.

Vittoria, yes. Let's get in touch. Tom, can you give vittoria my email? Or vice versa?

Geoffrey Owens
Brian Myers Cooper
Julian Elfer

Seconding Shakespeare Forum.

I would trust the breakdown. If it says they want you to have local housing, they probably mean it.

I just read the breakdown: it says local accomodations provided, meaning they probably will hire out-of-towners! Go for it!

Yes, I should clarify. They definitely are taking appointments for out of town actors, but I've auditioned before out of town, and have found out later from people in the loop that <said out of town theatre> really only hires locally. Know what I mean? So, I was just wondering if anyone here might be in the know.

I like the english gal!

That's JAMI SIMON !
(She has done many, many videos for SNL)
:-)

sigh. morning. still 1/2 way through my coffee...

ROMEO & JULIET.

Not sure how I lost the "O"

Makes me sad that he's sullying up Michael Chekhov's name.

Warning - this is the same Michael Horn who produces Something Outrageous. Stay away.

I do not casually talk smack about anyone (by name) on the Internet, but STAY AWAY from that man. BAD BAD news.

Agreed. By all means, avoid. I wish there were an audition update several years ago to inform those of us who were new to the city and clueless about this.

You know, I worked with him recently on one of his improv shows he does from time to time. It certainly didn't feel like the most legit gig, but that was mostly because the actors in the group were responsible for bringing an audience. Tickets were $25, which I did consider a bit of scalping actors' friends, but the rest of the cast really pulled together. We were a good group, had a couple of fun shows (we made the just-okay writing pretty funny), and it was all done within 2 weeks. It was worth it to me as a new-ish actor to the city, and I felt I knew what I was getting into from the get-go, without ever hearing negative things about the guy.

Just my two cents, but for some people, a gig that brings you to other actors is still a good gig!

I'm sorry to r self-indulgent and bumping my own post, but I really would like to hear where things stand on this and people's opinions. I have been EMC for nearly five years now, and I can't say how much it pisses me off how I have to wait and see people who aren't equity member slide in in front of me. But then I ask myself, we'll, you can too! So I people can share their thoughts, what they know, it would be much appreciated!

I have heard nothing about them wanting to shut it down. In fact the entire thing is new this year. But if it bothers union members bring it up at the next meeting, or email the powers that be.

I am not on council so I have no official information.

I really hate talking about this and wish it would stop coming up but I'll say this one last time. It's NOT NEW, it's just all of a sudden more in the know. And YES THEY ARE SHUTTING IT DOWN. AEA members have been complaining to equity and my friend on the board said they are in the process of shutting it down and those who bought the card can't use it anymore.

The whole thing is a joke and unfair to the members who actually got their card. Everything will happen when it's supposed to. Stay EMC, when you're supposed to be equity you will. Those people auditioning aren't equity and casting knows it.

There's something to be said for being comfortable in your own skin and where you are right now. I agree with the sentiment expressed above. I am a classical singer and had an opportunity to join AGMA but never did. Now that I'm singing mostly mt, it would never occur to me to get my AGMA card now unless i booked at the Met, ;). Dare to dream! I also believe that we must earn out place at the table, and while skipping ahead a few levels seems great, in the end will you be able to compete with AEA members who got their cards legitimately and have much more experience? I know its hard to wait and go through struggles but getting seen is no guarantee of booking if those are equity contracts anyway. I know it can be difficult, but we as artists in a business need to learn to enjoy the process as a journey. Otherwise every job you don't book or audition you don't get seen at will plunge you into despair.

Thanks. Sorry for hitting on a sore subject, but it just got to me today when I saw a friend of mine get an appointment because he bought his way into AGMA even though he CAN NOT EVEN SING! thats what's getting to me, that people are buying in just to crash equity auditions. I hope they do shut it down. Only then everyone who bought there way in can eventually buy there way in through the sister union...

Everyone is different, but I know that every time I've "taken a break" from something (doesn't have to be business related), I don't actually spend the extra time improving. I improve most by actually DOING (meaning just fucking getting it done instead of saying "ok and now I'll improve a, b, and c). I have a lazy streak (Naps. Naps always.).

It's not all out sloth as much as sometime I really enjoy chilling on the couch watching Netflix. Ok...that could be considered sloth.

My point is, sometimes I have to look in the mirror and go "Red, you know you really need to go to that audition. Picard will be here when you get home. Ok. Now go."

I function best when I'm actively doing and busy. The energy from that spills over into everything else. The ultimate bonus is that I sleep better at night (not just pride from knowing a did a good job...I literally have a much easier time falling asleep).

I say continue auditioning AS you add on the things you're wanting to fix and polish up. If you're the type that "gets comfortable" like you did this past spring, then the last thing I would advise is a full on "break."

These are late night musings so I apologize if this post is tangential.

It sound like you already have been slacking. Now, I know that working a full time job isn't actually slacking: many people that's all they do. It sounds like your problem is reconciling your lack of motivation with your guilt. If there is no voice inside you telling you to be pounding the pavement, there is probably a reason. And besides, what casts in the summer anyway? To me it sounds like you need this time to refocus and either rediscover your motivation or find a different path that isn't so draining.

I have two thoughts on this: a) I once took over six months off of auditioning. I needed too - I was burnt out and dreading auditioning, and frankly knew what I was doing wasn't getting results - so I signed up for classes. THAT is NOT slacking. It worked: classes - accountability - I WILL learn a new song for that class, I might not for that next epa, ya know?

My other thought is the opposite: I, personally, LOVE auditioning in the summer when I'm here. Yes, there are less auditions, but you don't have to be there at 6am, and weirdly? I've booked much of my work while the masses are gone.

But, I'm also a big fan of taking a breather when you need one and kicking yourself in the butt and just going when you need too - only you knows which is needed right now.

ps - lets not forget most of us work TWO full time jobs - our real jobs and this theatre thing - to choose to just pay the bills awhile - aka work full time - is NOT slacking. Lets not forget to live life whilst pursuing this nutty dream :)

To clarify, I'm asking about how one would go about asking for protection in a union contract - are there clauses that exist for this? Or what one might do to gracefully address the issue and get information in a non-union, low-pay kind of situation, to cover bases while not stepping on toes...

"Adult" performers are regularly tested.

Outside of that I have never heard anyone ask about something like this. Maybe get a cootie shot?

Here's some basic info about Hepatitis.

www.webmd.com

So unless you have braces and cuts in your mouth...I think you're okay.

As for herpes...ask Michael Scott.

i've never ever heard of anyone asking about this. unless your kissing partners has open sores, i think youre OK

i'm guessing this is prob a troll btw

Haha, actually not a troll, who knew an actor could be this germaphobic! And yes, I expected I would get some snarky comments about getting over my cootie fears, nyuk, nyuk.

Has this seriously not come up before? I appreciate the webmd link, certainly have done my own internet research, and maybe I'm confused, but believe I've heard information to the contrary about perhaps a different type of Hep or something else, that things can be transmitted via mouth to mouth contact.

Are there no union rules or anything that addresses this or creates a standard or procedure to adhere to? Also, I'm not so much asking about the actual threat of germs, and I'm not asking about adult performers. I'm more asking if there are any kinds of standard protections in the unions where employers might screen performers, etc. or do stars have clauses in their contract protecting them or giving them some sort of choice in these situations, or what would happen in the event one did contract a disease from a romantic scene partner in the legit film/tv/theater industry...

The short answer: no.

I am Equity and have done my fair share of romantic roles in union productions. I have also read the relevant union contracts quite carefully. Truthfully, if you brought this up with a producer I suspect that you would achieve nothing but weirding them out.

The one possibility I can think of is workman's comp. If you can prove that you contracted a medical condition while performing work duties (in this hypothetical case, that duty is kissing someone who has a form of Hepatitis that can be transmitted mouth-to-mouth, or who has an open cold sore), then workman's comp might pay for relevant treatment. That might just be for injuries, though, as opposed to for more chronic conditions. I'm no expert, but it might be worth some research if you're interested.

In terms of demanding that romantic scene partners get tested, however, don't hold your breath. The rule of thumb: if someone is coughing, sniffling, or has open sores, avoid kissing them until the problems are resolved.

om- is there a specific reason you're so concerned about this? Simple solution is -- when someone is sick or has an open mouth sore, decline to kiss them that day. It would have to be an ASSHOLE producer to force you to do that if there's good reason not to. If anyone tried to force you under those circumstances, you wouldn't want to work for them.

However, I wouldn't go bringing this up to a director/producer without cause or it will make you look...er...a bit strange. People have been kissing in plays and movies since the dawn of time!

Boo I will be out of town! Any plans on doing this again?

Yes. We do these about once a month.

FYI, this promo code ends tonight at 7pm.

Craigslist for actors.

I tried desperately to get in touch with the phantoms who ran NonEq Deputy. Alas, no one knows who they are.

I also just wanted to add that adding cruise lines to the gig and tell may be beneficial. With so many musicals now on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Disney I'm sure people want to hear the gig and tell on those. Thanks!!!

Thanks, Tom! I know you did your best - your work on everything on here is truly stellar! I guess it's a matter of waiting until info eventually accumulates. :)

Yes!

Any chance we can all agree to submit information on the theatres we've worked for and add the ones that aren't listed? Between all of our resumes, we could really make this thing even more impressive and valuable!

Also, Tom, is there a way to distinguish the dates on posts in "Gig and Tell" by adding the year the post was made, and not just the month/day? I'm going to take the opinion of someone who recently worked there over a post from a year or two ago, etc. Thanks!

I'm technically not a tenor, but I can definitely help you out... shoot me an email at bwaylvsong@gmail.com for more information.

David Sabella-Mills

Was the original Mary-Sunshine in the current revival of Chicago. So ya. Super tenor. Contra tenor.

Also won the international Pavarotti competition. The whole world-wide competition. He's also the president of the NY Voice teachers.

Prides himself on being able to cross train this students in a variety of styles (pop, contemporary, rock etc).

Google David Sabella-Mills and you will find his website to get more info. He's worth it and has taken me places with my voice I never thought could happen.

Good luck!

Yep, I just got the same thing...

Make that 8 emails now. They just keep coming

A while back I was going to go to an audition held by them that was supposed to be for a bunch of different projects they were doing. I never went, but the audition was at the Producer's Club, which I know has a bad rep...

can someone forward it to me?

tom.lapke(at)backstage.com

Tom it's in your inbox!

Earlier today you may have received between 5 to -30 copies of the exact same email from Rainsworth.

Rainsworth Productions wholeheartedly apologizes for this mistake. There may have been a temporary glitch or misunderstanding regarding how Backstage’s new messaging tools work, leading to this accidental spamming. Backstage is going to work on additional improvements to our contact system to help prevent this in the future.

Additionally, there was some concern from actors regarding the content of Rainsworth' email: The fact that the message was asking actors to join an email newsletter and attend networking events seemed like a possible bait-and-switch scam.

However, we have looked into Rainsworth, and we believe they're a legitimate company. It’s true that they do have a mixed business, which blurs the line: In addition to producing various projects, they also host free networking events and classes/workshops (which require participation fees) and help actors and filmmakers network for co-financed productions (similar in some ways, perhaps, to a film collective or theater membership company).

But they were really casting their projects with their Backstage casting notice: They're an actor-run organization and received over 1,000 submissions and auditioned numerous actors. They then wanted to send everyone a polite invite to their free newsletter and networking events, and had not considered that many actors would not want to receive a message like this. The problems with this message were of course compounded by the glitch that led to Rainsworth accidentally sending the same message multiple times. We have discussed this with them, and they sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding.

Thank you for your feedback,

- Luke Crowe
VP, Casting
Backstage

Rainsworth is totally legit! I was a little apprehensive about going to their audition as well since it was at the Producer's Club, but they're actually great people. Their basic mission is to connect actors with filmmakers in a lot of different ways. They cast, produce, hold networking events and host CD workshops as well (I recently went to one and found it very useful).

Hey guys!

My name is Naomi Brockwell, I'm the CEO of Rainsworth Productions, and I must apologise for the duplicate emails! Alienating our actors is that last thing we want to do! It's all worked out now, and we won't be filling up your inboxes anymore :)

We are indeed a very active production company, and super excited about our very busy year of features, shorts, documentaries, and webseries ahead of us!

We are a very community-based company and love collaborating with actors to help them launch their own projects, so please drop us a line or feel free to pitch us an idea! Admin@Rainsworthproductions.com

Thanks for being awesome about this everyone, and looking forward to hearing from you!
Naomi B

If the director's name is worth more than the theater name, I say yes. If they want to ask you where you did the show, they can - and spark a convo!

List both - especially if you don't have a ton of credits, there should be room - have someone help you format it, both should fit :)

I think it actually looks good to have a lot of repeat appearances at the same location. It shows someone was happy with your work/personality and wanted to have you back. Just MHO.

Not trying to sell anything, but if you're interested my company does resume formatting for actors...ignitusdesign.com

They don't house unless they HAVE to bring you in from out of town because they can't find anyone in the Boston area to "get the job done."

considering the audition is only in Boston, that should tell you a lot

They are auditioning non-union male dancers in NYC and are saying that all non-union positions are unpaid.

I went to college right near Reagle, and have only heard wonderful things. I'd say as long as you get offered EMC points and free housing, definitely accept it.

They are auditioning in New York and the posting has little info other than the fact that it is unpaid. Thanks to those who gave helpful info!

Would love to know how much they pay Equtiy. They can't give non-union actors a little bit of money?!

Not sure what their contract is at this point... look up their last EPA posting and they have to have their contract listed and then you'll know what their Equity minimum is.

They VERY occasionally pay non-Equity who have done many shows with them or are in demand for some other reason, but if you're in the ensemble and it's your first time with them I wouldn't get your hopes up.

Part of Reagle's "thing" is that they (frequently, not always) get Broadway people as principals, and many of those people have probably negotiated for above minimum, which really uses up a lot of their budget, I imagine.

I don't think AEA would consider that acting work, so probably not in their jurisdiction or purview. but you can always call the office if you really want to know

Thanks, Dopplegang!!

An agent is state licensed and legally permitted to solicit employment on your behalf. They can obtain jobs for you and negotiate your contracts. If they are a signatory to the union, they take a union-regulated 10% commission on your paid work. They may advise you on headshots, your reel, your audition material - but their primary responsibility is to submit you for paying work, procure auditions and handle negotiations once you are offered a job.

A manager is not licensed by the state and are not signatories to the union. They can take any commission they set, typically 10-15%, sometimes as high as 20% on booked work. A manager is technically not supposed to procure work for you. Their job is to advise you on your career strategy for the long-term, help you make connections in the industry by getting you general meetings or submitting your materials to influential people, sometimes not for a specific project. Managers usually have much smaller rosters and can dedicate more time and effort to individual clients than an agency.

Managers can be particularly useful at two stages of an actor's career - in the very early stages when an actor is considered "developmental" - not a lot of credits, but perhaps has training and promise and needs some career direction steering. And, in the later stages when an actor has achieved a level of prominence - a manager can act as the gatekeeper for straight offers, public appearance requests (in the absence of a publicist), benefit appearance requests, scripts in development, etc - things that a higher level agent wouldn't have the time to deal with.

Over the last several years, the line has been blurred with managers receiving the breakdowns an actively submitting their clients for work, when the client does not have an agent yet. Some managers partner with agents who "hip pocket" the manager's clients under the agency's roster, or they partner with an entertainment attorney to assist with the negotiation and legalities surrounding contracts and offers.

In the non-union world, managers can operate more freely, since there are fewer restrictions with the absence of the union, but from the state's perspective, technically they should not be procuring employment for another individual without being a state licensed agency.

When someone has both an agent and a manager, the agent would be the one submitting the client on breakdowns for work and then partnering with the manager to make pitch calls and share relationships and contacts for the best possible result for their shared client. If you have both, you're paying both every time you book a job regardless of who was the person who actually made it happen.

Hope that helps a little. It remains confusing because it is confusing.

bowe123 - Check you email.

Bowe, THANK YOU for posting this!!
I'm in the midst of an agency turnover, where the owner is closing down the agency so my agent is opening up a management firm. I'm trying to not be confused...but it's not working.
So thanks you guys for the input!

Tom, if you wanna send me a secret email, too, I'm very interested to hear what you have to say :)

Tom, I second that! I would love to read the email as well!

Secrets secrets are no fun.... I think you should just share with all of us Tom!

I just sent the three of you your own secret emails.

It was like Email Christmas. My heart fluttered a bit.

~ insert adorable winky face here~

Hehe I love the email Christmas! Could I request the email, too? Thanks!!

don't let that discourage you! That's happened to me a few times before and i've gotten call backs from them. I admit my first reaction was "What?! you didn't even look up!" but still. you never know~~

hey, maybe they're taking notes on their phone!

i've had this happen. it was maddening. couldn't even tell if they were paying attention. when it happened more than once with the same CD, i determined to avoid them in the future. turns out the same CD was scandalized a few years back because they'd been tweeting during auditions ... it's rude in any other context, CD's shouldn't be able to get away with it, IMHO. finish up what you're doing, watch the audition, THEN take notes on your phone if you must.

Amen

Shots on me, when casting is finalized? No matter what the turn out! Cause Lord knows we all need a few!

I'm in. How many months have we been strung along for? Struggle.

I remember the exact moment in my career when I discovered I didn't have to be scared at auditions: when I had already had 5 auditions that day, and was so tired and fed-up my attitude was literally "Okay, let's just do this."

I've found the only way is to not really invest too much into the audition. Which is HARD. Especially if it's something you really really want. But...yeah. I've always heard from directors and casting directors that the people they like are the ones who appear as though they are just taking 10 minutes out of their day, and that the outcome doesn't affect them at all.

So...I guess what I'm saying the key to not being nervous is...not being nervous?

Not very helpful, I know...

On a more practical note, meditation helps....

my nerves always go away as soon as i notice the casting director paying more attention to his/her iPad or other peoples resumes like they're grading papers

I have found that making sure I'm properly hydrated helps my nerves. When I get nervous my mouth dries up, and when I feel my mouth get dry I get EVEN MORE nervous.

Also the stereotypical things like deep breaths before you go in, etc. Remember that the people behind the table WANT you to be great!

Everything bowe123 said is spot on.

Hopefully this makes sense... but you know that awesome feeling you get after a good workout (or a great dance class)... I try to summon that feeling right before the audition. I take a deep breath, smile, feel all warm and cozy in the memory of all those awesome endorphins. It usually works.

Every time before I go into an audition I always say the same little chant to myself. It gets me thinking about something else and gets me pumped at the same time! I always say "Go big or go home" over and it seriously gets me so pumped in my head. So maybe try saying a little passage to yourself.

I find the best way to beat nerves before walking into the room is to concentrate and focus exactly on what you have to do. Go through your song in your head and each specific beat. This takes my mind elsewhere and of course mentally prepares you to have the best audition. Also deep breathing (in through the nose, out through the mouth) keeps you centered.

Thats funny. I look into a mirror and say " I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggonit people like me!"

It might seem strange and very counter-intuitive, but I actually think of the worst case scenario- screwing up a note, forgetting words, etc. Visualizing the bad somehow makes things less scary, and when that fear goes away, I'm able to just enjoy performing, and oddly enough, tend to do better than if I go in thinking I've got it. Not sure if that's helpful, but you might be surprised! (Or maybe I'm just super weird!) :)

I just took a great seminar with Josh Pais, who teaches a method called "Committed Impulse" - focuses a lot on overcoming nerves. I believe there's a free class on his website you can download. The basic gist of it is that it's useless to try and "conquer" or "do away with" your nerves. You just have to shift your thinking about them. Nerves mean you care, and if you take away all the negative thoughts associated with them (they'll make me mess up, they mean I'm not a professional, etc.) all you're left with is the extra boost of energy that those feelings give you. So whenever you feel nerves coming on, try not to let your brain start working overtime with the panicky thoughts - instead just focus solely on the physical sensations, and learn to party with them! It takes a while, but ultimately it'll be more useful to you to embrace the truth of wherever you're at when you enter the room, and use that in your performance.

When I started thinking this way, I actually found that I sing more freely when I'm a bit nervous, because I can use the extra energy to breathe more deeply.

If you have physical jitters, it could be that you're under-nourished and need some protein. Carry an energy bar for a last-minute nosh. Or if the people around you make you nervous before you go in, leave the area for a while to recenter yourself.

I feel the exact same way!

Someone gave me some good advice the other week...I said I feel like when I practice at home and warm up I sound great, but then at the audition I feel out of body, I try to breathe and relax but I feel nervous and just don't sound the same and I become disappointed in my own abilities. I guess it's just out of habit. The person told me, when you're at home or at a lesson going over material you're doing it for yourself. At the audition you're trying to impress. So, don't try and impress at the audition, do it for you. I know that's easier said than done. But, that's what I'm trying to work on. Working on my material so much and feeling so comfortable with it that I know I can do it no matter what kind of day it is. Let's hope we both progress :-)

^^^^
This is my new favorite quote that's been running around my head when nerves pop up. Alvin Ailey said something along the lines of:

"There is nothing to prove. Only to share."

Remember that this is your chance to perform and show them what you can do. It's not their chance to judge you. It's your chance to blow them away. You are talented! Show them what you got!