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Acting in Plays, Singing/Broadway
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Question
I am a dancer. My expertise is in mostly African dance. Right now I am training in ballet, modern, and jazz. Also, I have been acting for a little more than 2 years and began taking singing lessons. I would like to know if I have a chance to be on Broadway, even though I don't have much experience in ballet, modern, jazz, and singing. The reason is i really want to live out my dream to perform on Broadway.
The fast answer is, there is ALWAYS a chance . . . regardless of your experience. BUT (isn't there always a but?) experience and training can go a long way toward your career.
If you're a dancer, your best options are in musicals - they always need experienced dancers. Also, thanks to the late great Bob Fosse, the more types of dance you know the better.
It sounds like you've got a great start in pursuing training in multiple levels of dance. Now, start getting some serious training in acting. As you didn't identify either your age or your location, I can't give you specific recommendations, so seek out the best possible training in your area. It may be expensive, though, and don't think it's going to be a walk in the park - for every single actor it's a definite (but worthwhile) challenge to develop and hone your skills. And follow the best advice I ever got (ironically, from the worst professor ever): get as much actual experience as you can (before approaching Broadway).
Also, remember that if and when you get the chance to audition that it is a job, and with any job you need to approach it properly. Be as professional as possible. Sure, you can have fun, but professionalism will go a long way toward your continued success.
Break a leg (figuratively), and let me know how you do!
-- Spyder
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Answers by Expert:
J. Spyder Isaacson
Expertise
Especially the Seattle theatre scene. Seattle is the number two theatre city of the nation, having more theatres than any other city (including Chicago!) except New York. I know the reputations of most of the local theatres, have worked with quite a number of them, and am currently earning the majority of my livelihood through live theatre. Beyond that, I have been a working professional for the past 10 years (after a long career in an unrelated field), have done just about everything in the field, and have done every possible type of theatre. Currently, I am also pursuing a new (and unexpected!) career as an animated film producer. (PLEASE NOTE that I am NOT an expert in music!) ***DO NOT*** ASK ME QUESTIONS REGARDING AUDITION SONGS OR MONOLOGUES - the answers require way too much information to be passed along by the All Experts system.
Experience
I have been an award-winning actor, singer, playwright, director and administrator (on various levels, all categories) for the past 30 years. A large part of my expertise has been with live theatre, although I do have a minor connection to filmed theater. I have done musicals, straight dramas, straight comedies, and experimental theatre.
Organizations
Theatre Puget Sound
Magical Mystery Troupe
Centerstage Theatre Conservatory Board of Trustees (former)
Express-Theatre Northwest (former)
Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater
Publications
Unrelated trade publications
Education/Credentials
B.A. in Theatre Arts, Gonzaga University
M.Ed. in Education and Technology, Western Governor's University (in progress)
Awards and Honors
Mutiple awards (ask for specifics), Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival
Valley Community Players, Best Supporting Actor
Past/Present Clients
C's Animation Studio Productions, LLC
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