Embrace The (Scene) Change!
We’ve been back in NYC just about a year, and it’s been, well, very New York. Up, down, East Side, West Side... Silver Fox may never be a city guy, but he’s making the most valiant effort; love him. We have a favorite corner bistro, a well-traversed route through Prospect Park for the dog and we haven’t gotten a parking ticket :). I promise to write all about what the last year has been like in detail, but right now as audition season picks up I want to talk about something else: the more auditions I go on, the more it's clear how different things are from the last time I lived in NYC. I even remarked on it in an audition room last week when I was asked if I’m happy to be back. The answer is YES I absolutely am, but wow, things are so....different!
And I’m different. I’ve spent the past 11 years in a different city where I worked extensively in its theater scene; I got used to its rhythms and requirements. I held two adjunct professorships. I raised a child. I have a few more lines on my face and (artfully camouflaged) grey hairs on my head, but also more wisdom and world experience. I’m better at my craft because I think that's just what happens. And time didn't necessarily stand still in New York either. So obviously things wouldn’t be, they couldn’t be, the same.
Some of those obvious things: Hamilton has changed the landscape; likewise shows such as the eclectic Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 and the immersive experience Sleep No More. Social media is required - not my best skillset. The individual is valued - it seems more important than it did previously to figure yourself out and be uniquely you, whoever that is. I’m still working on that, just FYI…
For me, these are the standouts:
Less is more; specifically audition books are, um thinner. When I left here, my book was, no kidding, three inches thick. I had a song for every eventuality, and yes, I could sing them all, but surprise no one ever wanted me to give a recital in an audition time slot. At one of my first auditions back this year, I got called out for my Giants-In-The-Sky-sized book by someone I highly respect - I was mortified, chastened, and then I had a good laugh at myself. We just don’t need all of that - it’s a waste of time, effort and worst of all, paper. So now I save my bajillion songs to share with students and colleagues in need. (Hit me up if you want suggestions!)
Work-life balance is better. Broadway moms were fewer and further between when I was one; now there’s recognition, support groups - let me know if you need to do some parental venting. And mercifully the importance of vocal health is more understood, not just by singing actors but by those that hire and help them. I have a vocal support team - how about you?
Self-taping! Oh my goodness - this adult dog is STILL working to master this new trick. It makes things a bit easier but it’s a skill in and of itself, and equipment is required. So is help. I’m pretty sure Silver Fox is going to get hired instead of me - he’s become quite the scene partner. And director. And cinematographer. Ditto for both my sister-in-law and sister - thanks gals. I love Melissa Errico’s article on the subject.
Way more shows specifically require minority performers, and many that don’t encourage all ethnicities to audition. It’s terrific, and overdue, news, although there is still MUCH more work to be done on that front. Equality, diversity, inclusion: it's not just a saying - it actually makes our industry better. Women are becoming more represented in powerful positions; to wit: the all-female team of Waitress including (full disclosure my amazing girlfriend) Lorin Latarro. While at American University I got to teach Principles, Plays and Performance - essentially AU's Acting 101 class, populated with a few first-year theater students but mostly non-majors - and I included a unit on Women in Theater. One student, a Statistics/Poli Sci double major, was curious post-lecture and did a little extra credit work - pictured below. He also gave a terrific performance as Prior Walter from Angels in America for his final project ...just saying.
One thing for sure is the same about this glorious art form: it continues to be a refuge and game-changer for young people and for those of us who are not as young as we look. :) Take a second and explore the above links - they might surprise you.
How about you? What’s changed for you in recent years? If you’re just starting out, how do things differ from your expectations? What’s something you’d like to see change? Comment below and let's converse!
