New Book Offers Practical Guide to Thriving in Musical Theatre
A new book, “How to Succeed in Musical Theatre Without Really Dying: The Actor’s Guide to Booking Work and Building a Career That Lasts,” co-written by Tony Award winner Lindsay Mendez and composer Ryan Scott Oliver, aims to provide aspiring and working musical theatre actors with practical advice for navigating the industry. The book, published by BenBella Books, is based on the authors’ experiences and their training program, Actor Therapy, which they have run since 2012.
Beyond the “It Factor”
The authors challenge the notion of an “It factor” – a unique talent or star quality – as the key to success. Instead, they emphasize the importance of expertise in the craft, industry knowledge, business acumen, collaboration, resilience in the face of rejection, and perseverance. The book is designed as a pep talk and a practical guide for actors at all stages of their careers, including those feeling stalled or lost.
Defining Your Brand
A central theme of the book is the importance of specificity. Actors are encouraged to define their individual “brand” by identifying four essential qualities: voice, look (including playable age, height, and body shape), energy, and authenticity. Examples of energy types include character actors, comedic performers, and villainous roles. Authenticity encompasses aspects of identity, history, and lived experience, such as ethnicity, sexuality, or specific skills like gaming or marathon running.
The authors provide guidance on crafting a “branding statement” – a concise description of an actor’s unique qualities – and offer examples, such as “a spunky neurodivergent queen from a loud, Greek-Jewish family.” They stress the importance of focusing on strengths and avoiding attempts to be overly versatile, noting that versatility can be expanded upon later.
Mendez’s Own Experience
The book illustrates its points with real-world examples, including Lindsay Mendez’s own career trajectory. Mendez initially didn’t consider herself a likely candidate for the role of Elphaba in Wicked due to typical casting expectations. Still, her performance as Rose Fenny in Dogfight, rooted in vulnerability and vocal flexibility, caught the attention of the director Joe Mantello, ultimately leading to her casting.1
A Comprehensive Guide
“How to Succeed…” is divided into three sections. The first, “Building It,” covers audition techniques, including developing an audition book and focusing on storytelling. It even offers detailed advice on physical movement, such as proper foot placement for hip mobility and avoiding unnatural gestures. The second section outlines seven steps for building a long-term artistic career, including creating a business plan, prioritizing training and self-care, stabilizing finances, building a digital presence, fostering relationships, creating opportunities, and managing time effectively. The final section addresses practical business details like headshots, resumes, Equity membership, contracts, and the roles of agents and managers.
Resources and Conclusion
The book includes a chapter on coping with rejection and an appendix listing over ninety musicals referenced throughout the text. It emphasizes that success requires consistent effort and dedication.
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