By now, you’ve probably heard the term ‘triple threat’ used.  This title refers to performers who are excellent in not only one area of the arts, but several. For instance, a musical theater performer who is a killer dancer, singer and actor, is considered to be a triple threat. Certainly, not every performer has to achieve this status, however, acting plays a crucial role in every performing arts genre. Dancing, singing, acrobatics, figure skating — you name it, acting is 100% noticed.

Have you ever watched good dancers make even the most complicated techniques look effortless? Watching an experienced dancer perform a tap routine can be magical. And, this can also happen for you if you learn these 4 tap dance steps that are simple but essential elements of all tap choreography.  Get ready to train your own feet to create a unique mixture of motion and music! This beginner’s guide will give you easy-to-follow steps and a tap-dancing video for each move. What are the

Now that vaccinations are starting to roll out, we’re all starting to believe live theater really will return! And while it may be a while before things are totally back to normal, that makes these next few months a perfect opportunity to get yourself as well-prepared as possible for when auditions and productions resume.  We may have spent our downtime mostly binge-watching The Great British Baking Show or learning to knit, but many of us also used the extra free time to tackle house pro

Students who want to get into their top choice college often do things to strengthen their application throughout their time in high school. If they want to get into a highly competitive academic program, they may begin thinking about this from the time they enter high school, and they may go above and beyond in their preparation, taking advantage of every opportunity to make themselves stand out as a candidate for admission. When it comes to seeking admission at a college or conservatory vocal

I’ve said it once and I will say it again, we are all actors by nature! Anyone can be an actor if given the proper tools and training.  There are ways to become a stronger stage actor and as performers we should always be learning and growing. When speaking to new actors, I often quote Michael Shurtleff, the author of my favorite acting text, “Audition”. He once said, “Use what you know. Don't worry about what you don't know.”  This couldn’t be more true! Acting is reacting and

As technology brings the world's cultures together and choreographers continue to push the creative envelope, there are more types of dance classes now than ever before. Don't let all the options overwhelm you, but don't limit yourself to stereotypes either! There are many different types of dance, but the fundamentals are often very similar. Read on to learn about each genre and find out which one is most compatible with your personality and interests. How Many Types of Dance Styles Are Th

Have you ever wondered what it's like to travel the world touring with a symphony orchestra? Jet-setting from New York to LA, hopping from London to Paris and then on to Rome and Madrid. Maybe a few days in Tokyo before flying to Shanghai and finishing in Sydney. Ah yes, it’s a glamorous life…...or is it?   What is it Actually Like to Tour With a Symphony Orchestra? I was very fortunate to have spent 23 years as a member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. During those yea

izusek / E+ / Getty Images Wondering how to audition for a movie and make it to the big screen? Here, we'll share six important tips for success. It doesn’t matter whether you are interested in learning how to audition for a movie role as a child, a teen, or as an adult. It also doesn’t matter what kind of movie you’re interested in or what city you plan on auditioning in. Knowing how to prepare for a movie audition will require the same kind of tenacity, skill, and know-how no matt

As vaccinations start to roll out, we're finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. But, it’s still going to be a long time before live theater returns fully. Holding a virtual performance may feel like a sad substitution – no applause or audience response, no interaction with fellow cast members, no fun backstage rituals -  but it’s what we’ve got for now. At least it gives us a way to continue honing our craft and expressing ourselves, and there are lots of possibilities.  S

Improvisational acting, often shortened to "improv", can be described in its simplest terms as acting without a script. Many actors and non-actors enjoy this highly creative and fun activity. Actors use improv exercises to help develop characterization, as a tool to explore character relationships within a script, as a means to keep their acting skills sharp and be able to think on their feet, and of course as an art form in itself.  There are many famous improv companies all over the countr