VP's BLOG: Does it Ever End?

BroadwayWorld.com is excited to introduce its newest blogger - VP Boyle!

VP BOYLE is one of the most sought after Broadway audition and life coaches for professionals in New York City and works with actors at every level across the country to spread his irreverent approach to theatrical wellness. VP currently serves as the creator and Chair of the New York Film Academy's new cutting-edge Musical Theatre & Film Conservatory Program. The two-year program merges conservatory musical theatre training with Broadway professionals and an intensive acting on film curriculum that culminates with an original movie musical film project.

Check out a quick introduction video to the program byclicking HERE.

You can also download a flyer with some featured faculty by clicking HERE.

Talent auditions are being held in New York City with an exclusive workshop for applicants on Saturday, August 21st. To register and learn more about how to participate in this workshop, click HERE.

After spending the last 15 years training musical theatre professionals, I've learned that there are no rules. More importantly, the training never stops. Ever. This business is hard and if you aren't constantly working on your craft through training and practical experience, you are totally faking it and someone else is going to book the job. There is a school of thought that 10% of your income (whatever that is) should go to education in someway because if you are not learning you are dying. I totally agree. The thing that fascinates me the most is that people wait so long or think that dedicating six months, a year or even two to their artistic development isn't worth a gazillion returns in the future. Tell that to any serious professional who enjoys a career and livelihood in this business and they would laugh at you.

I'm constantly getting asked by 18-25 population whether the training route should be conservatory-style (like the one I'm creating at New York Film Academy) or a liberal arts degree in a fantastic 4-year school is better. There is no "better" because each path is viable depending on the individual. You get to choose. But you better get some serious training somewhere or you will have an uncomfortable professional journey until you do. Some people have no interest or necessity to take Calculus or German or British Literature and would rather immerse in an intensive 1-year or 2-year conservatory program. Great! Come to NYC or Los Angeles and get going on your career weather it be musical theatre or tv/film or all of the above. If you totally want the collegiate experience with a diverse campus life including sororities/fraternities, football games, student unions and a liberal arts degree, go for it! The Theatre World is not discriminatory to talent once it walks through the door. You have to weigh in on where you are in terms of age, training, goals, dreams and finances. Here are some things for aspiring young artists and veteran pros alike that can help you take stock of your current toolkit to plan for success:

1. PRIORITIZE WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR LEARNING STRATEGY BASED ON RESULTS AND YOUR FUTURE. If you came out of a dance-heavy training program and feel you missed the boat on great acting training, take the time to immerse yourself in a program for a year or find workshops that will serve you. The longer you wait the harder it will get. Are you getting called back and not making it through the dance cut? Get into a Ballet or Jazz class for six months. Keep getting asked for pop/rock and having your heart sink when they do? Learn how to sing it and get some great pop songs in your book. Confused about what to wear? Hire a styling coach. Remember that 10% of your income should be allocated to your "education budget" and not your "bar tab."

2. CREATE ARTIST DATES.
Any learning environment or class is a "get to" not a "have to" so you need to remember that it is an artist date. You did not move to NYC or Los Angeles to be a worker bee for some law firm or to wait tables. Those are the things you joyfully take on so you can be smack dab in the middle of the Theatrical or Film Universe and have this awesome adventure. Don't forget it! Write it down and remind yourself! Too many people get lost in the drift and then end up fatigued, worn, bitter and uninspired. Plan things that feed you. A crafty vision board, a museum date by yourself, a photography excursion or even a ticket to a show that you've been putting off. If you really want to remember how cool it is to be here, go sit at TKTS and talk to children visiting from out of town about their favorite Broadway shows.

5. CREATE YOUR OWN STUDY GROUP.
If your calendar or checkbook is on the chopping block, create your own opportunities! Get a couple of friends together and book a studio to read a play, run an improv group or rehearse your audition songs and monologues. The cost will come in under $20 and you will walk away with some feedback and empowerment in being proactive with your career goals. Word to the wise: Set boundaries and guidelines that are clear from the beginning.

Whatever you choose remember...

Live who you are. Love what you do.

XOXO VP