Working Definition: An amorphous term that has come to describe any Professional (paid) theatre (musicals, plays, Shakespeare, musical variety) that occurs during the summer season (approx. May-September). Often featuring young professionals, Summer Stock work can be found at a variety of both year-round and summer-only venues and can often occur in non-traditional spaces, such as outdoors or under tents. While treated as an entry level/intern gig in the professional world with entry-level pay, Summer Stock work provides real world performance experience in addition to exposing early career theatremakers to a variety of other responsibilities (building sets, costuming, teaching, etc.).

Our student bloggers write about how they're coping with the current global health crisis, give insight on their school's performing arts programs, share their opinions on the latest theater news, and so much more. An interview with cast members from A Strange Loop, a ranking of Glee songs, and more-- read the latest from our college student bloggers!

We’re trying to fit in the world that surrounds us, but that world it’s just part of the real one, that made me understand that if I start taking care of myself and loving myself today, tomorrow I’ll overcome things easily, and be sure that I’ll be able to keep going no matter what.

As more and more musicals are turned into movies nowadays, like “In the Heights,” “West Side Story” and now “Dear Evan Hansen,” it’s important to discuss what made the best adaptations so successful, and what future directors can learn from their predecessors to achieve similar quality. And after all, what better template for a movie musical than the first one to win the Academy Award for Best Picture since 1968?

When I decided to take a class on Shakespeare that first quarantined semester, I figured it would be the same as the rest. I was familiar with the Bard as I had read some of his plays throughout high school, and I thought the class would be one I’d breeze through and maybe learn a thing or two about tragedy vs comedy. I had no idea at the time that my entire outlook on the pandemic would be changed from just one class, or that I would learn so much about how the world of theatre was coping.

So for this one last article, I am sharing one of, if not the most important accomplishment of my life: I moved to New York City!

During my time working and making theater, I've learned that rejection is something constant and you are never going to stop comparing yourself to others. It's not a good feeling, but it comes with the industry. During this article, I'm going to go through some of the most relatable lyrics from 'sour' and how they connect to my work as an artist. 

This past semester, I took one of my favorite classes I’ve had so far in my time at Tisch, Feminism and Theatre. My teacher, Gwendolyn Alker’s, syllabus set the stage for the amazing class. We read plays by playwrights of all different backgrounds, about all kinds of subjects, and we talked about why they’re important, in conjunction with feminist theoretical texts. 

Becoming a certified fitness instructor, no matter the discipline, is one of the best moves you can make for your future career as a performer. I can picture a life where I teach classes by day and act by night, and think that this is one of the smartest ways I have prepared myself for life after college.

The internship application process can be incredibly stressful with sending out multiple cover letters, participating in virtual interviews, and waiting weeks to hear back from companies. However, polishing your application materials and theatrical skills will have employers begging to have you join their teams.

A few weeks ago, theater critic Charles McNulty published an article in the Los Angeles Times titled 'Cut the intermission, please. Why I hope the pandemic ends a theatrical tradition.' The article argues that audiences are becoming more restless and have shorter attention spans, which is only hurt by having a 15-minute break in the middle of a performance.

When something doesn't go as planned make it look like it was and if there's absolutely no possibly way to make it look like it was planned, parade on. It was just a moment. 'A peculiar passing moment.' That's what live theatre is for. The moments. Soak them up, they aren't all perfect but they're yours.

As this article is being posted on BroadwayWorld, the main thing this article will be focusing on, of course, is Broadway itself and my revelations regarding it. And honestly, it's sort of embarrassing how long it took me to realize just how horrible and ingrained Broadway's issues are. I mean. The entire genre of musical theatre has its roots in minstrelsy. And while it may have evolved to something else, those roots are still there, and they still need to be addressed.

Student blogger Leah chats with John-Andrew Morrison, James Jackson Jr, and Jason Veasay, three of the fabulous cast members in A Strange Loop! 'While I cannot wait to get my tickets to any productions that open first, one of the shows I'm most looking forward to seeing is A Strange Loop'

“When I came home, I found myself unable to relax because the idea of not doing schoolwork or worrying about schoolwork or thinking about schoolwork was implausible. Now, a few weeks later, I feel my brain is too relaxed. Writing this 500-word blog has taken an embarrassingly long time, hence the very casual tone and title. Unlike my other blogs, this one simply did not flow.”

It really has not fully registered for me that I am an upperclassman, let alone that I just finished my junior year of college. With the pandemic, everything has kind of felt like a whirlwind and a blur.

Like theatre, film and television have the power to transport viewers into an alternate universe and take them on a beautiful journey, either ending in success, heartbreak, victory, or despair. No matter the genre, the world that exists within the screen is something truly spectacular and mesmerizing. While of course I love seeing original work in the theatre community, I am also occasionally a sucker for a good adaptation. I adore seeing some of my favorite pieces of art turned into a full-blown musical or play.

If you clicked this link, you know what to (generally) expect. Without further ado, in no particular order, here are my top ten tips for students starting or finishing their university theatre studies.

As for expectations, the movie is set to wow everyone who watches. Like the Broadway show, the emotions attached to the storyline and characters are sure to be overwhelming and will draw anyone right in. And because the wait for this film has been so long, the excitement and love is already heightened than if the timeline was any quicker.

The good news is, Broadway is back! It's been a very long year and a half, but theaters will be full of crowds, applause and happy smiles before we know it. There's no doubt that thousands are excited to see some of the most well known shows again along with the opening of others throughout the fall season. Get your tickets ready and best outfits out because as any avid lover of Mamma Mia! would say, here we go again!

I have listed a few of my favorite songs from musicals to add to your summertime playlist. They are perfect for car rides, beach trips or just lazy days by the pool. They are the perfect addition to the incredible Summer of Fun ahead of us.

I've discovered that once I start working on theater productions and I feel that magic and joy, I don't want to stop, which leads me to seek out new opportunities.

As soon as tickets for various productions went on sale, I penciled in a few shows that I'm especially excited to see. Whether it's a new production that's yet to be put on stage, or a Broadway staple, I'm ready to splurge on at least a few of these shows in the near future.

A future in the arts is precarious. It involves overwhelming self-motivation and internal strength. It means that you must constantly advocate for yourself. It means being okay with the fact that you may not succeed right off the bat—and if you’re a worrier like me, existing in this world can sometimes feel like running a marathon with a blindfold on.