From abroad / foreign performers

[Unknown User]

Posted: 12/2/17 at 5:38pm

Hey all, just need your help cause I'm dying in doubts. Is there a tiny chance to get the job for foreign female dancer (! not an actor) in Broadway musicals? Does anybody know an example? Heard A LOT about difficulties of not having union- or equity- membership, furthermore situation is getting worse because of visa issues. I mean...if the director/employer is REALLY interested in you, he is gonna help you anyway perhaps, buuut.. P.S. Don't throw chairs in my face, I absolutely understand that USA should help and give a job to americans first. On the other hand hope you can understand performer's desires as well...

[Cryoutloud131]

Posted: 12/2/17 at 7:11pm

Umm Bianca Marroquín and Lea Salonga are the only ones to come to mind.

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 12/2/17 at 10:02pm

There’s a handful of British and Australian performers in the ensemble of shows on Broadway right now and many of the have ties to the show from being in previous companies.

The bigger issue could be trying to make it on Broadway solely as a dancer. Unless it is a dance specialty show, the creative team is nearly always looking for people who are solid singers, actors, and dancers. Or mind-blowing in two and above average in the other.

[jo]

Posted: 12/2/17 at 10:13pm

Cryoutloud131 said: "Umm Bianca Marroquín and Lea Salonga are the only ones to come to mind."

 

Lea is a  special case. It was Cameron Mackintosh who brought her to Broadway, after Lea's Olivier-winning role in MISS SAIGON in London. Lea was cast in the role after a worldwide search by Mackintosh and Boublil&Schonberg.  Even with her success in the London production, her transfer as well as that of Jonathan Pryce did not get Equity approval at first pass. It was only after Mackintosh said he was not transferring the hit show to Broadway without his two London stars that the two leads were allowed to reprise their roles on Broadway. Lea won a TONY for the role.  

 

[starcatchers]

Posted: 12/2/17 at 10:41pm

Leanne Cope, who starred in American in Paris. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/3/17 at 12:02am

starcatchers said: "Leanne Cope, who starred in American in Paris."

If you are thinking chorus dancer, I don't think there would be too many willing to go the extra mile to help you with employment issues.  There are thousands of capable dancers auditioning with no restrictions.

 

And, not too many jobs anymore that are just dancing.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 12/3/17 at 6:30am

oncemorewithfeeling2 said: "The bigger issue could be trying to make it on Broadway solely as a dancer."

By "to get a gob for a dancer (! not an actor)" I meant the dancer who can sing, which is always required in Broadway musical chorus calls, and which I'm prepared for.
The question is... is the role in ensemble important enough as principal when it's getting to find the talent? And if so, could the cast.director be ready enough to help with empoying, no matter what the citizenship does the needful talent have?
 

 

[Unknown User]

Posted: 12/3/17 at 6:46am

dramamama611 said: "If you are thinking chorus dancer, I don't think there would be too many willing to go the extra mile to help you with employment issues". 

- understandable and sad

"And, not too many jobs anymore that are just dancing."

- If I'm considering Broadway, I automatically think of combining bunch of skills, not just dancing, #realistic
As I've already questioned in previous response, does the chorus dancer matter enough for directors so they ready to help foreign?
But yeah..I see your opinion above

Updated On: 12/3/17 at 06:46 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/3/17 at 8:24am

If you can get your visa, you don't need help getting your Equity membership IF you get hired. (Once you get a union job offer, you must join the union.)   They do see/audition non union people, although I can't begin to guess how many people get hired from this - but it does happen.