Making It On Broadway - th truth? — Page 7

if it is the feild you are going into, it is always wise to know what you are getting into, b/c if you dont like what you hear, maybe it isnt sucj a good idea to get into, it all depends on how you look at it, but if you love it enough,and if you want it bad enough and have the talent for it, then nothing, not even a book should hold you back, but i do get what you are saying, it is hard to read the bad sides of the things you love to do

I think you should take every book, class, or lesson with a grain of salt. It's all subjective. And, you should take everything you learn and put it in a mental filing system--you never know what might come in handy. The truth is that each person's journey is different. Each person's luck is different.

You learn all your life that being an actor is hard. Yet, you never learn the specifics. Most high schools and colleges rarely teach the business aspects. And, frankly, most of the people teaching have never even tried to be a theatre professional in NYC, nor succeeded and can give the scoop on life behind that "curtain". This isn't to discredit those fabulous teachers, but to say that if they haven't been there, done that--they can't pass that info quite so succintly. There was always that vague "oh this business is rough" discussion. "oh there are casting couches" "auditioning is hard", etc etc. But, no specifics. It's the specifics that throw you.

In college, I got to study with Broadway professionals like Stuart Ostrow or Edward Albee. In Houston, I did theatre with people like Liliane Montevecchi, Harvey Evans, Millicent Martin, etc etc. All of these people's perspectives have proven to be closest to what it is really like. How many kids around the country get to hear those stories?

Listening to questions from non-theatre folk at the Broadway shows I usher or on this board or people who ask me when they find out I am an actor at a party or what have you, definitely clues me to the fact that most people in the audience know very little about what an actor goes through. Having fights about acting unions on this board very much shows how some people do not get it. Most people clearly know that becoming a lawyer or doctor is hard, but do not think for one second how hard becoming an actor is. They just equate it with being a hobby.

Historically, actors have been crapped on. And, in these last few centuries, actors have come to be treated with respect. However, there are soooo many things that actors must endure. Just because it is a fun job shouldn't belittle their issues and concerns. We don't act because it's fun--we act because it is our passion. It's what's inside us.

I came to NYC knowing that it would be hard--but not KNOWING it would be hard and just how hard it would be SPECIFICALLY. Even the wise stories and advice from those aforementioned greats didn't prepare me for NYC theatre in the 21st century--the whole business has changed. This book takes at look at these current issues. I take it all with a grain of salt, but I am greatly thankful for most of what the book informs me on--the specifics. And the things that no one would know if they hadn't been through it themselves. There are things in that book that no one I know or read has talked about. Specifically.

Spending a year ushering and being backstage doorman has taught me things you do not learn in books about how Broadway works--both the things you think about and the things one never thinks about, trivial or large. You learn most by observing and doing.

So, I say to any kid who wants to be an actor, DO read this book. Know some of the things you never would have known before coming here. But, don't let the book ruin your dreams. Just let it prepare you. Auditioning and trying to get a show, especially a show on Broadway is TOUGH. Just as tough as you have heard, if not so much more so. I knew this coming here. I didn't really KNOW it. Now, I know just how much harder I have to work. I told my friends back in Houston that I easily imagined winning that Tony when I lived in Houston, but now that I am geographically closer, I realize how much farther away that Tony is!

Be aware though that the book is merely these editors' collection of these actors' perspectives. Your experiences may be completely different. For example, I live in a great apt--mostly because I live in Astoria, which is no farther from Times Square than much of Manhattan. I pay very little rent. No rats or cramped quarters for me!

Audiences--DO read this book for a greater appreciation of what it takes to be on that stage.

Interesting thing about one of the actors in the book:

In one chapter, he tells of how he enjoyed engaging in pranks onstage. In another chapter he wonders why he has trouble getting work. Hmmmm.

But, overall, I think the actors have incredible stories to learn from. I think Rath makes many good points, but I do not think this book should be completely discredited. It gives much insight, good or bad.

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Updated On: 11/13/04 at 03:07 PM

"Historically, actors have been crapped on. And, in these last few centuries, actors have come to be treated with respect. However, there are soooo many things that actors must endure. Just because it is a fun job shouldn't belittle their issues and concerns. We don't act because it's fun--we act because it is our passion. It's what's inside us."

Excellent point, JRB!

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Never read the bok, but... One night we were sitting at a show, and my mom gets all excited because this guy is wearing a jacket from a certain show (A different show than we were at.). Anyway, they get to talking and my mom goes, 'Well, I was thinking about getting into the production side of things, maybe get a little group going.Do you have any suggestions for getting it off the ground?" And he looks her in the eye and cool as can be goes, "Don't do it." Mm. Muy funny.

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sorry,no-but thanks for reminding me about it-after this thread you can be sure I'll look for it....

NYC2004, are you a shill? All you ever post on this board or the ATC board is about how this book is the greatest thing since sliced bread, and you slam and attack anyone who has the slightest criticism about it. And when this thread was dying, you jumped right back in to revive it.

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Updated On: 12/1/04 at 04:45 PM

Who's losing their temper? Considering that NYC only seems to post in threads related to that book, it's a reasonable question. Though really, what shill what ever admit to shilling?

And rehot openly states his connection to what he's shilling- it's his own damn act. That's like accusing Marc Shaiman of shilling Hairspray.

Updated On: 12/1/04 at 05:10 PM

Sorry, you're right. I'm just harbouring leftover anger from when I made some valid points about the book earlier this month, and NYC2004 lashed out and treated me in a condescending manner. I'm mildly annoyed by shills, but what I hate most is when the shills attack you for not liking their product, as if you're the wrongdoer.

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I urge you to read this entire thread, capnkidd. You won't ever see Marc Shaiman attacking anyone who speaks negatively about his work. Check NYC's reactions to anyone who attempts to discuss a view different from this book.

Also please note that Marc and redhot post in other threads and take part in discussions that have nothing to do with what they admittedly "shill." They are active members of this board. With that in mind, do a search on NYC20042's posts.

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Updated On: 12/1/04 at 07:29 PM

I had read the threads the first time around & saw the fight in real time-I absolutely agree that nyc2004 was no angel either-he/she was absurdly condescending.I doubt,however that nyc is the author or even connected to the book-just a fan(admittedly one who likes to press buttons),like a lot of other fans who are just a little(ok,maybe a lot)over the top.
I have no problem w/the shilling-there's no injunction against it on the board,and you either allow it or you don't.that's up to the moderators.
Marc is a positively charming gentleman(I've seen very little of redhot's posts,but certainly have no problem w/any of them).I just dislike the incivility I've seen here...and if you don't like a post(or a poster)and you don't respond,they will eventually go away.If you argue w/them,it just keeps them going...

hun, NYC2004 isn't a "fan"............

no no no.. you don't understand what I am saying. NYC2004 is a working actor. Not a fan. NYC2004 has MUCH more perspective on it that you do.