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The path to success on Broadway?

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#1

The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 12:09am

Out of curiousity, what do you all think is the best path to having a successful career on Broadway?

Personally, I'm looking for names of universities with strong programs to research, but I'm also interested in hearing opinions on getting a degree in vocal performance or acting instead, or even not getting a degree at all. How much of a person's success do you think relies on talent, drive, and contacts?

Thanks!
#2

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 12:22am

There is a flaw in your plan.

Don't PLAN on Broadway. PLAN on working in regional productions, school productions, community theatres, possibly tours and cruise ships, and then on to professional productions, joining Equity, doing off-Broadway, etc.

Don't count on doing Broadway. If you're amazing and you know it, then go there, get discovered by auditioning like hell. If you've got it, you'll get the part. If you're rejected, then you're not as good as you thought. But if you do GOT IT, then you know you do already.

Build up a resume. Work in different theatres - not just one company. Train by doing theatre in a school with a good program. This could be a private college, a university, or a conservatory.

Sure, we could list schools with the "best" programs, but that doesn't mean it's right for YOU. What's right for YOU depends on your status now. If you audition for NYU and don't make it, doesn't mean you're not a good actor. Means you need more training. There is a difference.

The best advice I can give you is DO WHAT *FEELS* RIGHT! It's a sixth sense. You'll know if you don't belong, you'll know where you do belong. Visit colleges, visit theatres there, stay overnight, hang with the theatre students, and SEE THEIR SHOWS. Do your research.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#4

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 12:32am

25% Looks
25% Who you know
25% What you know (talent, experience, et al)
25% Passion
0% Luck (there is no such thing in show business. It's all about YOU and THEM).

And when I say "Looks" I don't mean good-looking. I don't care if you're handsome, ugly, have a great build, fat, or disfigured - you will be judged by how you look and if the look is good for the part.

"Looks" is made up of facial features, body type, gender, height, weight, physique, hair, etc. Even clothing. Voice sound, too (not how good you can sing, but the sound).

"Who You Know" is made up of the people that trained you, the people that made you who you are today, agents, contacts, etc.

"What You Know" is made up of your talent, your knowledge, your experience, how well you can sing & dance, etc.

"Passion" is your desire to perform, desire to learn, desire to train, desire to face rejection, desire to experience, desire to observe, desire to try try and try again, desire to never give up. The desire to face any challenge and try to achieve your goal, and accepting the consequences with a smile.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#5

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 12:57am

a lot of luck and a lot of who you know. believe me. after being in NYC for 12 years and seeing the people that I know who have made it to b'way, it is certainly not always talent first. not even second or third sometimes.
Please visit Bitchy Waiter
#6

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 1:01am

Very true talent is not everything - but it is 1/4 of what you need.

My percentages pertained to being a successful actor (not just Broadway).

I don't believe in luck. Not the luck in getting a theatre job. If it was meant to be, it will happen. Fate, not luck.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#7

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 2:26am

CAPN - which is why you are still in NC???

talk what you know & im not just talking about that wreck of a site
#8

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 2:56am

Kavana - something tells me you don't like me much...

The poster seeked advice from an online message board. So I gave advice. Feel free to provide your own.

I am in NC because I choose to be. I have yet to begin my theatre career, as I am still a student. I know I need more training/experience.

So you talk what YOU know and leave my "wreck" of a site to me and the thousands who enjoy it.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#9

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 3:39am

All I have to say is luck is heck of a LOT more than 0%.

My friends who've been on Broadway (several in lead roles) ALL talk about how being in the right place at the right time was a major factor in them getting cast and getting the part that changed their careers. There are TONS of incredibly gifted and talented peformers out there -- why some of them "make it" and others don't is in many instances a matter of luck and being seen by the right person at the right time.

There are HUNDREDS of workshops and showcases that happen all the time. One very talented friend of mine got offered about a dozen workshops at once, but ended up choosing to do one that -- while it didn't pay as well -- just seemed more interesting to her. Long story short, while that workshop didn't lead to anything, someone who saw her in this tiny performance piece ended up casting her in another show that surprisingly (to everyone) ended up going to Broadway less than a year later.

That's purely just luck. There were tons of other talented people who could have easily done her role -- some more talented than her, frankly -- but she was there doing a great job so the producers felt no pressing need to re-cast and they let her open in the role on Broadway.

There are so many ridiculously talented people out there who've never gotten their big break yet, I know for a fact that SO much of success has to do with luck. With making relationships with people who are nobody at the time you meet them, but end up being in the position to help you and change your career a few years later. I've seen it happen.

Just being talented and committed and dedicated and passionate and having the "right look" is absolutely no guarantee whatsoever that you're going to be successful.

You have to do all those things and work hard and hope that the right person sees you and recognizes what you have to offer.

There are NO guarantees in this business of any kind. And no matter how talented you may be, you have absolutely no control whatsoever over whether you will be cast in a certain part. Good luck, but the reality is that this business is NOT some fair meritocracy and actors don't get parts simply because they are more talented than their competition.

If you can accept that, than good luck to you and I wish you a long and sucessful career.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie [http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/] "The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney

Updated On: 7/5/05 at 03:39 AM

#10

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 5:51am

MargoChanning I would love for you to be guest speaker for my students if you ever come to Vegas.
Be the change you want in the world....

Updated On: 7/5/05 at 05:51 AM

#11

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 9:21am

This is a great question and unfortunately one that has no formulaic answer. Think about how many people would have made it on Broadway if there was a formula. No matter how secret it might be it would have gotten out by now. Sadly there isn't one. Being in the right place at the right time is a big part of it which means that you need to put yourself out there as often as possible and audition and dig for parts constantly.

After that you will have to have talent to sustain success if you achieve it though some have made a career without much talent. But these careers don't tend to be life long.

The single greatest piece of advice I can give you if you are really looking for a career in theater, whether on Broadway or in regional or touring companies: don't do this work unless you have no choice. By that I mean that if your passion is so strong that you could never imagine yourself doing anything else, then do it. Otherwise, you may just want to dabble in community shows. Without that drive and passion you will never be able to navigate the shark infested waters or withstand the rejection and poverty.

Remember that even the best paid names on Broadway don't make anything close to the CEOs in business or even in most cases the thoracic surgeon in your community hospital. Salaries for names that sell are improving but in the end you have to do it because you love it. Not because of the money or fame. If you are not doing it for love you will be as unhappy as if you were working in your local hardware store for a Machiavellian boss with a love of vice grips.

I wish you much luck on your journey and I hope it is everything you want it to be.
"Always smile at your enemies. It will keep them on their toes"
#12

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 11:02am

Margo you rule!

I don't think it really matters where you train to be honest! If the casting driector sees something in you then you've got it... it's a lot more luck than anything else in my oppinion. I got cast over a load of guys who'd trained at RADA and other top schools yet "officially" i haven't finished training (although i don't think you ever do in this industry!) It's about how you look and whether you fit the image the big wigs have... if not, it doesn't matter how talented you are, you aint got the role! It's like Donna Mekechnie (excuse spelling) she answered a casting call for a Donna Mekechnie type and didn't get it!
Jesus Loves You... Everybody else thinks you're an idiot!
#14

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 12:23pm

As I said, not believing in luck, it's fate. If it was meant to be, it will happen. You just gotta try try try.

Good fate to you.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#15

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 12:54pm

Honey, it is all who ya know, being at the right place at the right time and a lot of luck.
"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds." ~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns
#17

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 12:57pm

Luck is more like....Opportunity meets preparation. I think. Just..be prepared. And don't let things get to your head. Your drive and motivation will help that.
This is my signature.
#18

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 12:58pm

Cap'n, what exactly then is the difference between what Margo so eloquently called "Luck" and what you call "Fate"?

If it's meant to be, why go perform in showcases? If it's meant to be, you'll be discovered in Schwab's drugstore!
#19

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 1:08pm

Maybe what Cap'n was referring to was more of a everything-happens-for-a-reason approach. If it's "meant to be", it'll happen. But if not, then it'll lead to another path. Maybe a better one.
This is my signature.
#20

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 1:13pm

I think the trick to making it, on Broadway or anywhere else, is never stop. You get called back for a show and you're heads above everyone else in the room and you don't get your dream role because you look too much like the director's ex-wife? You best be up at 7 the next morning warming up for that day's auditions. Luck is a funny thing, the more you're out there, the more chance you have for it to kick in.

As far as training (your real question) I would say play to your strengths. Are you ready for a conservatory-type training? Because if not you're going to get very frustrated when no conservatory will let you in (this is from experience). My personal recommendation, if you feel ready for it, is find a solid university conservatory program (OCU, Carnegie Mellon, FSU, or even Tisch) and prepare to bust your butt. Also, from what I've seen in the professional world (Dallas is still the professional world, right?) you must focus on acting- not at the expense of your dance and voice- but because being a powerhouse actor will put you above the singing dancing double threat. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a role go to a performer with the lesser voice or dancing ability because s/he sold the hell out of a song/dance. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend what I think of as the "Cliff's Notes" 2-year schools, in which you get a little training in all three areas, but you primarily learn to audition. However, I'm sure many people would disagree with this. Anyway, whatever you do, always remember you are never as good as you could be, so always keep working. (Geez, I sound like a college speaker.)

Just my input.


Updated On: 7/5/05 at 01:13 PM

#21

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 1:19pm

This is why I didn't bother with a Musical theatre program. I feel that schools can help break the ice with producers/directors at an audiotn, etc. but it will not make up for talent, perseverance and sheer fate.

I did not go to a conservatory or school for Musical theatre training yet I have been union since I was 19 and have never had a problem getting jobs. I work my butt off and I am one of the lucky ones.

I know people who spent years in school and simply cannot sing or dance or act.

It's your destiny or its not. I swear.
#22

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 2:02pm

I definitely agree with what wonderland had to say about the importance of being an actor. And it goes back to what the original poster said about Vocal Performance majors: you're probably not going to get the acting training in a BM program that you are likely to get in an BFA program. Even in some BFA Musical Theatre programs, the emphasis is really on singing and dancing, and NOT acting... You have to do some investigation to see what each program is really interested in; some are more prone to turn out chorus people, but the schools that stress acting will turn out the leads.

In response to what Di2 said, regarding the fact that a college drama program will not make up for talent, etc...he's right. But the point is, the people in these top programs are already going to be very talented. Of course, many, many people who "make it" never went to college (or college for drama). But those who do, and go to a well-respected program, really do get a lot of perks. Obviously, there's the training that you're gonna get. You get guaranteed performance time while still, possibly, living on your parent's dime, in a safe environment. But in addition to talent and training, as people here have mentioned, it's about who you know. College drama programs are a great way to network and meet people, and if you're at a school with an established program, there's undoubtedly some kind of alumni network to help you get started when you get out.

But really, whether or not someone chooses to train in college, you've gotta get some training somwhere! There are alot of people out there graduating from high school who may be very talented, but who haven't had solid training - and it's evident.

Updated On: 7/5/05 at 02:02 PM

#25

re: The path to success on Broadway?

Posted: 7/5/05 at 2:38pm

JoeK - everything Margo said is very true, I just don't think of it as luck. I think of it as fate.

Why not just "get discovered"? Because you can't. It's who you know, right place/right time, as Margo said. However, that's not luck. Luck is getting the right cards in a poker game. Luck is rolling a strike. Luck is getting a hole-in-one.

FATE - fate is right place/right time. Fate, according to Webster, is:

1 : the principle or determining cause or will by which things in general are believed to come to be as they are or events to happen as they do : DESTINY

I don't think of fate as be lazy, don't work, if you're meant to be a Broadway star, it'll happen. That's not fate - that is magic, which does not exist. Fate - you need to work hard, try try try. Never give up. Eventually, it will happen. Maybe not on Broadway or in New York, maybe not how you imagined, but you will get your break.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle

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