Professional Development News
It can be hard to break into a new industry or area as a theatre artist so check out these tips and tricks to get the job! From choosing the right monologue to formatting your portfolio, these professional resources have advice, insight, and recommendations for any Bay Area theatremaker.
American Conservatory Theater and Theatre Bay Area Partnership Opens New Doors for Melissa Yandell Smith Library
American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) and Theatre Bay Area have forged a new partnership for artists all around the Bay Area to access A.C.T.’s Melissa Yandell Smith Library collection. The Melissa Yandell Smith Library contains nearly 15,000 titles including play scripts, books, videos, language and music recordings, music scores, and theater periodicals. The collection has been…
It’s Time for Theatre Artists to Talk about VR and Immersive Tech
Theatre Bay Area presents its 2023 Annual Conference: ENVISION, featuring leaders in the local and global theatre community. TBA’s first ever hybrid conference takes place on April 10 across four performing arts venues in downtown Berkeley (Freight & Salvage, Aurora Theatre, Berkeley Repertory School of Theatre, and Bay Area Children’s Theatre), with a robust virtual…
Headshots 101: Part Two
by Rotimi AgbabiakaLast Insider we received some tips from local headshot photographers about taking a winning headshot. This time around we chatted with Bay Area casting directors about what they are looking for in an actor’s headshot. LeeAnn Dowd Casting Manager, California Shakespeare Theatre What makes a good headshot? The best headshot is one that makes you feel…
The Business of Show Biz – Getting Notes From A Fellow Actor
by Velina Brown Q: A while ago I was cast in an AEA show with an actor who took it on themselves to give notes to their fellow actors after opening. This would happen during the fight call, in front of stage management, and when we had no choice but to be there. Once the actor…
The Business of Show Biz: Burning A Bridge
by Velina Brown Q: I saw the letter you posted on Facebook regarding the show about Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. After reading the letter I could see what you and the group of women who wrote the letter were upset about. But honestly, when I first heard about the show I didn’t see a problem…
The Business of Show Biz: Mind Your Own Beeswax
By Velina Brown Q: I was recently in a play with someone who just didn’t have the proper process before shows. She would eat dinner an hour before curtain, whereas my favorite acting teacher in school always said not to eat before a show because it will make you gassy and bloated and weigh you down.…
The Business of Show Biz: Wanting to Quit the Show
By Velina Brown Q: Okay, weird question. I just started rehearsals for a show. I am cast to play opposite someone that I just don’t like at all. I mean I really don’t like him. He is replacing an actor I was excited to work with but who suddenly had to leave due to a…
10 Tips for Choosing Your Audition Monologue
By Melissa Hillman Finding the right piece can be one of the most stressful parts of a big audition. Often what works very well within the context of a full production won’t serve you well as an audition monologue. Stress no more! Bay Area casting directors Amy Potozkin, Meryl Shaw, Josh Costello and yours truly…