The Showstopper Blog

Theatre blog for the StageAgent community including audition tips, acting and singing advice, interviews with theatre industry experts and career advice.

How Can You Have a Family and Work in the Arts?

There are so many factors to consider before having a family when you work in the arts. See how a designer raised by two artists examines the dilemma.

Actors and Costume Designers: Building a Perfect Relationship

Actors and costume designers have an intimate relationship. Read these 5 tips to ensure that you have a great working relationship with your designer.

For the Love of Blood: Your Ultimate Guide to Stage Blood

With the Ides of March upon us -- the day upon which Julius Caesar was murdered -- it’s the perfect time of year to talk stage blood.

Surviving Tax Season as an Artist

When you work as an artist, tax season blows. Check out these custom tips for artists to successfully complete your taxes and get that refund!

The Hearts of Monsters: Why We Need to Play Villains

What does it take to play a villain? Can there actually be value in becoming -- for a time -- a "bad guy"?

Hamilton Hype: Why We Are Obsessed

Standing on the stage of the Richard Rodgers Theatre, I looked out into the gilded, empty house, and thought, “What would Hamilton think of ALL THIS?”

The Secret to Vintage Hairstyling

Ever wondered how Marie Antionette had such large hair? Or wanted to create vintage hair like the ladies in White Christmas? Introducing: THE RAT.

How to Help Your Director Carry Out His or Her Vision

A stage director needs a ton of support to carry out his/her vision. Here are the key people who need to help the director guide a show to success.

Community: A Theatrical Necessity

There is no theatre without an audience. Community engagement is not just something that’s nice to do – it is essential to the creation of the art itself.

Movember Madness: The Art of Fake Facial Hair

A fake beard or mustache can instantly allow an actor to transform to a new person. Check out our tutorial on applying facial hair and enjoy the new you!

Social Media Savvy for Actors

NYC Casting Associate Kate Lumpkin shares her five guidelines to help actors successfully use social media to enhance their performing arts careers.

Do-It-Yourself Blood, Guts and Gore

Just in time for every Halloween! Expert tips on creating realistic-looking wounds, blood, guts and gore from StageAgent.com's makeup blogger, Amy Bobeda.