Dean Linnard

Dean Linnard is a bicoastal actor and teaching artist. DeanLinnard.com

Dealing with “No”: A Rejection Deflection Guide for Actors

They said no. You prepared your audition for hours, and they said no. Don't beat yourself up, these five tips will help you deal with rejection as an actor.

Outdoor Shakespeare: What happens when it rains?!

Today we are going to explore outdoor Shakespeare: its history and traditions, its joys and difficulties, and its many forms and characteristics.

The Art of Getting Ready: Finding Your Pre-Show Routine

Now, every actor is different but what are some best practices regarding getting ready for curtain? Today we are going to explore pre-show routines!

The Musical Mouse: Dissecting Disney on Broadway

Disney on Broadway is a theatrical phenonemon but, as this blog post explores, it was a risky move to shift from film to stage. Let's take a look!

The Joy of the Past: History on Stage

History plays are having a moment. But why? Why in this modern era of immediacy are our stages now looking back? Let's take a look!

The Future of Streaming Theatre in a Post-Covid World: A Prediction

The last year saw a boom in streamed theatre as Covid-19 hit the world. As we tentatively move forwards, will streaming continue in some form? Let's see!

From Stage to Screen: When Musicals Become Movies

From the recent movie adaptation of Cats to the phenomenally successful film of Chicago...why are movie musicals so hit and miss?! Let's take a look!

Stage Combat: A Beginner's Guide

Effective stage combat can be a daunting prospect for any actor. Our latest blog post offers an introduction on how best to serve the fight director and the play in moments of physical combat.

Divas: An Entymology

The world of musical theatre loves a divine diva, but what does the word 'diva' really mean and why are they so revered? Let's find out!

From Ghost Lights to the Scottish Play: Tracking the Supernatural in the Theatre

Theatrical lore is ripe with ghosts, curses, and superstitions. As Halloween approaches, we explore the intertwining history of theatre and the supernatural.

One for the Fans: The World of Theatre Fandoms

There's no denying it, the state of the fandom in is strong. In our latest blog post we explore musical theatre fandoms in all their fantastic glory!

Away You Go! The Pros and Cons of Studying Drama Abroad

Choosing to study drama abroad is a big and, potentially, exciting decision, but there are many factors to consider. Here, we discuss the pros and cons of making the big move!

Forever Summer: Notes on the Enduring Appeal of 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' (From an Actor Who’s Been in it Five Times)

A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's most regularly performed plays, so what's the appeal? We explore the lure of this perennial favorite!!

When Theaters Go Dark: Broadway in Lockdown

The lights on Broadway are out. Across the world theaters are dark. Actor Dean Linnard shares his thoughts on the feeling within the NYC theater community.

The Death of Repertory Theater

In mid twentieth-century America, repertory theater was thriving but where did it go? In this blog post we take a look at the history of the rep system.

Playing Killers: Notes From an Actor Repeatedly Cast as Murderers

Nice guys can play terrifying killers right?! Blogger (and lovely human!) Dean Linnard shares his experiences of being repeatedly cast as the bad guy.

A Graceful Exit: The Subtle Art of Backing Out of a Project

Backing out of a project is a tricky problem to navigate. How do you leave a show without burning your bridges? Our latest blog post offers some useful tips

Beyond the Proscenium: An Introduction to Immersive Theater

Immersive Theater has been identified as one of the most definitive theatrical trends of the 2010's. Let's take a look at what makes it so popular!

Oh the Horror! Frightening Tales of Audition Mistakes

This week, we're delving into the world of audition horror stories! Here, we recount some audition fails and offers our tips on how to learn from them.

Audience Etiquette (From a Long-Term Theater House Manager)

Folks, it’s time for some Theater Audience Etiquette Real Talk. Today, we offer you 5 simple ways that you can be a better audience member at the theater!

“Do You Play Any Instruments?” The Sudden Demand for Multidisciplinary Actors

Do you play an instrument? Our latest blog post examines the increasing demand for multidisciplinary actors and how to make the most of these opportunities.