The Showstopper Blog

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

Self-Tape Auditions - Do's and Don'ts

Self-tape auditions are becoming more and more common in the present climate. Here are our tips on how to put your best self forward in digital form.

Directing New Works: How to ensure a successful creative process

Directing a new play is exciting, but it can be a daunting process. Here we offer some tips on how to make the most of this creative process.

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!

Playwright Spotlight: African-American Writers

Without question, African-American playwrights have profoundly impacted the landscape of American theatre. While there are several writers who are rightfully in classroom reading lists, we want to highlight some BIPOC writers you may not yet know.

"Are they better than me?" Dealing with insecurity and rejection.

An actor's life is tough and watching someone else get the part you know you were perfect for is even harder. So, how do we best deal with our insecurities?

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!!

Herding Cats...Or, What I Learned as a Stage Manager!

Being stage manager is not for the faint of heart but it's also an incredibly rewarding job. Take a dip into the wonderfully busy world of stage management!

Thriving as a Community Theater in a COVID-19 Era

Community theatres are struggling right now. We all want to perform, but how will we do it safely? Blogger Jason LeBlanc explores some creative options.

Choosing a Singing Teacher

With so many singing teachers out there, how do you choose the right one? Follow this guide to choosing a new singing teacher and get right teacher for you.

Mourning the Shows We Have Lost

Many of us were in the middle of rehearsing/performing great shows when COVID-19 struck. How do we mourn the shows we may never get the chance to return to?

Analyzing the Drama: English Renaissance Tragedy

English Renaissance tragedies can be tricky to get your head around, but our latest blog post will demystify these plays and make them a joy to read!

They Don't Like My Play: The Playwright's Guide to Critical Feedback

One of the hardest things as a playwright is to receive critical feedback of your play. Brit Christopher explains why it's necessary to let your guard down.