The Showstopper Blog

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

Using a Smartphone to Prep a Monologue or Song

All actors practice in front of the mirror when prepping a role, monologue, or song. Luckily, the smartphone is a much more capable actor's assistant.

How to Choose The Right Plays or Musicals to Produce

Definitive guide on producing a play or musical including how to select a season by theme and how to stay within your budget.

4 Tips for Responsible Performance Adjudication

Important tips to help theatre adjudicators provide more useful feedback and help teach drama students.

When a Role Calls Out to You

Sometimes a role calls out to you. Professional stage actor, Rob Richardson shows us how to chase that role, learn it and be ready when it comes your way.

The Top 10 Items Needed by Stage Managers

Stage managers are the unsung heroes of every production. Here are ten of the best SM kit goodies.

A Lighting Designer Focuses on Life: An Interview

Meet Kevin Landesman, a Bay Area lighting designer. Read how he has been lucky enough to spend his career lighting up the theatre.

Making the Tough Choices

Read StageAgent blogger Rob Richardson's latest post addressing some of the touch choices actors face: union/non-union, survival jobs, family, and more!

The Artistic Process: Creating a New Work

Stage Agent sat down with writers Patrick Burns & Kathleen Combs to discuss the artistic process in collaborating on a new musical project.

An Overture to Musical Theatre Overtures

Musical Theatre overtures combine elements of melodies in a Broadway show and set the tone for the performance to come. Read StageAgent's list of favorites!

Acting Out: A Letter to My Younger Self

What would you tell yourself at the moment when you decided to go into acting as a profession? Read blogger Rob Richardson's letter to his younger self now.

StageAgent: A Great Cross-Curricular Teaching Tool

Teaching artist Amanda Whitford Grundy shares thoughts on cross-curricular teaching with StageAgent for Schools, integrating theatre with other subjects.

StageAgent in the Drama Classroom

Learn about the genesis of the StageAgent for Schools program, and why drama teachers need to bring StageAgent for Schools into their classrooms.