Every theatrical performer has had a dream somewhere along the path of his life of being a star on Broadway. This is no small feat--the reality of getting to perform on Broadway. Broadway is a much smaller world than Hollywood--there are only a handful of shows running on Broadway at any given time, and many of the shows are headlined by known stars. But there are ways to make sure you're heading on the right path. With hard work, talent and perseverance, you may see your name in lights yet. You may even be the next Ethel Merman.
Instructions
Get Into Broadway
1. Be well-trained in music, drama and/or dance. The earlier you start serious training, the better your chances. If you start as a child, you'll have a better idea of your musical ear or know if you are gifted with physical and dramatic abilities. The more years of study and performance you have, the better the chance to hone any natural skills you possess. Seek out teachers who have excellent resumes and who will push you to excel. A good teacher will know when you have outgrown her and will refer you more capable teachers with the ability to carry you to the next level of your training.
2. Be active in theater. Again, start as young as possible. It doesn't matter what kind of theater--community, ensemble, children's theater, dinner theater, experimental--just get out there and do as much as you can, in any venue that you can at first. Experience will give you confidence and will open doors for further experimentation. You'll also learn the areas that are most comfortable for you and the places where your talents shine the best.
3. Attend a university well-known for its arts programs, such as Northwestern, NYU, Columbia, Juilliard, USC, UCLA and Yale. The connections you make within a top university will boost your chances of success in those higher circles. The instructors, the internship programs and the student body will help you with networking once you graduate.
4. Audition for off-off Broadway roles often. If you're in New York, check out smaller theaters like the Harold Clurman or SoHo Rep, to name two of a thousand. Get involved with a theater company whose style of work inspires you. This requires seeing lots of theater and mingling with these people. If you're not in New York, find the theater scene in your city and start there. If you're headed for Broadway, though, you will have to consider moving to the Big Apple at some point.
5. Seek out an agent or manager who can help shape your career, once you have a few credits. If you're already performing, and your work gets noticed in your off-off Broadway venue, an agent may well contact you. Unless you have connections in high places, you will need an agent to get the bigger auditions that will propel you to your ultimate goal of Broadway. Remember that the more passionate, personal and true the body of your work, the more unique a gift you offer to the stage, and the better the chances you will get noticed by agents and producers.
