Different Faces: How to Avoid Being Typecast

First of all, what is typecasting and how does it affect your acting career? Being typecast is basically being constantly given roles that are essentially the same type of character. If you don’t want to be stuck playing similar roles in your acting career, then here are some ways you can avoid it:

Image source: callcenterhelper.com

Be diverse

Be brave and adventurous when preparing your audition piece or choosing a character to portray. Add new roles to your repertoire and demonstrate how you can be somebody else and always strive to impress.

Don’t rebel

If you’re often cast as the goofy best friend or the antagonist, don’t try to go for roles that are the exact opposite. Take the leap from one role to another in strides to avoid biting off more than you can chew. Make sure the role you play suits you and don’t try to force it if it’s not.

Stray away from your comfort zone

One sure way to get typecast is to stay in your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You never know, you might discover something you’re really good at in the process.

Image source: whatculture.com

People may get the wrong idea about typecasting; it doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. Getting typecast means that you have a certain look or acting style that is right for a part, and that could also be a good thing. Embrace every role that comes to you so that you will eventually find the actor you want to be.

Hey there! I am Joshua B. Eaves, Broadway enthusiast and big Blue Man Group fan. Subscribe to my blog to find more stories and articles about stage plays, theater and other related topics.

Acting on The Side: The Importance of Supporting Actors

Many have the wrong notion that supporting characters are merely sidekicks. What they don't understand is how important these "sidekicks" are, not only for the protagonist but also for the whole story. Here are just some of the reasons why supporting actors are awesome:

Loyalty

Without fail, supporting actors do as their title suggests. They support the hero or heroine and display irrevocable loyalty toward them. The supporting actor provides the audience with reasons why we should love the main character.

Relatable

Let's face it, the hero in every story, play and movie are the people we wish we could be. Realistically speaking, we can more easily relate with supporting cast because of this. Not all of us are given the chance to go on an adventure; more often than not, we're usually just caught up in someone else's adventure.  
 

Image source: graytvinc.com

Moral compass
 
The protagonist is not perfect, and he doesn't really have to be because that's why he has a sidekick. The sidekick is the one who leads the main character back to the right path when he goes astray. He stops the hero from making poor decisions and even offers a different point of view. This adds depth and substance to any acting performance or story.  

Hello! I am Joshua B. Eaves, a Blue Man Group fan and theater geek. Subscribe to my blog for more stories on acting, theater, and Broadway.

Beyond Acting: The Importance of Props, Costumes, Lighting, and Sound in Theater

An actor's skill in acting is a vital component of a successful stage play, but it is not the only ingredient. For a story to be truly believable, actors also need the help of the following elements:

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Costume and props

What the characters are wearing and the props they hold onto on stage are referred to as visual cues. These cues are needed top establish a character. For example, a princess should wear a crown and a dress to imply her royal status. Props are also important because they can also be used to establish the setting of the play or can be used to introduce further a character (i.e. a policeman carrying a gun or a knight with a sword).  

Lighting

Lighting can be used to set the mood of the play or provide ambience. It gives depth and a suitable atmosphere for each scene. Think of what dim lighting can do: it gives off an eerie, scary feeling especially when combined with other elements of the performance.

Sound 

There are two variations of sound that can be experienced in the theater: background music and sound effects. Much like lighting, sounds can affect the mood or the atmosphere of a scene and helps induce emotion in the audience. It also helps in establishing the location, weather or time of day.

Image source: ytimg.com

Hey there! My name is Joshua B. Eeaves and I love theatrical productions, including performances from musicians like the Blue Man Group. Visit my Google+ page to learn more about theater, drama, and other related topics.

Sold out: The biggest Broadway hits of all time

Whenever you think of all the plays that graced Broadway, there are, for sure, several titles that easily pop into your head. Here is my list of the best Broadway hits of all time:

Wicked

Selected by viewers as the best musical of 2007, Wicked has broken box-office records around the world. This play tells the untold story of the “Wizard of Oz’s” Wicked Witch of the West, some time before Dorothy came to Oz. It is based on Gregory Maguire’s “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.”

Image Source: www.cnbc.com

Les Miserables

This is the longest running play in London. A Victor Hugo masterpiece, “Les Miserables” is winner of eight 1987 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The story is set in 19th Century France and tells the struggles of an ex-convict and his quest for redemption.

Cats

“Cats” is the second longest-running musical on Broadway. The musical has been presented in countries all over the world and has been translated into more than 20 languages. The story is focused on the Jellicle Cats and their life stories.

Image Source: www.cnbc.com

The Lion King

The musical is based on the 1994 Disney animated film, “The Lion King.” The Broadway show won six 1998 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is the recipient of “Winners of Many Viewers’ Choice Awards.” The story is about a young lion prince exiled after his father’s murder.

The Phantom of the Opera

The longest running show in Broadway history—started in 1988. It was a consistent sell-out and favorite in New York. Winner of seven 1988 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “The Phantom of the Opera” tells the story of a disfigured musical genius, who becomes obsessed with a beautiful soprano.

 Hi! I’m Joshua B. Eaves, a theater geek who found a career as a technical operations specialist in theatrical productions. Follow me on Twitter for more Broadway-related posts.

Be the Part: Top Qualities of a Great Actor

All the brightest stars both on screen and on stage started from the bottom, but they were able to rise and prove their acting prowess. So, how did they accomplished it? What does it take to become a great actor? Below are key qualities that an actor should have to achieve greatness:

Dedication and commitment
Anyone can be an actor, but not everyone wants to be one. If you are one of the people who really want to get into show business, then you have to understand the amount of discipline and effort it takes to succeed. Especially when playing roles outside of your comfort zone, it's important to leave all your inhibitions behind and become your character. That's what it takes to be dedicated to your career.

Image source: lionheartdms.com

Confidence
You can't shy away from the audience. A good actor shows no fear and will perform his best at all times. Believe in yourself and your audience will believe in you.

Talent
There are those born with the talent to act; then again, there are those who don't. But that doesn't mean they can never be great actors. Talent if not honed and developed will never blossom; likewise, a person who is not born to be an actor can learn to become one. All it takes is the right attitude.

Image source: telegraph.co.uk

Professionalism
Respect and be respected. It's a simple rule that many of us tend to overlook. In show business, it's imperative that actors show professionalism toward his fellow actors and all other show staff in all phases of production.

Joshua B. Eaves here, and welcome to my theater blog. Check out more interesting facts and stories about the world of theater, including my admiration for the Blue Man Group from my Twitter account.

Sold Out: The Biggest Broadway Hits of All Time

Whenever you think of all the plays that graced Broadway, there are, for sure, several titles that easily pop into your head. Here is my list of the best Broadway hits of all time:

Wicked

Selected by viewers as the best musical of 2007, Wicked has broken box-office records around the world. This play tells the untold story of the “Wizard of Oz’s” Wicked Witch of the West, some time before Dorothy came to Oz. It is based on Gregory Maguire’s “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.”

Les Miserables

This is the longest running play in London. A Victor Hugo masterpiece, “Les Miserables” is winner of eight 1987 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The story is set in 19th Century France and tells the struggles of an ex-convict and his quest for redemption.

 Image Source: www.cnbc.com

Cats

“Cats” is the second longest-running musical on Broadway. The musical has been presented in countries all over the world and has been translated into more than 20 languages. The story is focused on the Jellicle Cats and their life stories.

The Lion King

The musical is based on the 1994 Disney animated film, “The Lion King.” The Broadway show won six 1998 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is the recipient of “Winners of Many Viewers’ Choice Awards.” The story is about a young lion prince exiled after his father’s murder.

The Phantom of the Opera

The longest running show in Broadway history—started in 1988. It was a consistent sell-out and favorite in New York. Winner of seven 1988 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “The Phantom of the Opera” tells the story of a disfigured musical genius, who becomes obsessed with a beautiful soprano.

Image Source: www.cnbc.com

Hi! I’m Joshua B. Eaves, a theater geek who found a career as a technical operations specialist in theatrical productions. Follow me on Twitter for more Broadway-related posts.

REPOST: Blue Man Group gives special 3-D robotic limb to boy missing arm

Wyatt Falardeau, whose forearm and hand were amputated when he was still a baby, received his new 3-D printed prosthetic arms from no less than his favorite performers, the Blue Man Group. Watch their heart-warming encounter below:

Video source: Blue Man Group Youtube channel

ORLANDO, Fla. — A 12-year-old boy whose arm was amputated shortly after birth recently got quite the substitute limb thanks to some of his favorite entertainers.

In a recent video uploaded to YouTube, the boy, identified as “Wyatt,” receives a blue 3-D printed robotic arm courtesy of the internationally acclaimed Blue Man Group.

The Blue Man Group reportedly teamed up with Limbitless, which develops personalized bionics and solutions for disabilities, to provide the boy’s arm.

A video of the boy’s story was uploaded to the Blue Man Group’s official YouTube page.

“[The boy] requested a Blue Man arm and everyone helped deliver,” the video says.

Wyatt, who also has autism, was still surprised. He thought he was going backstage for a tour his mother had won in a contest, and couldn’t hold in his excitement upon meeting the group’s members.

Wyatt got to see some backstage props and engineering rooms, and then the men brought him a big black box, which had inside it his new arm.

“My new robotic arm!” Wyatt says with joy.

The boy then took some time to get acclimated to his new limb.

The Blue Man Group even took Wyatt on stage to honor the boy in front of thousands of adoring fans.

Howdy? I am Joshua B. Eaves, a theater enthusiast from Chicago, IL. Follow me on Twitter to get updates on my favorite trio, the Blue Man Group.

REPOST: The Blue Man Group Covered the Game of Thrones Theme Song

Global entertainment company The Blue Man Group is more than excited for the return of hit TV series ‘Game of Thrones’ as seen in its unique cover of the theme song originally composed by Ramin Djawadi for the popular HBO series. Time has more details on the unique cover by The Blue Man Group.

 

Video Source: time.com

They may have taken a vow of silence, but the Blue Man Group is as excited about the impending return of Game of Thrones as the rest of us. In a new video, the group puts its unique set of musical skills to work and played the Game of Thrones theme song on a collection of pipes, tubes, jars and other well-tuned flotsam. The result is an excellent facsimile of the song composed by Ramin Djawadi for the HBO series.

The Blue Man Group also managed to make a silent plea to bring Hodor back for season 5. Despite a season 4 cliffhanger that left the fate of Hodor and his charge, Bran Stark, in flux, the two characters are not slated to appear on this season of the show, much to the chagrin of some (blue) fans. In the text accompanying their new video, the Blue Men have sworn to continue their silent streak (which is rivaling Teller’s at this point) until Hodor’s status in season 5 is confirmed and used their instruments to dramatically state their case.

Hi, I am Joshua B. Eaves, a theater lover and an avid fan of The Blue Man Group. Follow meo Twitter for more exciting updates on this award-winning creative ensemble and the latest on Broadway from New York to London.

REPOST: Billy Porter Brings BROADWAY AND SOUL to LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER Tonight

Billy Porter took the stage in a concert featuring Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. The concert was part of the 40th anniversary celebration of Lincoln Center. Read the full story in this article from BroadwayWorld.com.

Image Source: broadwayworld.com

Live From Lincoln Center - the pioneering, award-winning performing arts series - continues its 40th anniversary season with another concert from Lincoln Center's American Songbook series, featuring Billy Porter tonight, April 3, in BROADWAY AND SOUL. Tony Award-winning actress and singer Audra McDonald hosts the broadcast.

Song selections include: "But the World Goes 'Round" (Fred Ebb and John Kander); Don't Rain on My Parade" (Bob Merrill and Jule Styne"; Kinky Boots Medley (Cyndi Lauper); and "I'm Not My Father's Son" (Cyndi Lauper).

The incredibly talented Pittsburgh-native Billy Porter is a singer, composer, actor, playwright and director. He starred as Lola in the Broadway hit Kinky Boots, a role that won him 2013 Tony, Grammy, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. His other theater credits include Miss Saigon, Five Guys Named Moe, Grease, Smokey Joe's Café, Dreamgirls, Angels in America, The Merchant of Venice, Radiant Baby, Birdie Blue, Songs for a New World, Ghetto Superstar (one-man show), Topdog/Underdogand King Lear.

Porter has appeared in films and on television, including Law & Order: SVU, So You Think You Can Dance (as a guest judge) and The Big C among other shows, and will appear in the upcoming film The Humbling, starring Al Pacino.

Porter's solo albums include his first CD, Untitled, on A&M records, At the Corner of Broadway + Soul - LIVE on Sh-K-Boom Records and his most recent recording, Billy's Back on Broadway, on Concord Records.

Porter's concert credits include opening for Rosie O'Donnell and Aretha Franklin, Carnegie Hall, John McDaniel and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Buffalo Philharmonic, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, soloist for President Bill Clinton and various benefits throughout the United States.

This episode, taped on January 28, 2015, features music direction by James Sampliner and directed for television by Andrew C. Wilk.

Joshua B. Eaves is a theater geek who is a big fan of the show Blue Man Group. Follow him on Twitter for more links to articles about Broadway.

Make 'em laugh! A survey of some of Broadway's funniest

With all the storytelling, singing and dancing, and the razzle and dazzle occurring on the theater stage, viewers are certain to be whisked away momentarily from daily routines into the play's fictional worlds. But sometimes the audience needs more cheering up than the usual. In this case, Broadway has a card up its sleeve: a wealth of rib-tickling plays to turn a frown upside down. Here are some of Broadway's funniest productions:  

Image Source: nytimes.com

The Book of Mormon

Written by the irreverent duo behind "South Park" and the man who brought "Avenue Q" to life, this boundary-pushing musical about two rather naïve Mormon missionaries trying to spread the word among Ugandan locals who couldn't be bothered has been eliciting both gasps and guffaws from audiences since 2011.  

Image Source: imgkid.com

Urinetown

A satirical look at bureaucracy, capitalism, and politics, among others, this Tony award-winning musical focuses on a drought-weakened town and its people who have to share public urinals and suffer through absurdly exorbitant fees and strict laws or be sent to a penal colony called "Urinetown."  

Little Shop of Horrors

This comedy-horror musical is based on the 1960 film of the same name. The show launched in 1982 with a script and lyrics by the Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, respectively, who will later be best known for their Disney collaborations. Little Shop of Horrors features a man-eating plant called Audrey II, doo-wop and Motown songs, and some pretty outstanding effects.  

Image Source: broadwayworld.com

Spamalot

Adapted by 1/6 of the (genius) jokers that make up Monty Python, Eric Idle, the play is based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Audiences have been flocking to see the indomitable Black Knight, the killer rabbits, and the enthusiastic coconut-shell clopping knights, among others, onstage since 2005.

Apart from the above-mentioned, there are also family-friendly productions like Disney's "Aladdin" and "The Lion King," which may not be straight comedy but have definitely wowed audiences thanks to characters like Timon and Pumbaa and Genie, or the physical comedy-rich "Blue Man Group." In fact, there are probably hundred of hilarious plays and musicals performing on Broadway and beyond today, all geared-up to "make 'em laugh."
  
Josh B. Eaves is a self-described theater geek who has worked as a tech support guy for several productions. Follow this blog for more about the goings-on in the performing arts world.