This week, we're giving away 2 tickets to one of my own shows, Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating, & Marriage, which recently celebrated it's one year anniversary Off-Broadway, and welcomed a brand-new Miss A to the red dress.
We had a blast with Eve "Jan Brady" Plumb, and Joyce DeWitt can knock on my door anytime, but now Forbidden Broadway star Ms. Christine "I can impersonate anybody" Pedi will be the one dispensing advice and laughs on the stage of Sofia's.
Want to come see Christine? Here's how:
Miss Abigail gives lots of quippy advice during her show. I want you to pretend that you are the Miss Abigail of the theater. What's the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who asked you how to make it in the biz?
The doctor is in. And it's you!
Go!
(Got a comment? I love 'em, so comment below! Email subscribers, click here, then scroll down, to say what's on your mind!)
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FUN STUFF
- Seminar alert: Get Your Show Off The Ground - 11/19
To make it in the biz you need to:
1. Keep your nose to the grindstone.
2. Give everything that you have to give.
3. Audition like it's the only part you want.
4. Audition like it's the only show you want.
5. Be reasonable in your demand.
Posted by: Joe Laub | November 04, 2011 at 08:39 PM
*one thing
Posted by: Sara G. | November 02, 2011 at 05:16 PM
Say yes!
If someone asks you for help or offers you an opportunity, even if it's not exactly what you think you're "supposed to do" or "want," do it! One things always leads to another and people want to work with (enough that they'll pay you) people who will take risks and give time and passion!
Posted by: Sara G. | November 02, 2011 at 05:15 PM
To be successful in any business you have to be passionate about it. It’s what will give you the motivation and determination to make it a success. What are you most passionate about? If you can still say it’s the show business, then give it all you’ve got! But remember life is a journey not a destination. Look forward to every audition or interview you go to. You never know, you could wind up meeting your perfect mate at one of those auditions. What’s life without someone to share it with? And when you’re both passionate about the same things in life, you’ll be successful and have the perfect marriage too!
Posted by: Camilla Petsche | November 01, 2011 at 07:38 PM
Naysayers are useful. With them, you can evaluate how badly you really do want to be here. Use them, but at the same time forget them. This is your vision. Just do you.
Posted by: Carey | November 01, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Listen, if you're sitting in front of a laptop asking someone ELSE what you should do to become successful in showbiz, you got the wrong idea, honey. Get outa that chair and DO something.
...just don't screw up.
Posted by: Ellie | October 31, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Stop making excuses and just do it, my little cherubs!
Posted by: Alexa | October 31, 2011 at 09:59 AM
Personality, flexibility and a website -- the same things it takes to make it in porn.
Posted by: Tim | October 31, 2011 at 12:38 AM
Embrace the fact that "making it" is relative and is all in the perspective.
A child can watch an abridged Shakespeare play in a classroom performed by four actors with two hats and some scarves and be inspired for the rest of their lives.
A guy or gal running a spotlight in a production is as important as the Principal Actor or First Violin.
And who can forget the legend of the stage hand mopping up elephant poop after a show: when asked why he doesn't retire already he answers, "What? And give up show business?"
Posted by: Gaby G | October 30, 2011 at 11:38 PM
Keep working at something while trying your darndest 24/7 to get that break!
Posted by: Candace | October 30, 2011 at 10:03 PM
Quit your day job. It only holds you back. ;)
Posted by: Joshua Desjardins (@StageDork83) | October 30, 2011 at 09:59 PM
Darling, no matter how talented you are, no matter how hard you work or how devoted you are to your craft, there is one thing you can do to be sure you will make it in this business: date the producer.
Posted by: Rita R | October 30, 2011 at 09:40 PM
Always Be Nice And Never Take Any Shite ! And If Someone Tries to Give You Some, Never Take Any Shite! J
Posted by: Broadwayjayb | October 30, 2011 at 08:57 PM
Be a triple threat:
1. Be kind
2. Be talented
3. Be gracious
all that a positive attitude will eventually win you that job ! And lots more......
Posted by: Michael P | October 30, 2011 at 08:56 PM
Never take no for an answer.
Posted by: Jennifer | October 30, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Make sure this is what you want to do above all else! it'll make the good days great and the bad days bearable.
Posted by: Lorenzo | October 30, 2011 at 08:34 PM
My advice: Stay the course. You better REALLY develop some thick skin because you will cry, scream, rage, be hurt, rejected and feel like a fool while trying to make it in the theatrical business, whether as an actor, director or producer; but if you want it badly enough and you keep on trying and ignore all the nay-sayers and evil-wishers, one day, it will all actually come true for you. And then you;ll have to work even harder.
Posted by: Margie Goldsmith | October 30, 2011 at 08:24 PM
Don't. Suck.
Posted by: Bryan Austermann | October 30, 2011 at 08:22 PM
Be passionate! Be passionate about your show. Be passionate about your cast. Bes passionate about your director, theater, street team even ushers. Passion is what will drive you to success and make others see what you see about your production.
Posted by: ron casalotti | October 30, 2011 at 08:19 PM
On the way up, learn to love Ramen noodles. Once you've made it, moderate your salt intake.
Posted by: Nancy Paris | October 30, 2011 at 08:11 PM
The obvious piece of advice to the question: "How do I make it to Broadway/Off Broadway?" Practice, practice, practice! Oh yeah; that's advice for Carnegie Hall, too!
Posted by: AuntieF | October 30, 2011 at 08:08 PM
DON'T YOU EVER GIVE UP, HONEY!
Posted by: Rebecca L | October 30, 2011 at 01:03 PM