218. Theatre in NYC & Making it on Broadway with Maggie Bera
May 16, 2024
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Theatre actor Maggie Bera shares insights on the current state of theatre in NYC, discussing moving to the city, audition strategies, benefits of Equity membership, and balancing acting with other jobs. She touches on financial stability, theatrical agents, and the impact of social media on actors' careers, inspiring stage actors and on-camera actors alike.
Finding the best audition material is crucial for theater actors in NYC.
Balancing acting with other jobs is essential for a sustainable career in theater.
Equity membership offers benefits and changes audition dynamics for actors.
Maintaining physical fitness and mental health is vital for performance stamina in theater.
Deep dives
Transitioning to New York Theater Scene
Maggie Barra, an equity actress transitioning to living in New York City, shares insights on finding stability post-transition and navigating open calls versus union membership. She discusses the challenges of managing schedules alongside industry demands for singing, acting, and dancing, emphasizing the importance of community and safety in choosing living spaces.
Becoming Equity and Audition Dynamics
Barra elaborates on the process of becoming an equity actress, detailing the changes in audition dynamics between equity and non-equity actors. She explains the varying access to audition opportunities and the preparation required for theater auditions, emphasizing the importance of bringing tailored materials and understanding audition protocols.
Work-Life Balance and Theater Commitments
Balancing a full-time job with auditions and upcoming show commitments, Barra reveals her strategies for physical fitness and mental health maintenance. She emphasizes the necessity of adequate sleep, physical exercise, and time for personal activities to sustain energy and performance stamina in theater endeavors.
Actor Aesthetic Platform and Industry Insights
Reflecting on her platform, Actor Aesthetic, Barra discusses its role as an educational resource for actors, offering insights into industry nuances and challenges. She acknowledges the continual learning process in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape and advocates for transparency in sharing experiences to empower aspiring actors.
Future Directions and Online Presence
Barra provides links to Actor Aesthetic's online platforms for further guidance and invites engagement with her acting journey via social media. She underlines the importance of adaptable career navigation, acknowledging personal growth through sharing uncertainties and experiences online.
Striving for Smarter Acting and Advocacy
Through sharing her journey online, Barra expresses her commitment to continuous learning and smarter acting practices. She encourages actors to advocate for themselves, navigate industry challenges, and embrace uncertainties as opportunities for growth, fostering a supportive and knowledgeable community.
Maintaining Authenticity in Online Presence
Emphasizing the value of authenticity, Barra highlights the changing landscape of industry standards and the need for continual adaptation. She stresses the importance of remaining transparent about uncertainties and challenges faced in the entertainment industry, fostering a culture of shared learning and growth.
Navigating Evolving Industry Dynamics
Barra reflects on the ever-changing nature of the entertainment industry, acknowledging the need for constant updates and adaptations amidst evolving standards and practices. She emphasizes the importance of staying informed, flexible, and authentic in navigating career transitions and industry advancements.
Waiting in line since 5am. Spending 8+ hour days for an audition you may never get. Having to find the best audition material to match the tone of the show you want. These are the realities of theatre actors, and I’m bringing on the one and only Maggie Bera to take us through the current state of theatre in New York City. This one is for all of the stage actors out there, and for every on camera actor wondering what it’s like on the other side. Maggie shares her personal journey from moving to NYC, adjusting to the hustle of open calls, union benefits, and balancing acting with other jobs. She offers advice on navigating the city's theater scene, audition strategies, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We are also going to touch on the importance of financial stability, the benefits of Equity membership, and the impact of social media and online presence on modern actors' careers. If you’ve been wondering what it’s like to pursue a career on the stage or hoping to hear from a theater actor because you are one yourself, Maggie’s story will leave you feeling inspired to do what you love.
00:00 — Welcoming Maggie Bera02:53 — The Realities of Moving to NYC for Theater12:19 — Navigating the World of Auditions in New York22:05 — The Journey to Equity Membership and Beyond24:00 — Deciding When to Join the Union25:45 — The Freelance Agent Experience27:35 — Understanding Theatrical Agents28:27 — Balancing Acting Career and Personal Life31:34 — Maintaining Health and Wellness35:32 — Navigating Relationships and Sacrifices38:12 — Actor Aesthetic43:21 — Learning and Growing Through Actor Aesthetic45:37 — The Ever-Changing Industry and Online Presence
