Words of wisdom from Sierra Boggess

Sierra Boggess is an alumni of my university, Millikin, and last weekend we were lucky enough to have her back for a weekend master class. Here are some words of wisdom and some incredibly handy tips that are sure to help out any performer. 

Sierra Boggess intently and excitedly watches a student sing. 

BUT FIRST - 

Sierra originated the role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid on Broadway, played Christine Daae in Las Vegas, Broadway and in the 25th Anniversary production of Phantom of the Opera. She recently finished a run of Les Miserables in the West End in London where she played Fantine. Other credits include Master Class on Broadway and Love Never Dies in the West End. 

She shared with us that she is currently workshopping a brand new musical called Ever After based on the movie. She couldn't tell us anymore about it but it's exciting to know that Sierra will be hitting the Broadway stage again within the next few years in a new show. 

Historical Theater Gems

On my spring break here in Washington, D.C. and yesterday we saw these gems that I thought you theater people might enjoy!

The first pictures are of Elphaba's original dress worn by, of course, Idina Menzel in Wicked. It is so incredibly detailed and overall was worth thousands and thousands of dollars. Beautiful!

And the next two pictures are Dorothy's ruby slippers! They were worn by Judy Garland and we read that she actually had multiple pairs of these slippers. These have felt on the bottom so that when she danced it would not be too loud on the floors of the emerald city or the yellow brick road.

Shameless plug

Lexis- Ford Modeling Contest

Hello my lovely readers! So this is a bit of a shameless plug unrelated to theater, and for that I apologize, but please support me on this!

Above is a link to a photo of me and a "vote" button. I would love it so much if you would vote for me every 24 hours. This is such an awesome opportunity and it would mean so much to me to be given this chance. Please share and click the vote button!! 

Thanks! You're the best! :)

Be good to your crew

Actors have a stereotype of being snobby and sometimes even belittling. There's a preconceived notion that we just walk around like we're all that matters in the world and of course that's far from true. At least for those actors who have a good head on their shoulders....

Yes there are people, just like in any profession, who think a little bit too highly of themselves- and a direct result of this is mistreating their crew. A.K.A. the very people whom without a show could not happen. All performers need to realize that. I think it is so important. Your Stage Managers, tech crew, costume crew, run crew, etc. are your backbone. Just realize this:

WITHOUT THEM YOU DON'T HAVE A SHOW

They are side-by-side with the director throughout the whole process of the show and I would highly doubt you'd want word to get back to the director that you're a disrespectful diva. Am I right? 

Directors and all theater staff of course want talented actors- but they also want respectful actors that they can work with. 

Also something to keep in mind is:

Who knows where that stage manager that you were rude to will be in 10 years? Who knows when you'll go to an audition and- whoa!- there they are behind the table. And when it comes down to you and one other person for the role, guess who'd get it? 

Just be proactive by thinking about such future circumstances and being a respectful person to everyone you interact with. Please and thank you's go a long way and it's something to remember no matter how successful you become.