Taylor Theatrics

Want some theatrical production tips to save your sanity as a play director or producer?  Having directed and produced 30 mainstage shows and countless other one acts, I’ve learned some helpful tricks that you may find handy.  From start to finish, here are a variety of simple techniques that I use to help eliminate stress and improve productivity.  Try some of the following theatrical production…

Want some theatrical production tips to save your sanity as a play director or producer?  Having directed and produced 30 mainstage shows and countless other one acts, I’ve learned some helpful tricks that you may find handy.  From start to finish, here are a variety of simple techniques that I use to help eliminate stress and improve productivity.  Try some of the following theatrical production…

Decorating with Broadway Posters

Are you looking for a simple way to add tons of theatrical flare to your area without dropping a ton of cash?  Decorating with Broadway posters will help you cover a huge area of wall space; what a great bang for your buck!?!  With so many shows, you can choose your favorites and customize your collection to your own tastes.  Your home, office, or classroom will look amazing!  If you’re on a…

Great Gifts for the Theatre Graduate

Are you looking for great gifts for the theatre graduate?  Then you’ve come to the right place.  I’ve scoured the internet to find a collection of gifts that the theatre graduates in your life will not only treasure but use for years to come.  In fact, some of these gifts are so neat, you may find yourself ordering one for the graduate and another for yourself!  Not to worry, though; these gifts…

Many in theatre are extroverts, and this quarantine has them bursting at the seams to socialize while others are cozy in their solitude.  But even those of us who are a bit more introverted like it when others check on us.  Although we all react differently, we all can get a bit stir crazy, and sometimes we all need that nudge to check on others as well.  Maybe you want to check on others, but…

Alternate Method of Instruction for Theatre

In the wake of the recent COVID-19 crisis that hit our nation along with the rest of the world, educators scrambled to find alternate methods of instructing their students.  Many immediately began online instruction while others uploaded and/or sent home paper packets.  Like so many other teachers, I had already sent home days 1-5 at the beginning of…

Having directed many high school productions (straight plays, musicals, one acts, and short films), I’ve answered countless questions from nervous actors anxious about getting a good part.  From those questions, I’ve assembled a bit of audition advice to assist you in your endeavors to get that sought after role.

Monologue Memorization

For auditions, sometimes actors prepare their own monologues;…

Makeup Removal and Avoiding Breakouts

Over the counter makeup is typically used to help even out skin tone and help with confidence.  On the other hand theatrical industry makeup brands such as Mehron and Ben Nye are used to portray age, create a character, or portray features or make them stand out. Whether we are talking about daily makeup wear or makeup for stage, it’s important to develop a routine for proper makeup removal in…

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the town, all of the loved ones you’re visiting and family is inbound.  Parties to attend, and; meals to be cooked, presents to wrap; make sure noone is overlooked.  One thing left to do, and it’s not too tough, find items for the stockings that need to be stuffed.

Ah yes, the tradition of filling stockings…  If you’re struggling with ideas for…

My Theatre classes each have three performances, one in the fall and two in the spring.  For our first performance, students participate in a play passwhich allows them to look at several one act plays within a single class period and decide on one to pitch to the class to perform.  Starting with a published play helps students become familiar with the play format.  For our second class…

With Christmas just around the corner, theatrical Christmas ornaments are perfect for decking the Christmas tree.  It also makes a nice accent to add to the bow on your gift for your favorite actor, actress, or theater patron!  But where does one even start when deciding which ornament to purchase?  Honestly, with such a great variety to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong! Here are some…

Decorating the Theatre Classroom

As a teacher, I tend to spend as much, if not more, of my waking hours in the classroom as I do in our own home.  As much as I love being able to rehearse in the auditorium itself, much of the time it is necessary for my students and I to remain in the theatre classroom.   For this reason, it is important that when decorating the theatre classroom, we make it a comfortable place for me the…

Making Oversized Bottle Cap Props

Oversized Bottle Cap Props (Also Great for Decoration)

For my production of The Borrowers, I needed something from which the Clock family of Borrowers could eat soup.  My solution was oversized bottle cap props.  They were inexpensive and easy to make.  As an added bonus, now that the show is over, these look great on the top of my bookshelf, serving as a wonderful reminder of the show!

Supplies:

Grandfather Clock Prop Tutorial

A grandfather clock prop is a great statement piece, but unfortunately, not everyone can afford to have a real one.  Thankfully, creating one of your own is simple and easy.  

Supplies 

Here’s what you’ll need:

Corrugated Cardboard Cutter

3 cardboard boxes

Corrugated Cardboard Cutter

Wall Clock

Hot Glue

Zip Ties

paint/paint brushes

Step 1: Inserting the Clock

Before attaching…

Hosting a Theatre Day Camp: Benefits include great fundraising, helps promote your program, & a fun activity for your students to practice their leadership skills

Hosting a Theatre Day Camp: Why and How

So you’re thinking about hosting a Theatre Day Camp… are you crazy!?!   No, and here’s why…  After having considered it for several years, three years ago I hosted my first Theatre Day Camp.  I am proud to say that it was a success.  Honestly, I had dreaded it because I thought it would be really hard.  In the end, I found it was easier than directing a…