We're happy to bring to you a new blog entry from our friends at BroadwayBlogspot.com! For those of you who don’t know, BroadwayBlogspot is a theatrical resource website to inspire, educate & create a sense of appreciation for the people who work both onstage and behind-the-scenes on Broadway and beyond. Don't forget to add BroadwayBlogspot as your friend on MTI ShowSpace.

The new article is written by Marcus Conerly, BroadwayBlogspot's Marketing & Research Associate. In addition to his work at BroadwayBlogspot, Marcus is a multi-talented singer, actor, and mover for both stage and film. He has appeared in a number of regional productions (including performances at Friends Always Creating Theatre and the New York International Fringe Festival). Marcus hails from Wauchula, Florida and moved to New York City after college in order to pursue his passion for the stage. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Florida Southern College and is currently working on his own cabaret show and other new works.

Marcus Conerly – Constant Improvement

I guess you could say it fits with any career. But the need to be constantly at the top of your game is especially necessary in the show biz world. Whether youʼre an actor, singer, dancer, hand model or all of the above, you always want to make sure youʼre doing everything you can to set yourself apart from the other people of youʼre “type”. The best way to do that is through continuing education.

Now donʼt get me wrong, Iʼm not suggesting that you must enroll yourself in the nearest university to get a doctorate in performing. But itʼs important as performers, that we are constantly bettering ourselves in our craft. Just take an honest look at yourself and decide which talents you think need to be strengthened.

Ideally, of course, weʼd all be in classes in every aspect of performing. But the reality is that they get expensive. Not everyone can be in a monologue workshop, vocal coaching and intermediate tap at the same time. Most of us have to have the income from our survival jobs to pay for them. Not to mention, all the other expenses from daily life.

For example, as a musical theater performer, I chose to use my money to get regular vocal coachings. Also in the past year, Iʼve been fortunate to have been offered a spot in a dance scholarship program. Iʼm sure like a lot of people Iʼll sometimes think, “Ugh, I donʼt want to go to another class/coaching”, but I always feel better after it and know, deep down, itʼs helping to improve as an overall performer. That should be the ultimate goal, right? Improving our abilities at what we love so that it becomes the career we want it to be and show people that it isnʼt the hobby they think is.

Just look at what you really want to improve and then do the research to find what you need. Ask your fellow performers who they go to and how much it costs. It wonʼt be hard to find the people you need at the price you can afford. Plus, you can set goals. Start with what you want to work on most and then get to the others later, when you have the time and/or money.

We should always be working at something. If we still have the passion to be performers then, there should be no question about wanting to better ourselves. And then when the day comes that we finally get to take our bows on the Great White Way, weʼll look back and say, “This is why I did all of that work. And it was worth it!”

Broadway Backstage on BroadwayBlogspot.com

Take an in depth look into casting with this video episode of  BroadwayBlogspot.com's Broadway Backstage series.  Casting Director Megan Larche enlightens viewers with a detailed look into casting a Broadway show.  Drawing from her experience working with Jay Binder Casting, and now as an independent Casting Director, Ms. Larche imparts invaluable wisdom to any interested in a career in casting, or anyone hoping to better understand what goes on "on the other side of the table".  Thank you BroadwayBlogspot.com and Megan Larche for sharing.