ACTOR-OWN Musical Theater Collective

"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." - Andy Warhol

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What is "ACTOR-OWN" Musicals?:

ACTOR-OWN Musical Theater Collective is a monthly series of private readings, where a group of singers "collect" in a rehearsal studio to read/sing through a popular musical. (Think of it like actors who gather in a living room to read a play, only a tad more robust.) With the climate as it is (too many actors, not enough work), we are attempting to simulate the actors' path, wherein a) the actor is cast in a show, b) the actor familiarizes him/herself with the material and c) the actor comes prepared to the first rehearsal to share his/her work with the full company.

Purpose:

We, as actors, need to own our careers - one of the best ways to do this is to get back to what makes it so much fun to begin with -- performing! And what better way than to choose shows that we've been dying to do?

The purpose of this reading series is NOT to perform for an audience or to invite industry -- rather, the purpose is to recreate the joy of intimately getting to know musical material, and to share the work with other committed artists in a supportive, workshop environment. The emphasis is on the craft of acting, and creating a community of actors who love challenging themselves.

Who Should Join ACTOR-OWN?:

This series is not only perfect for polished singers who are interested in exercising & stretching their muscles, but also for intermediate level singers who want to sharpen their skills, as well as dancers and "straight" actors who have always wanted to give musicals a try. Not only do you experience the joy of learning new material, but you are also joining a community of like minded artists who are interested in putting the "Play" back into theater.

Location/Dates:

We do one reading per month. The readings take place at a studio in midtown, and normally happen on Monday afternoons.

Preparation:

There are no group rehearsals. Actors will study their roles as though they've been cast in a full production. They'll familiarize themselves with the music (be it solo or ensemble materials) and go over the script, making strong choices about the direction in which they'd take their character. Some actors choose to hire an accompanist to go over the parts, some choose to show up using their own preparation.

Materials:

Digital scores and librettos will be provided when available, which actors can choose to print, memorize, or bring on laptops/electronic devices. MP3s may also be available for those who do not have access to the cast albums.

Casting:

I cast all roles with people that I know and love. When choosing a show, I fill all principal roles first, and then double up on smaller roles and ensemble parts. My intention is to give everyone something fun and challenging to do, even if the role is not large. Wonderfully, less experienced performers will get the experience of working alongside seasoned performers who bring polish and professionalism to the roles they tackle.

Leading roles are shared amongst the company, as are supporting/ensemble roles. One month someone may star in a reading, and the next month they may read stage directions or turn pages for the accompanist. We cast actors who are interested in the ensemble experience -- as opposed to those who are simply looking to star in a reading. There is, of course, nothing wrong with that, but that's not what ACTOR-OWN Musicals is all about.

Past readings have included: INTO THE WOODS  /  SHE LOVES ME  /  THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE  /  EVITA  /  COMPANY  /  GUYS AND DOLLS  /  CHESS  /  CAMELOT  /  WICKED   /  RENT  /  LEGALLY BLONDE  /   CABARET  /  THE MOST HAPPY FELLA  /  JEKYLL & HYDE  /  A CHORUS LINE  / 

Cost to Participate:

Each actor contributes $20 per reading, payable upon casting (by credit/debit card.) This fees goes toward renting the studio space and paying the accompanist, and leftover money is used on refreshments (wine & snacks.) If you need to make a payment, please click here.

SEEKING SUBMISSIONS -- INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF IT?

We are currently seeking actors for future projects. As mentioned, I hand-cast roles for each project based on what I know of the actors' experience/voice type. Ensemble parts will shift over time- someone who in the ensemble for one reading may very well take a leading role in another reading. Keep in mind that not all actors will be used for every reading - and the better I know you and your work, the more likely you'll be used.

To Submit: Please send your headshot & resume, as well as links to vocal demos, to erin@erincronican.com and I’ll add you to the "ACTOR-OWN" mailing list.

Please include:

• A headshot/resume
• Your voice part/vocal range
• A link to vocal demos (if you have them- or you may email mp3s)
• Your top 5 musicals/roles that you are dying to play
• The top 5 musicals you love so much that even an ensemble role sounds amazing
• If you have scores/librettos of shows that we might use in future readings.

Thanks for your interest - I am really excited and hope you'll come on board!