How important is a showcase?

so.confused117 · 09-10-2009, 01:05 AM

The theatre program that I am in right now is BA one (I'm at USC), and if I decide to stick with this program, I do have a major concern abut senior year: BAs don't get a showcase. They can audition to get a spot in the BFA showcase that only happens in LA, but there are very few spots and about 100 BAs in my class as of now. Is getting representation really hard if I don't have a senior showcase? Is it harder to get representation is New York if I went to college in LA? Are there any ways for me to do my own kind of showcase?

onstage · 09-10-2009, 03:16 PM

I personally think showcases are sometimes over-emphasized. Just because your school has a showcase doesn't mean that you are guaranteed an agent. I am a vocal coach, and a very talented student of mine who just graduated from a BFA program failed to get representation as a result of her showcase. On the other hand, another student of mine (who didn't attend college, and therefore never had a showcase) went directly to NYC and began auditioning. He was cast in several productions, an agent saw him in a show, and signed him up. Having an agent does make it easier, but if you don't have one, you simply get out and start auditioning.

And no, I don't think it makes much difference where you go to school -- as long as you get good training there. Some schools have a reputation for turning out good performers, but if you can't deliver at the audition, where you got your degree will not get you the job. I worked professionally for many years, and I don't think anyone ever asked me at an audition what school I went to.

onstage · 09-10-2009, 03:24 PM

And regarding your last question -- sure, it's possible to put together your own showcase, rent a space, and do a performance. It's unlikely, however, that many agents would attend the showcase. Again, the key to getting work (and an agent) is to get out there and audition or perform as much as possible. Even open mic nights and karaoke bars can be valuable. For example, there's a karaoke club in the Times Square area of NYC where you can regularly see and hear members of many Broadway casts perform just for fun. Directors and agents go there all the time because the performers are so good.

so.confused117 · 09-10-2009, 06:37 PM

thank you so much. this helps me a lot