The holidays are coming up, and while Broadway is likely to be shuttered until late Spring or even Fall of 2021, the actors you know are always working. Whether its continuing to train, performing in virtual plays, creating YouTube videos, or writing, there is always art being made. Even I, the one on a self-imposed hiatus, I’m writing, all the time, whether in this blog or adding to my vault of scripts and treatments for future projects.
This year has been rough, so why not get the actor in your life a holiday gift that shows you support them and their career?
Check out this gift guide for some gift ideas for the actor in your life!
Subscription Boxes – The gift that keeps on giving!
PLACES, PLEASE!
PLACES, PLEASE! theatre curriculum is a bi-monthly subscription box for children ages 9-14. It’s a great STEAM resource and no experience is needed for this step by step acting curriculum!
Dramatists Play Service
Auditions
What better way to show that you support and believe in the actor in your life by helping them find auditions?
actors access
Actors Access is an important tool for maintaining actors profiles by uploading and maintaining headshots, updating their résumé, adding new skills and attributes, managing performance videos, and more, all online.
Backstage
For over 50 years, Backstage has served as the #1 resource for performers to find work while helping talent-seekers move their projects forward. (See 10 Reasons Why You Need a Backstage Account)
imdb pro
A membership service that includes comprehensive information and tools that are designed to help members of the entertainment industry find success throughout all stages of their career.
Casting Networks
Subscription to Trade Publications
Stay on top of industry news!
Variety
The most authoritative and trusted source of entertainment business news.
Hollywood Reporter
The definitive trade paper for the entertainment business.
American Theatre Magazine
The nation’s only general-circulation magazine devoted to theatre.
Business Necessities / Equipment
Actors are their own business, and need equipment the same way brick and mortars do.
stitch fix
Actors can always use new audition and/or interview clothes! Also, a varied wardrobe can go a long way when working background.
Belt Box
This portable vocal dampening device allows performers to warm-up to full voice without disturbing those around them. Dampens up to 30 dB.
Self-Tape Equipment
From audition videos to original content creation, self-tape equipment is a *must* for actors.
Other Ideas
1. A good printer for resumes, scripts, and last minute headshots.
2. Paper
3. Binders and Sheet Protectors
4. A headshot session and/or prints.
Training and Career Maintenance
The Actor's Workbook and Journal
The journal includes reference material such as commonly used verbs, beat sheets for the actor – novice and veteran alike as well as bonus material to help you stay organized such as easy to use contact sheets and samples.
Classes (acting, voice, dance, etc)
Classes can get expensive! Show your support by buying a gift certificate to their favorite dance studio, or continue their studies with their favorite voice teacher.
Masterclass
Masterclass is an immersive online experience, which gives everyone the opportunity to learn from the world’s best practitioners.
Gym Membership
Staying fit and healthy is part of an actor’s MO, and a very important aspect of career maintenance.
Just For Fun
Coloring Broadway
Coloring Broadway combines coloring and creativity with the transformative messages of musical theatre. Their mission is to create opportunities to connect with and extend your theatre experience, to create space for pondering, self-reflection and growth.
Scenery Bags
SCENERY bags and accessories are made from retired theatre backdrops, and a minimum of 10% of proceeds from every sale is donated to TDF to take kids to see theatre.
Show tickets
The gift of inspiration is one of the greatest motivators. What better way to inspire than watching a show?
actor in morse code bracelet
Handmade by MC Bracelets on Etsy, this elegant and minimalist bracelet spells out A-C-T-O-R in morse code!
Theatre is Life bracelet
Handmade by BroadwayBodega on Etsy, this lovely bracelet is handstamped with the words “Theatre is Life.” Because it is.
aspiring actress charm bracelet
Handmade by HopeIsHipJewelry on Etsy, this adorable bracelet comes with all these charms and you can customize the birthstone and the initial!
PIN FOR LATER
