The Theatre Student’s Starter Kit
Starter kits put you on the path of success when engaging in a new activity or hobby. Whether it’s painting like Bob Ross or dancing like Bob Fosse – every activity has a must-have toolkit that helps elevate your talent.
Theatre is no different!
PAA has curated a Theatre Student’s Starter Kit to get you tapping into your next audition, class, or show with confidence and experience.
The items in our PAA Theatre Student Starter Kit lay a solid foundation in musical theatre and create the confidence all aspiring artists crave.
Give your budding stars a leg up with this Theatre Student Starter Kit.
TIP: Bookmark this page and share it with your student.
🎤 Vocal Warm-Up Essentials: Vocal warm-ups protect your voice from strain or injury. Always warm-up your voice before singing. The best vocal warm-ups include waking up your body, breath, AND vocal cords. Check out a PAA vocal warm-up.
💃 Performance Footwear: A good pair of jazz shoes and tap shoes are a must for students progressing in the theatre world. Good news, dance shoes don’t have to cost a lot. PAA offers gently used jazz, tap, and ballet shoes for just $5. Visit the PAA shoe bin at our County Line location.
🎶 Choreography Classics: Mastering a few simple dance moves will set you apart by leaps and bounds. PAA Choreographers recommend knowing how to do a jazz Square, grapevine, pivot turn, chassé, and pirouette. Visit our YouTube page for a few tutorials.
📚 Theatre Must-Read: The Art of Acting By Stella Adler. Dive deep into the world of acting and learn from one of the best! Stella Adler was an actress and acting teacher who shared her acting techniques with many acting elites, including Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, and Melanie Griffith.
🎭 Musical You Can’t Miss: Oklahoma! This classic from the Golden Age of Broadway is considered one of the greatest musicals of all time. It was the first musical to incorporate singing, dancing, and acting.
📝 Resume Basics: It’s never too early to have a resume. Many PAA students provide a resume and headshot during the PAA audition process.
List the following items on your resume:
- Your name, phone number, and email at the top
- Theatre experience: The show name, your role, and the name of the theatre
- Film & television experience: The show name, your role, and the type of film (short film, student film, etc.)
- Additional Training: Include classes and workshops related to theatre (voice, dance, acting, etc.)
- Special Skills: Can you play an instrument? Do you speak another language? Can you do a back-hand-spring? Include any special skills you have mastered.
🎵 Know Your Vocal Part: The more you understand your vocal part, the better you can shine on stage. The different vocal parts include soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Alto’s typically learn the harmony, and it’s a great place to stretch your musical abilities. Ask your school choral teacher or any PAA teaching artist to help determine your vocal part.
🎟 Catch a Local Performance: The best way to grow your thespian skills is to watch others perform. A world of talent takes center stage at your local theatres. Start with a PAA production. Get your tickets here.
🎬 Audition Know-How: Prepare for your audition like a pro! PAA offers plenty of resources that will leave the directors wanting more. View these resources:
🌟 Pause & Breathe: Taking a moment to pause and take a few deep breaths benefits EVERYONE but works like magic when it comes to calming those preshow jitters. Take a Breath with PAA’s Resident Acting Director.
We hope this starter kit boosts your confidence and gives you the courage to explore the world of theatre! Start by viewing PAA’s year-round musical theatre programming.
