The Importance of Experience for Actors
Make it Sparkle Video with A.J. Shively
Broadway Performer
6:13 (runtime)
Director’s Notes
Designer Mitch Stark and Broadway Performer A.J. Shively emphasize the importance of gaining experience in various roles within the theater to understand the bigger picture and develop storytelling skills on stage.
A.J. notices a trend among young actors focusing narrowly on musical theater, and suggests diversifying experiences to understand different perspectives and gain life experience.
A.J. encourages actors with an equity card to explore interests outside the entertainment industry to gain a broader perspective and a more rounded character.
Experiencing non-acting roles provides insights into the capabilities of people in the arts and helps build confidence.
A.J. advises young actors to take on lead roles at smaller venues if they aim to play leading roles in New York. If the goal is to perform in as many Broadway shows as possible, honing skills essential for an ensemble is recommended.
A.J. emphasizes the value of respect and understanding for all roles and departments in theater. He suggests this can be developed by experiencing different roles, both in and outside of the entertainment industry.
More About A.J.
A.J. has been nominated for Tony and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his performance as Owen Duignan in the new musical Paradise Square, currently running on Broadway at the Barrymore Theater. He was recently seen as Jerry McConnell on CBS’s Bull and as Chef André Soltner in HBO Max’s Julia.
Credits
Broadway: Bright Star (Drama Desk Nomination); La Cage aux Folles. National Tour: Bright Star; The Sound of Music. Off Broadway/New York: February House (The Public); Brigadoon (Irish Rep); The Suitcase Under the Bed (Mint); Unlock’d (Prospect); A Contemporary American’s Guide to a Successful Marriage (Cherry Lane); Things To Ruin (Second Stage); Little Airplanes of the Heart(Ensemble Studio Theatre); ReWrite (Urban Stages); NYMF; Fringe NYC. Regional: Berkeley Rep.; Kennedy Center; Old Globe; CTG; McCarter; Pioneer; CenterStage; TUTS; George Street Playhouse; Long Wharf; TheatreWorks - Silicon Valley. TV/Film: “Hunters”; “Homeland”; “Madam Secretary”; “The Blacklist”; “Younger”; “The Daily Show”; Nobody Walks In LA; From Nowhere; Syrup; HairBrained. Training: University of Michigan; RADA.