Making a Living or, a Life, in the Theatre
By: Michael Edwards

Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, America's first couple of the American Stage spent many of their years on the Broadway stage. Their home, however, was not NYC. It was at "10 Chimneys" in Wisconsin. Their advice to young actors getting started:"If you want success in theatre...avoid both coasts". Although they spent the majority of their careers on Broadway, they also spent much time touring and performing across the country or in "the provinces". 

It seems the major myth of struggling or aspiring novice actors is that the only legitimate pursuit of a career is in New York City. It becomes the obsessive drive to get to the core of the Apple. How many of the server/actor; caterer/actor or programmer/actor residents spent much more time and energy in survival jobs while competing with the thousands of other "surviving" actors or waiting for the agent call for an audition or casting; which generally is out of town or in " the provinces".

This drive will never change, it is fueled by the dream AND the myth of the New York success story. While promoting the high risk and high level of disappointment and rejection on the "great white way", agents, managers and promoters also use the emotional lure of the "chance of stardom" to draw the young, often gullible thespians to accept a life of sacrifice and struggle to be at the beckon call of the business.

I speak as a 45 year veteran of "the provinces". Trained in professional theatre schools and encouraged to make the step to NYC, I chose instead to explore the country and the provinces as my base of employment. As a result I have garnered a reputation and a substantial credit list AND a home, bank account and retirement benefits. A long time member of Actors Equity Association I support the respect and standards established by the union and most producers.  

There are theatres: Repertory, seasonal, dinner, stock, children's, Classic and experimental in all 50 states and with the current economy many producers are looking locally for talent. I recommend to any aspiring actor, don't discard off hand the thought of settling in “the provinces" and pursuing and polishing your craft, find a home theatre and develop a reputation, be available to travel to audition and perform. Pursuing a living in the theatre need not eliminate the creation of a LIFE.

MICHAEL EDWARDS An actor/director for 40+ years, Michael is a graduate of the famed Pasadena Playhouse,College of Theatre Arts and the USIU,School of Performing Arts (San Diego)His career as a regional performer has taken him from summer stock in Wyoming,Montana,Nevada,California and 17 years at Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theatre of North Carolina to Regional theatres including Tennessee Rep,Charlotte Rep, Virginia Musical Theatre,Florida Atlantic University,American Stage,Burt Reynolds Institute,Riverside Theatre,Goodman Theatre,Orlando Theatre Project and Winter Park Playhouse. Dinner Theatres include Royal Palm,Broadway Palms West,Mark II,Chaffins Barn,Showboat,Bartke's,to name a few.He has appeared with such luminaries as Brian Dennehy,Cherry Jones,Nancy Walker,Dawn Wells,Pat Hingle,Mimi Hines and George Chakiris. As a director he has won awards and accolades for productions in dinner theatre,regional,summer stock and small professional theatres. He has also appeared in television and films,commercials and industrials. On the business side he was Executive Director of PAPI a dinner theatre production company and currently is Associate Director of Winter Park Playhouse.He has taught master classes in acting, monologues and scene study. Recently he has appeared in GLENGARRY,GLEN ROSS at Mad Cow Theatre and his fourth production of TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, this time at American Stage in St. Pete.He appeared as the President of the U.S. in David Mamet's NOVEMBER also at American Stage (June 11-July 4) and as Mark Twain in "Man is the Only animal who blushes.....or needs to"at Winter Park Playhouse (July 23-August 1). He appeared as Dolittle in MY FAIR LADY and Benny Southstreet in GUYS AND DOLLS with the Orlando Philharmonic and soon at Orlando Shakespeare Theatre in CHAPS Dec. 2-26. He is a proud member of Actors Equity Association.