14 Books That Changed My Life and Career in Musical Theatre
A Musical Theater Performer's Journey: 14 Life-Changing Books Across Five Categories
Embarking on a career in musical theater is an exhilarating journey filled with passion, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge. While traditional textbooks and recommended reads have their place, this list dives into 14 extraordinary books that have the power to transform your life as a musical theater performer. Organized into five distinct categories, these books offer perspectives on musical theater history, life experiences, creative inspiration, mindset, and health and wellness.
Category 1: Musical Theater History
- Stacy Wolf's insightful exploration takes readers on a journey through Broadway's history from a feminist perspective. It challenges conventional views, delving into the 1950s to the 2000s, with a special focus on "Wicked" and its queer conventions.
2. "Reframing the Musical: Race, Culture, and Identity" (Edited by Sarah Whitfield):
- A compilation of essays by industry experts, this book provides diverse perspectives on race, culture, and identity in musical theater. Each chapter explores a unique topic, fostering critical thinking and discussions about the industry's complexities.
3. "Shy: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rogers" by Mary Rogers:
- Mary Rogers, daughter of Richard Rogers, shares captivating behind-the-scenes stories of the Golden Age of musical theater. This book unveils the personal lives and struggles of iconic figures like Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein, providing a unique and often surprising perspective.
Category 2: Life Experiences
4. "Hooked: A Memoir of Crafting" by Sutton Foster:
- Sutton Foster's memoir offers a deep dive into her life, showcasing the highs and lows of her career. Beyond the glitz and glamour, readers discover the personal challenges she faced, providing an authentic look at the journey of a successful musical theater artist.
5. "Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song" by Sara Bareilles:
- Sara Bareilles opens up about her life and career, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by a singer-songwriter. Through candid storytelling, she reflects on mistakes made and lessons learned, providing a genuine portrayal of her artistic evolution.
6. "Finding Me" by Viola Davis:
- While not strictly musical theater, Viola Davis's memoir is a powerful exploration of her journey as a stage performer. "Finding Me" reveals the challenges she overcame, emphasizing the resilience required to navigate the demanding entertainment industry.
Category 3: Creative Inspiration
7. "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert:
- Elizabeth Gilbert's "Big Magic" serves as a staple for creative minds. Focused on living fearlessly as an artist, the book encourages readers to embrace their creativity and navigate the challenges that come with a career in the arts.
8. "The Creative Act" by Rick Rubin:
- A recent addition to the creative inspiration genre, Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act" provides uplifting insights into the artistic process. Written in bite-sized chapters, it encourages readers to reflect on their artistic journeys and find inspiration amid challenges.
Category 4: Mindset
9. "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz:
- A perennial favorite, "The Four Agreements" is a guide to overcoming self-limiting beliefs. Don Miguel Ruiz offers practical steps to move forward without judgment, a valuable resource for performers navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry.
10. "The Self-Acceptance Project: How to Be Kind and Compassionate Toward Yourself in Any Situation" (Edited by Tami Simon):
- This anthology, with contributions from various authors, focuses on self-acceptance. Divided into mini-chapters, it provides tools and exercises to help artists embrace their journey and find kindness amid the challenges.
Category 5: Health and Wellness
11. "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel van der Kolk:
- Bessel van der Kolk's groundbreaking work explores the impact of trauma on the body and mind. Essential for performers dealing with stress and trauma, it provides insights and practical strategies for understanding and healing.
12. "How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease" by Michael Greger:
- Michael Greger's comprehensive guide to nutrition is a must-read for performers seeking a healthy lifestyle. Exploring the science behind food choices, the book empowers artists to make informed decisions about their well-being.
13. "Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience" by Brené Brown:
- Brené Brown's "Atlas of the Heart" offers a fresh perspective on emotions, helping artists understand and navigate complex feelings. Divided into chapters based on emotions, it equips performers with tools to respond empathetically to their own and others' emotional experiences.
As a musical theater performer, your journey is as unique as the characters you bring to life on stage. These 14 books, spanning diverse categories, offer a roadmap for personal and professional growth. From challenging the norms of musical theater history to embracing the creative process, navigating life experiences, and maintaining mental and physical well-being, each book contributes to a holistic understanding of the performer's world. So, dive into these pages, glean wisdom, and let the transformative power of literature guide you on your extraordinary journey in the world of musical theater.
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Ashlee Espinosa is an accomplished theatre professional with a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. With her expertise as an experienced actress, passionate educator, and dedicated career advisor, she helps artists build fulfilling lives and careers based on their definition of success.
