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How To Guides

The Stage's features to help you find out more about the entertainment industry

Starting out

The showbiz guide

Don't know your showreel from your demo tape? Couldn't spot a magician at 50 paces? Let Peter Hepple fill you in on the industry.

Sound advice from Sylvia Young

So you want to be famous but don't know where to start - let Sylvia Young, the expert, guide you on your way to stardom.

How to: get into drama school

What are the options if you want to train? Where do you start? Susan Elkin gives a run down of your options.

How to: fund drama school

Susan Elkin knows where to look and what to do if you need to raise the cash for your training.

How to: be a reality TV star

Fancy being filmed 24 hours a day? John Byrne gives you some food for thought before taking the plunge.

How to: pass auditions

Ian Flintoff guides you on your way to passing those all-important auditions.

How to: find an agent

Peter Finch on what you need to check when looking for an agent.

How to: write a CV

Brian Attwood and John Byrne know what needs to be said to future employers.

How to: cope with nerves

Are your performances hampered by anxiety? Then you need John Byrne's guide to coping with nerves!

How to: be a showbiz parent

John Byrne advises how to avoid being a pushy parent.

How to: make a voice-over CV

Marina Caldarone and professionals give their tips on making the most of your vocal talents.

How to: listen to Podcasts

Scott Matthewman gives the lowdown on Podcasting and how to get involved.

How to: market your act

Marketing, promotion and how to pull in the punters by John Byrne.

How to: apply make-up - a performer's guide

Paul Vale teaches you how to apply the slap and greasepaint yourself.

Finding Work

How to: work in costume

How do you get a job in wardrobe? What does a costumier actually do? What courses should you take? Daniel Angel tells you all you need to know.

How to: be a make up artist

Like to pile the slap on others? Know your Max Factor from your Max Headroom? Paul Vale tells you how to get started.

How to: be a prosthetics artist

Paul Vale is ready to mold you into shape.

How to: be a working singer

Want to be a backing, cabaret or session singer? Julie Payne shows you the way.

How to: be an extra

Fancy standing around and being paid for it? Been practicing your 'rhubarbs'? Tony Butcher explains what being an extra involves.

How to: join the circus

Liz Arratoon covers just how to run away and join a real, live circus.

How to: find backstage work

Whether it's lighting, sound, design, or any other backstage work, Barbara Eifler will tell you where to start.

How to: find cruise ship work

Peter Hepple on the various types of work for performers on cruise ships all over the world.

How to: be a club comedian

Joe Wilson on how to start out as a stand up comedian.

How to: be a showcase performer

Mark Ritchie gives budding acts tips on how to make your showcase experience a success.

A-Z of Light Entertainment

The A-Z of holiday centres 2007

The Stage's annual roundup of the acts appearing at the holiday centres this summer.

The A-Z of summer resorts

With a wide range of attractions on offer, Peter Hepple presents his A-Z of the season's hotspots.

The A-Z of cruising and ferries

Thinking of weighing anchor? Mark Ritchie and Shona Collins offer an A-Z of the companies to set sail with.

Producing

How to: put on a show at Edinburgh

Got the perfect show but don't know where to start? Barb Jungr gives you the run-down on what you are letting yourself in for.

How to: produce a musical

Lynda Trapnell on obtaining rights, getting funding, building a creative team and choosing a cast for a musical.

Writing

How to: write for TV: part one

Don Webb introduces the craft of writing television scripts in the first of an ongoing series on how to write for the small screen.

How to: write sitcoms

John Byrne covers the art of writing situation comedies for TV and radio.

How to: write a police series

Don Webb gives you some pointers on how to pen your own version of a police drama for TV.

How to: write for film

Ray Frensham picks out the main points you need to consider if you are about to embark on your first screenplay.

How to: write comedy

John Byrne supplies tips on how to get those belly laughs and where to look for tips online.

How to: write a musical

Richard Andrews tells you how to make sure the aisles are alive with the sound of music by starting at the very beginning (it's a very good place to start).

Finance

How to: handle freelance tax

Robert Breckman on how to prepare your Schedule D freelance tax accounts.

How to: invest in theatre shows

Anthony Field, who has produced serveral West End plays and musicals, on angels, profit and loss and investment contracts.