Broadway Debuts, College + Overcoming Rejection with Christine Cornish (Cats)
Christine Cornish Smith
Christine Cornish Smith is a New York City based dancer, singer and actor. She was most recently seen in the Original Broadway Cast revival of Kiss Me, Kate!, where she was a featured dancer in the ensemble and covered Lois Lane/Bianca. Christine is most well known for her portrayal of Bombalurina in the OBC revival of CATS, and was also seen in the OBC of My Fair Lady at the Lincoln Center Theater.
Other credits include: the original work of Agnes DeMille in Oklahoma! at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, original revival tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat helmed by director/choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler, Laurey Williams in Susan Stroman’s Oklahoma! at the MUNY, Sheila Bryant in A Chorus Line at the Riverside Theater, and Goodspeed Opera House. She has also performed as a principal vocalist with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, the Phoenix Symphony, and the Niagra Symphony Orchestra, as well as was a finalist in the prestigious Kurt Weill’s Lotte Lenya Vocal Competition in 2014.
She appeared in the 25th Anniversary Concert performance of Crazy For You at Lincoln Center, directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman and has also appeared on HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” with John Oliver, “Good Morning, America”, “The Today Show”, “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”, and “The Tony Awards”. She has been featured on Playbill.com, Broadway.com, Inside Dance Magazine, and BroadwayBox as one of the “Incredible Debuts” of the 2016 Broadway season. Visit her website at www.ChristineCornishSmith.com and follow her on instagram @ChristineCornish.
In this episode, NYC-based actress and host Maggie Bera chats with Christine about her musical theatre training at CCM, her transition to New York City, survival jobs, agents, auditions, rejection, and making her Broadway debut in Cats.
Acting is a business - and in 2024, it’s going to be all about branding and marketing. You can be the absolute best actor in the world… but if no one knows who you are, and you don’t know how to market yourself … what’s the point?
Learn how to easily define your own brand and communicate it through websites, social media, headshots, resumes, and postcards.
After purchasing, a link to download the PDF will be sent directly to your inbox. Link expires in 24 hours.
Health insurance can feel overwhelming for actors… but how are working performers actually getting coverage? From Equity insurance and employer-sponsored plans to marketplace coverage and Medicaid, actors across the country share the real strategies they're using to access healthcare while building sustainable careers in the performing arts.
Master the art of self-taping with minimal equipment! This guide covers easy lighting, camera setup, and framing tips—perfect for actors auditioning for Heathers: The Musical and beyond.
Looking to sharpen your acting skills in NYC? From Meisner to on-camera training, these top acting classes will help you book more auditions and level up your career in 2025.
Struggling to get seen at auditions as a non-union actor in NYC? With Equity’s Open Access policy making union auditions more competitive than ever, non-union performers are facing more challenges—including chaotic unofficial lists and early morning sign-ups. Should non-union actors organize for better access, or is joining Equity the only solution?
Ready to move to New York City? Here are the top neighborhoods you should check out before taking the plunge as an actor in the big apple.
Learn the latest ways to join Actors' Equity Association, including the new Open Access program.
Discover 10 actionable tips to enhance your audition book and impress casting directors.
Getting involved in a 54 Below show requires a combination of talent, preparation, and networking.
Whether you have to memorize a monologue, a scene, or an entire show, here a 5 tips to help you get started.
Wait for up to 6-8 hours, and then to hear the dreaded words that no non-union artist wants to hear: “Sorry, we’re not seeing non-union today.”
With a strong work ethic, a positive mindset and mentors that can guide you, you’ll get through the process just fine!
It doesn’t come without hardships, misunderstandings, and challenges…but I can guarantee you that it’s so worth it.
From modern day favorites by the stars on your favorite television shows, to classics by the pioneers of modern theatre, here are your top 13 must reads for actors.
Find out who’s nominated for the American Theatre Wing’s 74th annual Tony Awards, presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.
So whether you’re just starting out in the biz or a longtime pro, the search for the perfect monologue never ends.
With nearly all auditions and performances going virtual due to coronavirus concerns, it’s more important than ever to invest in the essentials.
BIPOC actors are using social media to share their stories of racism in the theatre industry - and their visions for change.
Maggie Bera
Maggie Bera, creator of Actor Aesthetic, is an actress based in NYC. A proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Texas State University.
Acting is expensive—but not every expense is worth it. From dance classes and rehearsal studios to wellness routines and career essentials, here's what's actually been worth the investment (and what definitely hasn't).