Our Top 5 Picks: Theatre Makers on Tik Tok
We all know that social media has revolutionized the theater industry in the last decade. It’s an easy (and not to mention free) way to collaborate with theater artists across the world. Particularly with the rise of TikTok, it gives us the freedom to share and exchange knowledge about every aspect of the industry, with content ranging from information on creative processes, to relatable memes. There is a surplus of content creators out there who’s accounts serve to inform and inspire their peers. Here are five creators to keep an eye out for on your For You Page.
Just as a note- this piece isn’t sponsored by any of these creators. We just wanted to highlight the content they’re making! If we’re all addicted to social media (but really Tik Tok) we might as well use it to our advantage while we’re spending time on the apps.
JuJu Jaworski (she/they)
Tiktok/Instagram: jujujaworski
JuJu Jaworksi has been coming up on my FYP for a long time, and for good reason. Jaworski is a multi-hyphenate theater creator, working both as a director and a playwright. They are a directing student at Fordham’s Theater Department in NYC, and their Tiktok account provides a glimpse into their life and creative process. “I started making content that I would have wanted to see,” she says. Their posts cover everything you need to know about directing, from whats in their rehearsal bag, to their own guide to an in-depth scene breakdown. JuJu uses their socials to promote and post updates about current projects, while also providing information helpful to fellow directors and creatives. “While some of my videos on TikTok may seem like pieces of a portfolio,” Juju says, “I aim for it to be an inspiration to the past versions of me out there who are aspiring artists that feel alone in their creating.” And JuJu’s content does just that.
Grace Walker (she/her)
Tiktok: notkristenbell
If you are someone who struggles to find good play recommendations, Grace Walker is your girl. Her account features a huge selection of quality plays for every theater creative. Her account is also a great place to stay informed on the latest in industry news. Grace takes recent new articles, breaks them down, and uses the articles as a jumping off point for starting nuanced discussions about what is going on in the theater industry today. She is not afraid to tackle big conversations about the inner workings of the industry, and uses her platform to keep others informed.
On what Grace wants people to take away from her content, she says “I hope that I can serve as a dramaturgical resource for every emerging theater artist, who’s wondering if their strangle little art matters. Because when it comes down to it, theater is supposed to capture the magical ‘what-ifs’ of the world, and I hope that my platform can speak to those ‘what-ifs’ when it comes to the industry.”
Kaisha Huguley (she/her)
Tiktok: kaishacreates
From seeing the latest shows on Broadway, to relatable discussions of the frustrating aspects of being an actor, Kaisha Huguley’s Tiktok is a fun and honest glimpse into life as an actor living in NYC. She recently started a series called “100 Days of Becoming a Better Actor” where everyday she tackles one daily practice related to her work. These practices range from taking a dance class, to taking the time to sing through her entire rep book! It is seriously inspiring, and if you’re looking for a way to get your creative juices flowing, look no further than her challenge. (Plus, if you ever need a coffee recommendation in NYC, check out her series “Creative and Caffeinated”!)
Gabrielle Byndloss (she/her)
Tiktok: gabriellebyndloss
Anyone trained in theater who is looking to branch out into film and television should definitely check out Gabrielle Byndloss. While her training is based in theater, she has fully immersed herself into the world of film and television, and her page is full of incredible tips on being a well rounded actor and person. For actors looking to expand their acting career through film/television work, she has tips to make it all seem less daunting. These videos focus on the technical aspects of being an actor, like how to tackle a tricky callback, as well as giving honest and well rounded advice on how to care for ourselves as people navigating an industry that can be exhausting. Any questions you may have about life as an actor, I can assure you Gabrielle has the answers!
Kitty Lipski (she/her)
Tiktok: kitty_lipski
Kitty Lipski is a theatrical designer who does it all. Her account is a wealth of information about all aspects of theatrical design, with videos that break down how her sets, costumes, and props are built. It is so fascinating (not to mention impressive) to see each design come to life. I first found her account months ago while she was working on a production of “Into the Woods”, and watched the process of her building a ten foot long wig for Rapunzel. Not only was it gorgeous, but it also met the practical needs of the actors in that production. She explains how her design will be both beautiful and functional, and it gives you a whole new appreciation for all of the work that goes into bringing a show to life. When asked what she hopes people take away from her account, she said she tries to “showcase theater magic and then break it down into manageable, followable tutorials.” Kitty wants everyone to know: “It’s easier than you think!”
These five accounts are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you are a designer, or a director, or anything in between, there’s an endless amount of creators out there making content to help guide and inspire you. In an industry that can feel incredibly isolating, having resources like these at your fingertips can help you through every stage of your career. There is so much out there to learn, and these creators are a great place to start. Give them a follow and then let the algorithm do the rest.
