2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Performers and Broadway Fans
It’s the most wonderful time of year!
Actor Aesthetic’s 2020 holiday gift guide aims to make shopping for actors and theatre kids more personal, thoughtful and fun.
Looking to spoil the performer in your life? Searching for the perfect gift for your actor friends? Have a child who loves musical theatre? Thinking of supporting small businesses created by artists suffering from the pandemic shutdowns?
Here are 25 gift ideas any performer or Broadway fan will adore.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases.
Broadway or Bust:
Periodic Table of Broadway Musicals
118 of the greatest musicals of all time in one richly illustrated poster, The Periodic Table of Broadway Musicals belongs on every musical theatre lover’s wall. From “Show Boat” to “Dear Evan Hansen,” the shows are grouped by subject or theme into 10 colorful families, and every show’s “tile” is packed with information and history. With custom icons full of witty references, it’s a Broadway treasure trove – you’ll find something new every time you look! @periodictablebway
Scenery Bags
Own a piece of Broadway! Scenery Bags handmakes accessories from discarded theatrical materials, and a portion of all proceeds is donated to TDF to introduce students to theatre. From Wicked, Beetlejuice, SpongeBob and more, own a piece of Broadway and beyond! The perfect Holiday gift for any theatre lover on your list. Hold on to upcycled theatre and know that this is only intermission. @scenerybags
Coloring Broadway
Inspired by Broadway, Colored by YOU! Add your own colors to the lyrics you love. Great gifts for theatre nerds of all ages. Turn on your favorite cast album, grab your Sharpies and reconnect with the Musicals you love. Coloring Broadway's coloring collections feature illustrations inspired by Hamilton, Wicked, Les Miserables, The Prom, Six, Hadestown, Moulin Rouge AND a special collection just for our Theatre Nerds! Our stickers are the perfect way to declare your Theatre enthusiasm need to be on your water bottle, like now! @coloringbroadway
Stagedoor Boxes
Stagedoor Boxes is a monthly subscription box that brings the excitement of musical theatre to you! The Stagedoor Boxes wants you to let your freak flag fly. We love and support all things theatre and strive to help you put on a happy face. We hope these boxes will cause you to scream “omigod, you guys!” when it arrives at your very own Stagedoor. What do I get in my Stagedoor Box? Everyone wants to know what’s inside. Let us tell you. Musical theatre everything. Stickers, and candles, and makeup (oh, my!). Anything and everything to keep your musical theatre obsessed heart satisfied. @stagedoorboxes
Broadway Life Apparel
Broadway Life Apparel, cute and comfy clothes for living your best #BroadwayLife. BLA is designed by Broadway Husbands Stephen Hanna and Bret Shuford, two married Broadway performers who want to prove to the world you can love who you love and love what you do. @broadwaylifeapparel
Support Fellow Artists:
Little Shop of Rose Gold
Little Shop Of Rose Gold is a shop full of handcrafted creations with a broadway twist! We have candles, matchboxes, journals, jewelry, masks, and artwork all with a hint of rose gold and pink! Glinda approved! All products are made by musical theater actress Caitlin Wilayto and the shop is based in NYC! @littleshopofrosegold
Edible Smiles Bakery
The Edible Smiles Bakery was founded by Katie Browne, a musical theatre college student and dedicated Broadway dreamer. The Edible Smiles Christmas collection includes Iced Gingerbread Cookies and their signature giant Chocolate Chip Cookies. Support Edible Smiles by ordering some delicious cookies to enjoy this Christmas! @ediblesmilesbakery
Stagedoor Candle Co.
Stagedoor Candle Company makes candles, oil reed diffusers, and room sprays with fragrances inspired by characters from Broadway musicals. The company was started this year by a stage manager of Broadway national tours and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and are hand made in NYC. They have released a limited edition holiday collection that is perfect for holiday gift giving. A portion of every sale goes to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. @stagedoorcandle
Curtain Call Cosmetics
Curtain Call Cosmetics specializes in hand-mixed Broadway inspired nail polish. All of our products are vegan, cruelty free, 10-free, and made in the USA. 5% of sales pre-tax are donated to Beagle Freedom Project, a charity that rescues and re-homes animals used in testing facilities. @curtaincallcosmetics
EmmaBroiderie
“Custom designs and hand-stitched decor”
Featuring hand-embroidered portraits, holiday ornaments, monograms, and personalized gifts, EmmaBroiderie is the perfect one-stop-shop for everyone on your list! Fill out the commission form on Instagram or Facebook (@EmmaBroiderie) to order your piece today.
Lipsense
Michaela Bolt Beauty sells stage-proof makeup and anti-aging skincare that is gluten free, vegan, cruelty-free, and made to last through long audition days! Michaela is a fellow equity actor, and this is the only makeup brand she trusts to not smudge or sweat off during dance calls and performances. Plus, it’s gentle, nourishing, and perfect for everyday wear. Find LipSense, Shape Magazine’s 2020 “Iconic” Award-Winning lipstick that is mask-proof and stage-kiss-proof, skincare made from the finest botanical & anti-aging ingredients, free makeup tutorials, and more in Michaela’s Facebook group: Michaela Bolt ⚡️ Beauty. Message her for more information! @michaelabolt
Essentials For Actors:
Humidifier
Humidifiers are a must-have for performers. By adding steam to the room, humidifiers help relieve swelling, dryness and nasal congestion.
Fontus LOzenges
Never suffer from dry-mouth before an audition or performance again! Created by Broadway, Film and TV actress Kaitlin Hopkins, Fontus Lozenges are the PERFECT stocking stuffer for performers.
Ring Light
A self-tape is an audition the actor films remotely, usually requested by a casting director, and expected to be sent back in a timely fashion. Casting Directors often provide the sides, instructions, and deadline, and then it is up to the actor to film, edit, and return it on time .Help an actor out by giving the gift of a ring-light to use for self-tapes!
MyPurmist Handheld Steamer
Mypurmist® steam inhalers are proven to provide fast, natural, drug-free relief from allergies, sinus congestion, sinus pain, dryness, colds and flu. These inhalers are a game-changer for the vocal health of performers!
Tap Board
Can’t get to the studio to rehearse? Give your dancers the gift of a tap board! This tap board can fit in a closet, under a bed, and in the trunk of your car for travel. It is lightweight and great over virtually any floor surface.
Ballet Barre
With many performers and students stuck at home, consider gifting a ballet barre! A portable, adjustable, and easy to use our dance bar can help improve your forms, poses, and even range of motion; all while increasing your flexibility, strengthening core muscles, and supporting overall fitness goals.
Hydroflask
Every performer knows how important it is to stay hydrated! Give the gift of a Hydroflask.
BeltBox
Acting as a portable warm-up room, The BELTBOX is a vocal dampener for singers, actors and performers. Don’t have anywhere to warm-up for your audition? Neighbors can’t stand listening to you practice? Pull out your BELTBOX, hold it to your mouth, and sing through your scales without anyone hearing.
Coaching Sessions For Performers:
Whole Health for Performers
The health class you never had - for stage performers! Registered Dietitian, Libby Parker, is not only an actress herself, but also works with performers on their health from a body-positive philosophy. Whole Health for Performers is a self-paced online course that covers evidence-based actionable tips for improving your health in ways that directly impact your stage life. This course includes: how to eat for long rehearsal days and avoiding digestive issues on stage, hydration, vocal health (including some myth busing - like is dairy really an issue?), mental health, eating disorders, and substance use, and more. @DietitianLibby
Musical Theatre Rep Coaching
Searching for musical theatre rep? Study with NYC-based actress, founder of Actor Aesthetic, and experienced. coach Maggie Bera. With a background in the theatre industry of over 15+ years, Maggie offers coaching over video.
Monologue Sourcing
Knowing the audition circuit, putting material on tape, and having gone through the BFA & MFA audition process (successfully!), Jennifer Apple (The Band’s Visit) definitely understands that the search for finding the “Perfect Monologue” is absolutely exhausting. Well, that search ends now! Jennifer will find 8+ pieces specifically picked for YOU!
Private Dance Lessons
Train with with NYC-based dancer, Liliana Rose. Dance credits include The Rockette Summer Experience (MSG Varsity), Let Freedom Ring with George Lopez (CBS), and Norwegian Cruise Line. BFA in Musical Theatre from Texas State University.
Rep Matchmaker
Matchmaker Find Me A Song! Is a repertoire consultant business that helps match musical theatre performers to songs. The matchmaker, Ashley Van Kirk specializes in finding good audition rep that is not overdone. Ashley will help cultivate a list of songs tailored to your voice and character type, fill any holes you have in your book or help you pick songs for competitions/cabarets. The service starts at $10 for a list of 10-15 songs. You can also purchase for a friend or family member and fill out their information yourself or send them the checklist. The best way to contact is through the Facebook page or Instagram. @Matchmaker_findmeasong
VanAlstine Voice Lessons
Hi there! My name is Stephanie VanAlstine, professional voice teacher and owner of VanAlstine Voice, my fully online private voice studio. Students enrolled in my studio learn research-based high level vocal technique, in a joyful and creative atmosphere! With both a Masters Degree in Vocal Performance (with a focus in Musical Theatre, my one true love!) and an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy, you can rest assured the singer in your life is in good hands with VanAlstine Voice. Single lessons, monthly, and three month enrollments available! @vanalstinevoice
Happy Holidays!
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From online retailers and apps to libraries and coaches, this guide has all the resources actors need to build their audition repertoire.