Actor Aesthetic’s 2018 holiday gift guide aims to make shopping for actors 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? Here are 13 gift ideas any performer will cherish.

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.

1. Tickets to a Broadway Show

Mean Girls on Broadway at the August Wilson Theater

Snag tickets to New York City’s hottest shows on Broadway through TodayTix! Book tickets at the best prices to the most sought-after theater in New York for the same day or up to 30+ days in advance, and save up to 50% with their exclusive deals.

Catch Mean Girls, Frozen, The Cher Show, The Book of Mormon, Waitress, My Fair Lady, Chicago, Beautiful, Anastasia, and more!

2. Booked It Audition Journal

Actors can benefit tremendously from keeping an audition journal. By documenting key audition information, you will be able to learn from your own experiences every time you audition for a new role.

The Booked It day planner is designed specifically for performers to improve scheduling and time management, increase productivity, get organized, log auditions, achieve their goals.

3. Coloring Broadway

Coloring Broadway is a line of Musical Theatre inspired coloring products for the Broadway & Theatre enthusiast, committed to highlighting the transformational power of theatre. They combine coloring and creativity with the messages of musical theatre. Their mission is to create opportunities to connect with and extend your theatre experience, to create space for pondering, self-reflection and growth - and to do it all while singing show tunes, of course!

Featured above is a portion of the ALL the Dear Evan Hansen pack, which includes 4 Coloring Pages, 4 Postcards, and 4 Note Cards. Experience your favorite musical in a new way – grab your sharpies, put on your cast album and get creative. December 15th is the last day to order with guaranteed delivery by Christmas. Hurry while supplies last!

4. Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler

I find that more and more performers are relying on personal steamers to keep their voices at tip-top shape. Consider getting a personal steamer to combat the dry air and the effects it may have on your voice. I love my Vicks steamer.

5. Scenery Bags

Made from retired theatre backdrops, Scenery Bags donates a portion of its proceeds to take kids to see theatre. These retired drops can come from closed shows, storage spaces, or are just damaged and no longer of use. Instead of a theater just throwing them away, they are graciously donated, letting the stories live on in a new form.

Each bag includes a sewn tag that tells you the show it's from and the number you have from that collection. It also includes a history card with more information about your bag.

6. Little Shop of Rose Gold Candle

Little Shop of Rose Gold, created by actress Caitlin Wilayto, is an Etsy shop that produces heavenly scented candles with musical theatre lovers and performers in mind.

Find a candle for every performer and occasion, including Best Director, Wonderstudy, Leading Lady, Super Swing, Show Girl, Pre Show Ritual, Audition Mornings, Booked & Blessed, and more!

7. LaDuca Dance Shoes

LaDuca Shoes are the Original Flexible Character Shoes for both amateur and professional dancers. Based in New York City, LaDuca Shoes can be seen in theater, film, television and concerts around the world.

LaDuca shoes were created with the dancer in mind and position the body over the center of the shoe. This alleviates unnecessary knee and back pain, creating a healthier dance experience.

8. ‘Hamilton: The Revolution’ Book

Hamilton: The Revolution is a backstage pass to the groundbreaking, hit musical Hamilton, winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Eleven Tony Awards. The book includes the award-winning libretto, behind-the-scenes photos and interviews, and exclusive footnotes from composer-lyricist-star Lin-Manuel Miranda.

9. New Headshots

Headshots by Nathan Johnson, printed by Reproductions

Actors often lament that they need new headshots so that they can stay up to date. However, new shots are often very expensive. Having a fund towards getting new shots is lifesaving, and I promise every actor would be extremely grateful.

10. ‘The Business of Show’ Book by Adam Cates

Broadway Choreographer Adam Cates, author of The Business of Show

Written by Broadway choreographer Adam Cates, The Business of Show: A Guide to the Entertainment Business for the Performing Artist contains vital information for the career-driven performer navigating a career in today's entertainment industry. More than 100 successful actors, singers, dancers, directors, choreographers, artistic directors, producers, agents, and casting directors contribute current insightful facts on a wealth of topics--marketing, networking, type, strategy, auditions, education, social media, rejection, contract negotiations, rehearsal protocol, understudies, unions, agents, tax deductions, professional conduct, survival jobs, career transition, and much more--made accessible through humor, real stories, and to-the-point advice.

With a fresh and honest focus, The Business of Show guides the reader down the path of pursuing dreams equipped with a comprehensive understanding of how show business actually works.

11. S’Well Water Bottle

Every actor knows they need to drink a lot of water to keep hydrated and stay healthy for auditions and performances. Give your performer the gift of a S’Well Water Bottle, the best reusable triple-walled stainless steel bottle for water, tea and coffee. Cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12.

12. ‘The Actor’s Life’ book by Jenna Fischer

With amusing candor and wit, Jenna Fischer (The Office) spells out the nuts and bolts of getting established in the profession, based on her own memorable and hilarious experiences. She tells you how to get the right headshot, what to look for in representation, and the importance of joining forces with other like-minded artists and creating your own work—invaluable advice personally acquired from her many years of struggle. She provides helpful hints on how to be gutsy and take risks, the tricks to good auditioning and callbacks, and how not to fall for scams.

Her inspiring, helpful guidance feels like a trusted friend who’s made the journey, and has now returned to walk beside you, pointing out the pitfalls as you blaze your own path towards the life of a professional actor.

13. Beats Headphones

Help the performer in your life block out the noise (and the haters) with Dre Beats Headphones. Holding rooms can get loud, and a pair of sound proof bluetooth headphones, like these Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear headphones, can be life changing.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above 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.

More Broadway-Based products

Broadway Makers’ Alliance is a collection of creatives who’ve taken their passion for Broadway and created high-quality Broadway-themed products and services. Their goal is to be a “one stop shop” so to speak, for theatre enthusiasts who are looking for Broadway related products and services. For more Broadway related products, click here!

Be sure to check out the Actor Aesthetic podcast. New episodes every Monday!

xoxo

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Actors and Musical Theatre Lovers