From January 2026, The Stage will no longer appear as a weekly newspaper but rather as a monthly magazine designed for deeper reading, says Alistair Smith. Read more 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/...
dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social
@dearjohnbyrne.bsky.social
Entertainment Industry Career Advisor. Columnist for The Stage, the world's longest established theatre & acting newspaper.
I'm sure there's a US & international equivalent seasonal earworm but this is ours in UK 🌲🙃...
Obituary: Nabil Shaban — Actor who co-founded disabled-led theatre company Graeae and performed at theatres including London’s Royal Court and the National Theatre 👇
Obituary: Nabil Shaban – actor and Graeae co-founder
Actor who co-founded disabled-led theatre company Graeae and performed at theatres including London's Royal Court and the National Theatre
thestage.co.uk
I once sat in a room with Elon Musk. I watched, listened, waited ... This is it? This is the genius we’re all supposed to be in awe of? I remember feeling underwhelmed. Unimpressed ... mediocrity in this man and others like him is so normalized, so falsely praised - @duvernay.bsky.social
Elon Musk: The Illusion of Genius
I once sat in a room with Elon Musk.
substack.com
Dolly Parton’s sister, Freida Parton, is asking for people to pray for her sister’s health.
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
My late Dad's absolute favorite show. He'll be queueing up at the Pearly Gates for an autograph 💔 #RIPHyacinth
The Stage@thestage.co.uk · 10mo agoActor Patricia Routledge has died aged 96. Read more 👇
Saying it with my whole chest: #OnwardWithAvaDuVernay #Substack showcases one of the world’s great filmmakers & community leader's writing: powerful, potent & timely as her screen masterpieces. Grateful to @duvernay.bsky.social for the tee & your ongoing work for justice in art, activism & beyond.
Writer Question for Parents, Grandparents, Teachers or anyone else with 3-5 year olds around: if they have a tablet (ie to watch cartoons, play games etc) what do they call it: "My tablet" or something else? Thank you 🙏🏻
I’m currently researching a feature for The Stage on the role of drama schools in today’s industry. While schools will be invited to outline the advantages of training, I’d also like to represent UK based voices who feel drama school is not the only viable route. DM or dearjohn@thestage.co.uk
With the UK High Court case brought by #Equity against #Spotlight ending in favour of uncapped fees, my latest piece is for the increasing number of #Actors who cannot afford to stay (or join in first place) #Theatresky open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
Beyond Spotlight: How Actors Can Still Be Seen and Get Work.
How to keep finding castings, stay visible, and move your career forward even if you can’t afford the casting directory subscription.
open.substack.com
If you’re waking up to yet another news programme on tv or radio that is over platforming REFORM with 4 MPs and not mentioning any other opposition party, you know what to do. Sign here and get anyone else you know to sign. Fair coverage now. Takes 30 seconds petition.parliament.uk/petitions/71...
Petition: Ensure plurality of political coverage across UK broadcast media at all times
We want to ensure that a plurality of views from all political parties in Westminster are represented and the nations parliaments are heard all year round, not just election times. The rules for coverage during elections should apply at all times.
petition.parliament.uk
Once a year I run a Pay What You Can Weekend for ADHD creative coaching. Link is now open. Book before 8pm Mon 25 Aug & discount applies (sessions can be taken later). You don't need a formal diagnosis. Please share for or DM for more details. johnbyrneresources.gumroad.com/l/fsbhju
1-to-1 Specialist Coaching for ADHD Creatives (Actors, Writers & Artists)
Your brain works differently. Your coaching should too. Lived-experience one to one support for creatives with ADHD — from someone who has built a successful 30 year career and helped many others do t...
johnbyrneresources.gumroad.com
If you are going to doubt any aspect of yourself today, make it your doubts. That way you can focus more energy on your talent.
Not even a year yet, and Washington is now a sundown town 😡😪
Raider@iwillnotbesilenced.bsky.social · 12mo agoMartial Law 2025: Washington DC 8/11/25
Those who refuse to learn the lessons of history are busy making sure nobody else learns them either 🤢
The Washington Post@washingtonpost.com · 12mo agoBreaking news: The White House will launch an aggressive review of Smithsonian exhibitions, collections and operations ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebrations next year.
Acting industry myths mess with actors’ heads. “You’re only as good as your last job.” “Stage confidence = career confidence.” “Talent should be enough.” My course starts there. Bust myths. Build a plan that works. 👉 tinyurl.com/ActorReboot
I'm sad to say that since leaving Twitter/X my sales for live shows have dropped quite a lot - it turns out that even though it's a dreadful place it was still useful for getting the word out about events. So any shares / RTs of my posts about live shows are hugely appreciated!
Acting industry myths mess with actors’ heads. “You’re only as good as your last job.” “Stage confidence = career confidence.” “Talent should be enough.” My course starts there. Bust myths. Build a plan that works. 👉 tinyurl.com/ActorReboot
Have found some space in the diary for One to One Acting Advice sessions this month. A great way for new grads to get a kickstart in their careers...but always a joy to hear career updates from the many experienced actors who have also found them useful. johnbyrneresources.gumroad.com/l/vzoam
🎭 1:1 Acting Career Advice Session with John Byrne from The Stage
If you're an actor who wants to take control of your career— this session is for you.I'm John Byrne — resident career advisor of The Stage, the world's longest established stage and screen publication...
johnbyrneresources.gumroad.com
With the latest wave of new acting grads joining the industry, this piece on representation & self-representation might be helpful to somebody you know. open.substack.com/pub/dearjohn...
Dear John: How important is an agent or manager to an actor's success-and how do I get a good one?
Given that I have spent the past three decades as a talent agency director and personal manager, I’m obviously of the opinion that we are very important to an actor’s success.
open.substack.com