INSTA-INSPIRATION: Takeover Tips for Actors

By Tara Tagliaferro

First off, let me just say that I ride the #strugglebus with social media. 

 
Image for INSTA-INSPIRATION_ Takeover Tips for Actors 1.png
 

#lol #truth 

I struggle with finding an engagement balance and authentic approach that works for me. One  where I don't overindulge my sweet tooth at the never ending candy store of profiles and posts,  sink into compare despair or time wasting rabbit holes, or find myself staring at the manicured  feeds of Broadway babies (or let's be real, current contestants of Bachelor in Paradise). 

When I show up to Insta or my FB without any compass, only in search of that sugary high, it  doesn't feel great. I get lost and crash easily, unfairly pin up others' shown successes against my  own, and possibly invent false narratives in my head about who someone is based on what they  do or do not choose to post. #judgejudy 

But what's crazy is doing a takeover feels the exact opposite to me. I become a woman on a  mission! 

A takeover of another account is kinda like digitally being a VIP guest at a popular Air BnB, and who doesn't love a charming getaway from time to time? 

What I also find is that a takeover encourages human connection with the ACTUAL HUMANS  you are sharing this show or experience with in REAL LIFE. It's a wonderful excuse to get to  know your cast, crew, community, or city you are in even better, preserve precious moments  shared together, and serve the audience in a very unique and creative way. 

Just think: a drama nerd tween might stumble upon your FIERCE story and say, “Gee, I want to  work in theatre someday!” 

Because I know you want to inspire the future of theatre :-), here are some tips and Q's to  explore that made my recent takeovers at regional theatres and businesses serving actors  soyyyyy much fun! 

1- SERVE THE AUDIENCE 

3 Q'S to Answer: 

What can the audience learn about me, and possibly what matters to me, that isn't evident from my work onstage or my bio in the playbill? 

This is where I start every takeover map. It's time to pretend like you are having a 1:1 coffee  date with a stranger aka your temporary new follower(s)! In the past, especially if I’ve worked at the theatre before, I start with my history at that  particular theatre, why I love working there, etc. It soon turns into a sweet stroll down memory  lane, providing pics and backstory. Other suggestions are sharing specific prep/routines you  have fallen into, your reality TV and guilty pleasures of choice (everyone has one), why you love  your role(s), charities/organizations you are invested in, other hobbies/interests outside of  theatre, your HS/community theatre blasts from the past, and/or go-to fun facts you love to  drop that strike up a conversation. Let that virtual coffee date evolve into brunch! 

What can make the audience feel like they are a part of the backstage world, cast, or crew? 

Give the muggles a taste of that magic! As a football fan, that’s how I feel when I watch NFL  Mic’d Up. I'm freakin' on those side lines with my boys, and I love it. #goeagles 

You can do things like give a backstage tour through your eyes, show off your dressing room  decor and dynamic, share favorite costumes/wigs, introduce your dressers, etc. Make this your  MTV Cribs moment, and have fun blowing followers' minds between half hour and curtain  down! 

How can I encourage audience engagement? 

This is where the story is kick ass. There are sticker features for trivia, polls, and Q+A's that ask  for low stakes engagement from whoever is following along. If you really want to see people  respond, throw in a mini giveaway. People will do anything for a free coffee mug.  

 
Image for INSTA-INSPIRATION_ Takeover Tips for Actors 5.png
 

2-SHARE THE SCENERY AND DO SHOUT OUTS FOR LOCAL BIZES 

Time to get tag happy. From cast expeditions into nature to neighborhood hangs and happy  hours, share your hot spots without forgetting to tag the locations and biz handles so they can  receive the love. You never know, your post may get the local barista's butt into a theatre  seat. On a regional theatre contract a few years ago, I will forever treasure witnessing my yoga  teacher in town at his first musical, THE MUSIC MAN. He couldn't stop singing "Pick-A-Little" for  days. 

Image for INSTA-INSPIRATION_ Takeover Tips for Actors 2.png

3-UP YOUR TECH SAVY GAME 

For each takeover I do, I challenge myself to stay hip with the kids and try a new feature or app  that will enhance my storytelling (& skin tone). #babysfirstboomerang 

Check out Word Swag, A Color Story, Layout for Instagram, A Design Kit, LifeLapse, and  Dubsmash to start. You will, for sure, feel fancy and kewl.  

4-ENGAGE YOUR CAST AND CREW 

Get those fools involved! Create cast/crew challenges to complete, interview them as if you  are Jimmy Fallon, make up skits/sketches/parodies, etc. Just like your takeover followers are  temporary, so is your show family, and a takeover can open up additional bonding time. My MATILDA cast brought in their favorite books to share in our story, and it stirred up so many  delicious convos online and off. We may have brought in the entire Harry Potter series  combined! 

 
Image for INSTA-INSPIRATION_ Takeover Tips for Actors 4.png
 

Also, if I didn't do a full weekend takeover at my last out of town gig, there may have been  some people I never would have had the pleasure in getting to know. That would have been my  loss! 

5-DON'T HIDE WHATS HARD 

Image for INSTA-INSPIRATION_ Takeover Tips for Actors 6.png

Final tip, be a human, and honor where you are in your shares. 

Think less "polished and perfect" and more what's messy, what you are working on or through,  what's making you laugh through the tough times, what's picking you up on those double show  days, etc. Let Instagram become a place to celebrate the imperfect too! 

So next time you are in a show, jump on that takeover train with your smart phone in hand, and  watch the magic unfurl backstage and beyond. 

Social media, you ain't so bad after all.

 
Image for INSTA-INSPIRATION_ Takeover Tips for Actors 7.png
 
Collaboration, MindsetMaggie McNeil