Whether you’re living like a dream in Kansas City or have already made it to the Big Apple, social media influencers keep you connected up-to-the-minute with what’s happening on the ground in the Broadway scene. From anonymous parody accounts to artivism accounts, let's talk about social, baby.
1. Annoying Actor Friend — Andrew Briedis
Follow on: Twitter
Follow if you: Could use a dose of sarcasm
Annoying Actor Friend has been serving witty observations and sassy comebacks to the Broadway community since July 2012. The parody account tweeted anonymously until December 9, 2015, when the creator revealed his identity as Andrew Briedis. While the account is known for its sarcasm and jokes, it's also behind the social media campaigns #Dim4Joan, #Dim4Kyle, #PutSimardOn as well as the Lab versus Workshop discussion.
I wonder if Lin-Manuel's mom introduces herself as, "the womb where it happened."
— AnnoyingActorFriend (@Actor_Friend) November 4, 2015
Nothing tastes as good as Broadway feels.
— AnnoyingActorFriend (@Actor_Friend) June 25, 2013
2. April Reign
Follow on: Twitter
Follow if you: Are ready for a more diverse, inclusive Broadway
April Reign, the creator of #OscarsSoWhite, is also the Managing Editor of Broadway Black. With a very noticeable lack of diverse voices in the Broadway scene, both Reign's Twitter and @BroadwayBlack have become necessary staples in Twitter feeds for Broadway fans who are ready to push the conversation forward.
May I be frank?
Because I have some things to say about @shufflealongbwy during the intermission.
::taps mic::
Ahem.
— April (@ReignOfApril) July 10, 2016
Marlon Brando discussing why he refused the Best Actor Oscar for Vito Corleone in The Godfather. #OscarsSoWhite pic.twitter.com/i2MYUgCMm6
— April (@ReignOfApril) January 26, 2016
3. BROadway
Follow on: Facebook
Follow if you like: Frat bros
If you've ever wanted to know what Broadway-lovin' frat bros would be like—or if you wanted to hear your own inner thoughts on the nitty-gritty details of Broadway performances—the BROadway series delivers. Matt Rodin and Reed Campbell have covered the 2016 Tony Awards and nominations, The Color Purple, and Hairspray Live!, all as snapback-wearin’, fist-bumpin’ bros.
4. BroadwayGirl NYC — Laura Heywood
Follow on: Twitter
Follow if you: Love infectious enthusiasm
@BroadwayGirlNYC, like Annoying Actor Friend, began anonymously. The Twitter account started in March 2009 as a way to document her love for New York Theatre, and quickly became an access point for those craving to get a glimpse into the scene. In February 2015, she revealed her identity at TedxBroadway as Laura Heywood, which has led to even more exciting coverage and content from Broadway’s OG internet fan girl.
Welcome to my happy place. #Broadway pic.twitter.com/aTA6ahYzmC
— Laura Heywood (@BroadwayGirlNYC) March 18, 2016
Did you know it was SEVEN YEARS AGO TODAY that #SpringAwakening opened on #Broadway (and changed my life)?!? Happy Anniversary, #GuiltyOnes!
— Laura Heywood (@BroadwayGirlNYC) December 10, 2013
5. Dave Quinn
Follow on: Twitter
Follow if you: Love when Broadway and pop culture mix
Dave Quinn’s Twitter brings a fresh take on theatre, especially when Broadway intersects with the larger entertainment world. You’ll catch him putting a Broadway twist on Twitter’s trending hashtags and live-tweeting national broadcasts, most recently #CriticsChoice and #HairsprayLive.
Best news of my day? The original Dynamites trio — Shayna Steele, Kamilah Marshall and Judine Somerville — will reunite for #HairsprayLive
— Dave Quinn (@NineDaves) September 21, 2016
Me at the beginning of 2016 vs. me at the end of 2016. pic.twitter.com/nsKXNXmuRf
— Dave Quinn (@NineDaves) December 11, 2016
6. The Ensemblist — Mo Brady and Nikka Graff Lanzarone
Follow on: Twitter (and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes)
Follow if you: Appreciate the unsung heroes of Broadway
The Ensemblist podcast focuses on the unsung heroes of Broadway—the ensemble members. Each episode, co-creators and hosts Mo Brady and Nikka Graff Lanzarone gives listeners a look at Broadway shows from the inside out. They discuss and ask questions about how shows come together, what it means to be a successful artist on Broadway, and how everyone contains multitudes.
7. Fit for Broadway — Jane Jourdan
Follow on: Instagram
Follow if you: Want to know the fitness regimens of Broadway performers
Jane Jourdan’s Fit For Broadway blog features interviews with performers about their wellness practices and how they maintain their physical, vocal, and mental health during their eight-show weeks. Fit For Broadway’s Instagram is full of behind-the-scenes content from the interviews, as well as Jourdan’s recommendations on healthy eating and fitness tips.
8. Humans of Broadway — Aviva Sokolow
Follow on: Instagram
Follow if you: Are fascinated by the backstories of Broadway
Humans of Broadway launched in 2015 after taking a cue from Humans of New York and putting a Broadway spin on it. Followers of the Instagram meet their favorite Broadway performers through stunning portraits and intimate quotes. This year, Humans of Broadway has expanded coverage to give a look at the folks who make Broadway happen behind-the-scenes—like stage managers, costume designers, and TodayTix concierges.
9. Jennifer Ashley Tepper
Follow on: Twitter
Follow if you: Know the year the Belasco apartment was built
Jennifer Ashley Tepper’s Twitter fills our feeds with fascinating facts about Broadway’s past with passion and delight. As Feinstein’s/54 Below’s Programming Director and the author of The Untold Stories of Broadway, Tepper’s tweets radiate with the genuine excitement that comes with all of the adventures of a day in the life with her job.
This 1940s pic is a clue to the secret history of 54 Below. Look at the arrow pointing down.. https://t.co/aeX9dfZWwr pic.twitter.com/v2IO5PDlg5
— Jennifer Tepper (@jenashtep) November 29, 2014
"Shuffle Along" has honestly opened up my brain to history in a whole new way. What ISN'T in my research? What happened but wasn't credited?
— Jennifer Tepper (@jenashtep) April 25, 2016
10. Jordan Roth
Follow on: Facebook
Follow if you: Like to create and collaborate
Jordan Roth, President of Jujamcyn, began #MakingMondays in October 2015 as an interactive creative adventure. Artists of all varieties—actors, dancers, choreographers, playwrights, musicians, chefs, painters, and more—gather together to create as a community. You can take part in it—providing prompts for songwriters, song suggestions for choreographers, and more—through Facebook Live and Periscope.
