The 15-Step Guide To Becoming A Thespian
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(Updated on 18 Sep 2025)
If you are experiencing the Symptoms of Thespianism (unsure? Check out the symptoms [here](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/post/597/Symptoms-Of-Thespianism.aspx), and have decided to indulge in your new-found passion, here are 15 things that you can do to establish yourself fully within the world of theatre.
**1. Accept that spare cash is a thing of the past.**
Theatre tickets can be pricey. Sure, you’ll find great deals ([London Theatre Direct has plenty of offers](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/discounts)), but let’s be honest — any “saving” just means buying *more* tickets.
**2. See the classics — and the new icons.**
It’s a rite of passage: [*Wicked*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/wicked-tickets),[*The Phantom of the Opera*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/phantom-of-the-opera-tickets), and [*Les Misérables*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/les-miserables-tickets). But don’t stop there — 2025 is buzzing with modern classics like [*Hadestown *](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/search/hadestown)and stunning revivals such as [*Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/cabaret-london-tickets).
**3. Get unreasonably annoyed at movie musical casting.**
We won’t name names (…you know who you are), but sometimes Hollywood just doesn’t get it.
**4. Learn to decode inside theatre references.**
It’s practically a second language.
**5. Find your tribe of fellow thespians.**
You’ll need people to see shows with, swap cast-change gossip, or cry with when your favourite performer leaves.
**6. Dive into amateur dramatics.**
Whether it’s acting, props, costumes, or tech — nothing beats being part of the magic yourself.
**7. See one show at least three times.**
For me, it’s *Wicked*. For you, it could be anything — but trust me, it only gets better with repeat visits.
**8. Visit the Phoenix Arts Club.**
Grab a latte under a wall of signed posters and soak up the staginess.
**9. Develop intense admiration for West End talent.**
Whether it’s powerhouse vocalists, ingenious choreographers, or costume designers, you’ll quickly build your list of theatre icons.
**10. When you fall in love with a musical, go all in.**
Learn every lyric, quote it in daily conversation, and gush about it to friends who don’t really care. (They’ll learn to nod and smile.)
**11. Sing *all* the parts.**
Yes, that means Christine *and* the Phantom. Your shower is your stage.
**12. (Re)discover the joy of cast albums.**
Original Broadway Cast? West End Cast? London Revival? You’ll soon have them all on repeat.
**13. Find the spot in your home where you can belt safely.**
Because neighbours don’t always appreciate a full-volume “Defying Gravity” at 11 p.m.
**14. Support your local theatres.**
West End trips are magical, but your local stages will be where your love of theatre grows roots.
**15. Be proud of your theatre trivia.**
Yes, it’s “useless” that Elphaba’s name in *Wicked* comes from L. Frank Baum’s initials (L.F.B. → El-pha-ba). But that’s the stuff true thespians live for.