How to Succeed in Musical Theatre Without Really Dying Book Launch Concert Party
March 13, 2026
For the last thirteen years, Tony Award® winner Lindsay Mendez and Kleban/Larson/Rodgers Award winner Ryan Scott Oliver have devoted themselves to guiding actors’ careers, sharpening their craft, and supporting them not only as artists but as people. In that time, Actor Therapy has grown far beyond “just a class”—what began with eight students at Ripley-Grier has exploded into year-round training, transformative intensives, hundreds of new students each year, and a thriving alumni community thousands strong.
Which is why the duo is thrilled to celebrate their brand-new book—nearly 450 pages packed with the same big tips, hot takes, and “knowledge bombs” Actor Therapy is famous for. From building a brand to polishing an audition package to booking the job—and, most importantly, sustaining a long, joyful career in musical theatre—the book is a no-nonsense guide to doing the damn thing. It’s called How to Succeed in Musical Theatre Without Really Dying (with a foreword by Jonathan Groff) and it arrives March 3, 2026.
To mark the moment, Mendez and Oliver host a one-night-only concert launch party at 54 Below, featuring Actor Therapy alums past and present—from Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours, regional theatres, and an army of insanely gifted up-and-comers.
PLUS: the night will include live “super tips and tricks,” shared from the book—designed to help every audience member succeed in musical theatre… without really dying. Come toast the book, cheer the artists, and witness why Actor Therapy has become a movement. Music direction by Jason Wetzel.
Featuring Ryan Scott Oliver, Lindsay Mendez, and incredible students/alums from Actor Therapy:
Mat Armada
Alex Bates
Ethan Carlson (Waitress national tour)
Emma Claye (Hamilton national tour)
Marcellis Cutler
Caitlin Doak
Nathan David Smith (Beetlejuice and Come From Away national tours)
Alexander Fernandez
Alina Fontanilla
Hannah E. Feldstein
Riley Osorio Finn
Cydney Gleckner
Joe Hornberger (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory national tours)
Emma Rose Johnson
Kamryn Lee Koerner
Kalèa Leverette (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)
Cassidy Layton
Sasha Lippis
Miranda Luze (Come From Away national tour)
Matthew Moròn
Jack B. Murphy
Jane Margolis
Xose Mongé
Lizzie Maguire
Sydney Noller
Andrew Oppmann
Isa Rodriguez
Steve Taylor
Griffin Welti (SPLASH! Water Parade national tour)
Kayla Zanakis
Please note that all artists and acts are subject to change at any time.
Featuring
Pricing
- $18.50 (includes $3.50 in fees) – $51.50 (includes $6.50 in fees)
- VIP Seating: $62.50 (includes $7.50 in fees)
- Premiums: $90 (includes $10 in fees)
- Prices shown are only valid for online purchases. Additional $6 in fees for all seating sections if purchased at the box office.
- $25 Food & Beverage Minimum