Books for Theatre Kids at Heart

I always wonder if people enjoy reading about their profession. I’ve always been someone who does! As a young reader, I always was drawn to books about Broadway and Hollywood because I was always so intrigued by the “behind the scenes” look at things; it made me feel like I’d know what to expect and I could relate to the characters.

Now that I’m back acting and feel 100% like myself again, I thought I’d put together a list of some of my favorite books for anyone else who loves acting and theatre, plus a few that are on my TBR!

Roman & Jewel by Dana Davis

A Romeo & Juliet retelling! It takes place in the rehearsal room as a musical version of Romeo & Juliet is being mounted on Broadway.

As If On Cue by Marisa Kanter

If you did high school theatre, this book will make your heart sing. I loved it. A group of high school students are mounting their own production. There’s drama, love, and a bit of coming of age as well as they figure out who they are with and without acting.

A Tender Thing by Emily Neuberger

A historical fiction story about an interracial Broadway show told from the perspective of a small town girl with big city dreams. I loved this book! It is written by a white author and the book is from a white woman’s perspective, to be clear.

You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria

Set in NYC on the set of a Netflix style comedy akin to Jane the Virgin. It’s one of my favorite books of all time!

The Actor’s Life by Jenna Fischer

Though it’s nonfiction, this book is still a fantastic memoir. I loved it because it’s equal parts an acting handbook and a memoir of Jenna Fischer’s time on The Office!

Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham

If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girl, you’ll recognize Lauren Graham’s name. This is her first foray into fiction and is loosely based on her early years auditioning in New York City.

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli

Another delightful look at high school theatre in Kate is Waiting. I was able to relate to so many of the characters in this book and it warmed my heart! Two best friends have a crush on the same boy. They vow not to get involved but just in case…does he like him or her?

On My TBR

You in Five Acts by Una LaMarche

This book is set a prestigious New York City performing arts schools and dips into the lives of give different students leading up to the future-deciding performance. If you loved Fame this is for you!

Fatal Throne

By M.T. Anderson, Candace Fleming, Stephanie Hemphill, Lisa Ann Sandell, Jennifer Donnelly, Linda Sue Park, Deborah Hopkinson

If you’ve been loving the soundtrack to the musical Six! make sure you read this book! It’s written by six authors and each tells the story of one of the wives of Henry VIII.

Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberley and Austin Sigmund-Brokka

I will confess that Romeo and Juliet is nowhere near my favorite Shakespeare play but it does inspire a lot of stories, like this YA book! Except our main character, Megan, feels a whole lot more like Rosaline than Juliet. This books takes place in a college theatre program and sounds like a delight!

Actress by Anne Enright

This is about a famous Irish actress and theatre legend, Katharine O’Dell. Her daughter Norah is retracing her mother’s career from stage to screen and discovers they may have had more common experiences than she ever though possible.

The Swish of the Curtain by Pamela Brown

I can’t believe I never read this book as a child but it’s a classic for any budding actor! Dame Maggie Smith said that if she hadn’t wanted to act before reading this book, it still would have swayed her.

Camp by L.C. Rosen

This is going on my summer reading list for sure. It’s set a summer camp for queer teens and when Randy falls for Hudson, who only likes “straight-acting” boys, Randy tries to reinvent himself to fit into the mold Hudson is attracted to. But as they grow closer, Randy is faced with coming to terms with the reality of changing for love.

The Other Side of Perfect by Mariko Turk

I grew up as the daughter of a ballerina so I’m always drawn to dance books. When ballerina Alina suffers a catastrophic injury, she’s forced to trade her pointe shoes for tap shoes and reluctantly joins the school musical. “Touching, romantic, and peppered with humor, this debut novel explores the tenuousness of perfectionism, the possibilities of change, and the importance of raising your voice.” —Amazon

When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord

I will admit…I haven’t LOVED Emma Lord’s previous books. They read very young, which they should since they are YA! But as an adult, they haven’t been for me. However, I might give this one a chance! Millie has dreams of being a Broadway star but when she learns about her single dad’s past, she has a new dream: find her mother.

This was such a fun book list for me to put together! I loved how specific and personal it was for me. If you have any others you want to see, let me know in the comments!