NYT Magazine | What Does It Take To Light Up a Stage?

When the stage is New York City

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Brenda Ann Kenneally

Watch 12 artists at work, from an opera singer and a subway dancer to Princess Nokia and Kelli O'Hara. Every spring, we bring you our annual New York Issue. Last year, we featured 24 hours of romance. This time, we sought out a dozen performers who show what it takes to be a star. A queer, feminist rapper.   A percussionist who is the star of every stage he's ever been on.  A self-taught sword-swallower.  A subway dancer who dazzles commuters.  A veteran Broadway star.  A dancer who gets ready to play 14 roles, night after night. Put on your headphones, turn on the sound and let us take you through New York, the greatest stage town on earth.

A Sword Swallower's Tough Act Brenda Ann Kenneally for The New York Times By JAMIE LAUREN KEILES Nobody taught Betty Bloomerz how to swallow a sword. She just figured it out — one inch at a time.

How Kelli O'Hara Gets Ready for Broadway, Night After Night Brenda Ann Kenneally for The New York Times By TAFFY BRODESSER-AKNER The Tony-winning actress takes us inside her dressing room and shares her two-hour pre-curtain regimen.

He's a Professional Dancer, But His Stage Is the E Train Brenda Ann Kenneally for The New York Times By JAIME LOWE Ikeem Jones dazzles commuters for as long as it takes to make $100.

Princess Nokia on Remaking Rap for a Queer, Feminist New York Brenda Ann Kenneally for The New York Times By MATTHEW SCHNIPPER The 26-year-old built a rabid fan base of outcasts. She talked to us about creating a safe space for her audience.

How Does a Normal Person Transform Into an Opera Singer? Brenda Ann Kenneally for The New York Times By SAM ANDERSON Ying Fang lives in the modern world most of the week, conserving her soprano voice with silence, stretching and sleep. Until it's time to go onstage.

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