tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18798379106987847252024-03-19T02:58:17.421-07:00Bradetta's Audition TipsBradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-61080639805490159972015-04-17T22:25:00.003-07:002015-04-17T22:30:17.728-07:00Auditioning...How is it going? Join Me at Northwest Film Forum for a great classI hope all is well out there in audition land. I haven't posted in quite a while and thought I would check in. I was surprised to see how many page views there were and new followers have joined this blog! Welcome!<br />
<br />
Here in Seattle we are in the middle of season auditions.<br />
<br />
Theatre Puget Sound has come and gone.<br />
<br />
The 5th Ave is doing auditions about every 4 months but because their season starts in the fall the May generals are a hot commodity.<br />
<br />
Arts West just announced their season auditions and Village Theatre generals are just around the corner.<br />
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Renton Civic just announced auditions for Sweeney Todd and has an amazing creative team.<br />
<br />
I'm spending most of my time in the film world these days. When things slow down a bit I'll do some film world posting! If you are interested in doing film and theatre but have no clue how to get started in film I am teaching a class at: <br />
<br />
Northwest Film Forum April 26th and May 3rd - a total of 4 hours of newbie film information over those two days. You can find the class sign up here<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nwfilmforum.org/live/page/workshops/85#3484" target="_blank">Actors Transitioning from Stage To Film </a><br />
<br />
<br />
I'm not talking about leaving the theatre - no no no- but - expand your craft and footprint. Maybe make some money...maybe not. Maybe just have a whole lot of fun. <br />
<br />
And -if you are so inclined - leave me a note on how your auditions are going. What are booking? What haven't you booked? How was the audition room? What are you looking forward to doing next?<br />
<br />
I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Auditioning! Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0Seattle, WA, USA47.6062095 -122.332070847.2636815 -122.9775178 47.9487375 -121.68662379999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-32824775632377724752013-05-19T01:05:00.004-07:002013-05-19T01:05:43.423-07:00Question #5 and #6 - Music Director interview<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Last summer I began an interview process with three lovely Music Directors. All work in different areas of the country so I wondered if their answers would vary widely to the SIX – very long – questions I asked them about what their preferences are when in an audition situation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Jeff Caldwell works on the east coast in the New York area, on Broadway and Off Broadway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Darcy Danielson is the resident Music Director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Kim Dare works in Seattle at various Equity and Non-Equity companies</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Thank you to Jeff, Darcy and Kim! Enjoy the last </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">installment</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Jeff:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #500050; font-family: Noteworthy, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">5. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>Do you believe that there is such a thing as an overdone song? What is the song you do not ever want to hear in an audition - ever - ever again? Have you ever chosen not to cast someone based on their song choice?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There are very few songs that are overdone to
the extent that you shouldn't sing them. My two best songs were standards on
many "Never Sing" lists, and I always got a callback because they
were perfect for me and my type. But if your song is done a lot, you'd better
be awesome or have a great new take on it.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Sometimes the less popular song from a show is
good to look at. I'd rather hear "Someday" than "Come Out of the
Dumpster", for example. You can find cuttings from extended solo sections
in duets, like things from Title of Show and Urinetown.</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I don't ever want to hear Once Upon A Time or
Someone Like You unless you can NAIL those high notes without sounding and
looking like you're screaming. Same thing with Run Away With Me (which I enjoy
playing) or At The Fountain.</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Generally JRBrown is so showy for the piano that
you will be upstaged by a good pianist. Why compete with that?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I've never not cast someone because they sang a
song I didn't like. But often you might not get cast if a song exposes your
break, or reveals your weaknesses instead of playing to your strengths. I
personally love to hear someone display control and versatility. The end of
Someone Else's Story (for example) shows you can power belt, mix, and sing in
contemporary head voice in 6 bars if you approach it that way. As a music
director that gives me confidence that someone has a command over their
instrument.</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Darcy: </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #500050; font-family: Noteworthy, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: bold;">5. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do <b>y</b>ou believe that there is such a thing as an overdone
song? What is the song you do not ever want to hear in an audition - ever -
ever again? Have you ever chosen not to cast someone based on their song
choice?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have to say that the
auditions I've played in recent years are for either seasoned Shakespeare
actors or college students. So I'm not plagued with overdone song choices.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. What is a favorite
moment you recall while watching (or playing) auditions.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many of my (wickedly)
favorite moments come from watching the actor who confidently chooses to sing a
cappella, even though there is an accompanist at the ready. The tune goes
out the window, the rhythms are What?, and I'm thinking, wow, it would be hard
to actually learn to perform the song that way. Years ago, a woman sang
"What I Did For Love" and changed key on every<b> </b>syllable of that song.
Just try and recreate that yourself - it's darn tricky. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Noteworthy, serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Noteworthy, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I really enjoy the
actor who comes in, sings a song, and is relaxed enough to know that they can't
control the dynamic of the people at the table, but they can bring their piece
in, sing it with good volume, and leave knowing that they did everything
possible to prepare the music with a coach and schedule plenty of practice time
in advance of the audition. <b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Noteworthy, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Noteworthy, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>Kim: </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Do you believe that
there is such a thing as an overdone song? What is the song you do not
ever want to hear in an audition - ever - ever again? Have you ever chosen
not to cast someone based on their song choice?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was asked this
question in a master class recently. I don't believe that there is any
'overdone' song if it's done well and knocks my socks off. I do not want to
hear a crappy version of Popular ever again. But, bring someone in who kills it
and I will have more fun than you could ever imagine!!<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. What is a favorite
moment you recall while watching (or playing) auditions?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For me – I always have
a great time at auditions. I like to play my own auditions because I can gather
information about how well the actor follows or leads the accompanist and owns
the song. It also allows me to connect with the actor when they first bring the
music to me. I can get a feel for how well they explain what they need from me
and how well they communicate. If they are a little nervous, I look to
encourage them so that they are freer. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
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</div>
Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-17455174667106866992013-04-10T21:40:00.003-07:002013-04-10T21:40:34.690-07:00Music Director Interview - Question #4<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This summer I began an interview process with three
lovely Music Directors. All work in different areas of the country so I
wondered if their answers would vary widely to the SIX – very long – questions
I asked them about what their preferences are when in an audition situation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jeff Caldwell works on the east coast in the New
York area, on Broadway and Off Broadway. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Darcy Danielson is the resident Music Director at
the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kim Dare works in Seattle at various Equity and
Non-Equity companies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is Question #4</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When people are really great, but they don't get the part, what<br />
have been some reasons you don't cast them?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jeff </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Casting - ah
yes. Sizes, types, other people. Most often if you don't get cast it is due to
circumstances beyond your control. 5th Ave had to change some folks around
years ago in a production I was involved in due to the height of the leading
lady they'd hired from New York. But, here's a real insider tip: your
reputation in the business can make a difference. Two stories - I benefited
from this in grad school because of a voice teacher I played for. In a casting
session she just said "Oh, I love <span class="il">Jeff</span> Caldwell"
and I got the role over many more deserving singers. End of story.<br />
<br />
And a very talented actress was not cast in a very lucrative tour of a recent
R&H classic revival because of who she'd be sharing a dressing room with.
The sentence "Oh they hate each other" was said, and the director
took her out of the consideration pile to protect the actress already in the
tour. End of story. <br />
So it works both ways: How you treat people, who you've slept with, what
relationships you've ruined (etc...) all play an unfair but realistic part of
the casting process.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Darcy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It nearly always has to do with either type or
temperament.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kim</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here are a few that I've seen VERY
recently:</span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The actor was too short next to the actor who had been
hired to play against them</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The actor was terrific, but too mature in ways that
could not be 'young-ed' down</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When paired with others in the reading (callback) there
wasn't the chemistry that we'd have liked to have seen</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The actor was too young in ways that could not be
'aged'</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The looks just wasn't right. And, thus far, the shows
that I've worked on have operated in 'color blind' casting manner – it
wasn't a race thing</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It just didn't feel right. Super talented person, did
great in the audition, just didn't feel like the right person for that
role</span></li>
</ul>
Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-12556903892406886472013-04-04T12:10:00.002-07:002013-04-04T12:10:27.625-07:00Music Director Interview Question #3 - <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This summer I began an interview process with three lovely Music Directors. All work in different areas of the country so I wondered if their answers would vary widely to the five – very long – questions I asked them about what their preferences are when in an audition situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Darcy Danielson is the resident Music Director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeff Caldwell works on the east coast in the New York area, on Broadway and Off Broadway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Kim Dare works in Seattle at various Equity and Non-Equity companies in the Seattle area. </span><br />
<br />
This is Question #3<br />
<br />
If you could tell an actor one thing they SHOULD do in an audition<br />
- what would it be?<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Darcy <o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shine!
Bring yourself</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fully to the room. Share who you
truly are. That's who they're looking for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Jeff<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Have
fun. And, be IN the room. Know who you're going to meet, who's playing, as you
walk in assess the room and where your focal points will be. Pay attention to
what is going on. If the monitor says your name, and the director says
"Hi....(Insert your name here)" and looks at your resume, you don't
need to then announce your name and what you're going to sing. Sing things you
LOVE to sing. Control the circumstances you can - what you present as
representing you and your talent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><u>Kim <o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Have
fun! I love playing auditions and getting to meet new actors. They should
consider an audition an opportunity to gather information about the theater and
the production staff that is running the audition as much as the audition is an
opportunity for a theater to gather information about them. And then – HAVE FUN
(being prepared helps you be free to have that fun)!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-83353600902972457802013-04-01T20:55:00.001-07:002013-04-01T21:00:00.691-07:00Music Director Interview - Question Number 2 <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
summer I began an interview process with three lovely Music Directors. All work
in different areas of the country so I wondered if their answers would vary
widely to the five – very long – questions I asked them about what their
preferences are when in an audition situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kim
Dare works in Seattle at various Equity and Non-Equity companies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Darcy
Danielson is the resident Music Director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeff Caldwell works on the east coast in the
New York area, on Broadway and Off Broadway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">
This is Question Number 2:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calisto MT;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you could tell an
actor one thing NOT to do in an audition -<br />
what would it be?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Darcy <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Apologize. The other total no-no is to
learn the song the night before. That just never goes well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kim <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Don't come un- (or under) prepared. Also
– don't make excuses! If your voice is tired, let it be. A good music director
should be able to hear when a voice is tired or a person is sick or congested,
etc. I hate hearing an actor stand there and give excuses – it's a weak place
and really annoying and unprofessional! Certainly, if there is information that
should be known, find a way to communicate without sounding like you're whining
or making excuses. "Before I begin, I would like to share that I had my
tonsils removed just 2 weeks ago. I don't expect an issue, but feel like that's
information that you should have." would be perfectly fine!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jeff<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Don't ever snap, pound out the tempo on
the piano, or set the music down and walk away. Rehearse your introduction and
tempo setting skills all the time so it is second nature and easy. <br />
The ONLY exception is if you're a jazz singer or doing a jazz standard as a
jazz singer in character. Since even in the highest level clubs they will snap
and count the band in, it is an acceptable practice in only a few
circumstances. If you plan to do this, I would have a conversation with the
pianist and ask them if they mind that. I personally am not a fan of someone
sitting next to me to converse, or to putting their hand on my shoulder, unless
we're super good friends. Don't set water or anything else on the piano. That's
my domain in an audition. <br />
And yes, be prepared. There will always be someone better prepared than you, so
why not just set the bar high and be THAT person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-33602503141168581452012-12-08T12:09:00.000-08:002012-12-08T17:41:16.923-08:00Music Directors - Interview in Five Questions<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This summer I began an interview process with three
lovely Music Directors. All work in different areas of the country so I
wondered if their answers would vary widely to the five – very long – questions
I asked them about what their preferences are when in an audition situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jeff Caldwell works on the east coast in the New
York area, on Broadway and Off Broadway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kim Dare works in Seattle at various Equity and
Non-Equity companies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Darcy Danielson is the resident Music Director at
the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This is Question Number 1. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There is much debate about "the book" that
is handed to an<br />
accompanist. Sheet covers - no sheet covers. Taped together - Or in a<br />
binder. Or taped together pulled out of a binder. The list goes on<br />
and on. Many of you play your own auditions when you are Music<br />
Directing. When you do so, what do you like to see placed before you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jeff Caldwell – East Coast – New York, Broadway, Off
Broadway<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Never put plastic sheet
covers in front of me. I've never met one that didn't reflect light, even the
excellent non-glare ones. I agree with not having a book crammed full of music
- it even makes turning pages hard. One practical use of sheet covers is to
protect your copy of music, which you transfer OUT of the cover and into the
binder before the audition. I personally prefer and recommend you have separate
music for each version of a song you do. Please don't tell me to ignore the
markings of your 16 bar cut when you're doing the full song. Just have a clean
version for each. <br />
Double-sided absolutely, and with an intelligent thought about minimizing page
turns. A 4 page song should only have one turn, between pages 2 and 3. A 16 bar
cutting shouldn't have any page turns. Don't have the intro on one page and the
song proper on the next. Better to turn later after the song is established
than after only a few bars. <br />
If you have a cut involving a key change or feel change, don't make it at a
page turn. <br />
<br />
And, just ask a coach or pianist about these things. It's worth the investment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Kim Dare – Seattle Area – Arts West, Balagan and
others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<ul type="disc"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I like a book that is clean looking (not a bunch of
paper that is falling out - it's scary when I see paper tucked all over
the place).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I like a book where the size if managed. I played
auditions for a casting director with Book of Mormon last week. One
gentleman came in with a binder containing no less than 30 songs in it -
when he walked out of the door the casting director and I were talking and
he said that that book was a mess which usually indicated a messy actor
(not prepared – a little scattered). He wasn't saying anything that I
haven't said or thought. Actors should have 2 'books' – one containing ALL
of their music and one that they bring to auditions with carefully
selected songs (no more than 5–6) that are appropriate for the show that
they're auditioning for and that they know that they can do well.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The only thing that I ABSOLUTELY care about is that
it's 2 sided, preferably with as few page turns as possible. That being
said, I don't mind if it's 'pull out' ready so that I have one long page.
My concern there is that you never have a guarantee that the piano you're
at will be able to support a string of pages pulled out. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I prefer no glare sheet covers if there are sheet
covers. But, I don't need or prefer sheet covers. Just clear music.
Printed cleanly and not really crazily marked up. If an actor is doing
cuts, they should cut the music up and provide so that I don't have to
jump my eyes from page to page. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I also prefer that if the actor is doing a selection
from inside of a song that they write the name of the song on top of the
page (if it's not available on that page) so that I know the name. And, if
I'm only playing a selection, make sure that I can see the key signature
and time signature. There have been times (it's rare in publisher printed
music, but it's happened) where I'm given a piece of music and don't know
the time signature – or the name of the song. I shouldn't have to hunt for
that information – the vocalist wants me to be able to concentrate on
making them sound good and playing the dots on the page – they should do
everything that they can to make that possible.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></ul>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Darcy Danielson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sheet covers too often cause glare
and can be hard to turn pages. My preference is back-to-back taped, three-hole
punched in a black binder. Fold outs are great. Pet peeve: chord symbols, page
nos., bass notes that are cut off due to poor photocopying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I like cuts on a separate copy
from the full-length tune, and I encourage younger auditioners to retain the
whole song for their repertoire collection. You never know when that solo show
or cabaret performance will present itself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love playing my own auditions,
and it's such a joy to try accompaniment choices that check their musicality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The sheet music apps for iPad are
a swift way to bypass the photocopy model. They mail a PDF and I slide input
into iBooks, or the sheet music viewers such as Stanza or Musicnotes. Again,
there can be a glare factor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br /></div>
Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-90012640239790972762012-08-01T19:46:00.002-07:002012-08-01T19:46:54.568-07:00Songs: Audition Cuttings Part 1 - The Verse and Chorus<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD4_ETvspi4aImtALFQRJBdArfIccfY-Lq6xTLvwQu0KAOyMG-qoFd-asr6CvurZ24JrDBsnXLhKm-Ou_deq2jqeV_nfrKSd1bkgiFzSKkJuyMFCb27FAl9MfbcSaWk_oHViS7hL7HNE/s1600/Song+Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD4_ETvspi4aImtALFQRJBdArfIccfY-Lq6xTLvwQu0KAOyMG-qoFd-asr6CvurZ24JrDBsnXLhKm-Ou_deq2jqeV_nfrKSd1bkgiFzSKkJuyMFCb27FAl9MfbcSaWk_oHViS7hL7HNE/s320/Song+Books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">So you’ve picked your song. First suggestion – learn the entire song. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">Will you ever do the entire song for an audition? Probably not. Should you know the entire song? Yes. Why?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">What if? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">I have heard the stories. OH the drama! The fun! The “Oh-my gosh I’m so lucky –I’m so screwed!” – Stories!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">An actor finished their 16 bar cutting and then they were asked to do the entire song. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">An actor finished their cutting and they were asked to do 32 bars, or the verse and the chorus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">An Actor finished their cutting and then they were asked to do another song. “Start from the beginning and go until I stop you.” (SO RARE, so Lucky IF you can do it)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">An Actor finished their cutting and then they were asked to tell the story of the song they just did the cutting from. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">It happens. Not often, but it does happen. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">So – be prepared. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">How do you cut a song? </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">You want to show off your voice AND tell a story. That seems impossible in 16 bars. It’s not. It’s just a very short story </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Calisto MT'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Calisto MT'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;"> Let’s start with something easier. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">Today let’s talk about the request for the “Verse and Chorus”. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please remember these are not hard and fast rules. They are however pretty great guidelines that have worked for me and other actors I know. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">VERSE AND CHORUS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">v<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">Verse and Chorus</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">I usually start at the chorus and then go into the last verse. I do this because well – the chorus starts at a high point and then usually keeps building in intensity. It's INTERESTING. In most songs the last verse goes someplace new musically. That place is -usually -DYNAMIC! Doing this part of the song shows off your range and often the last verse has a money note. Think about it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">These are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NOT SUGGESTIONS</b> just <u>EXAMPLES</u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level4 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">Defying Gravity</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level4 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">The Wizard and I</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level4 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">There’s a Fine, Fine Line</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">The <u>story</u> is usually exciting at the end the song. Often at this point the song is telling the end of the story. Sometimes there’s a reveal. It’s wrapping up. We humans are pretty good at putting together what happened to get us to the end of the story. So you’re telling the climax of the story. The EXCITING part. You want to sound good. You need to sound good. But you need to tell the story. So as always: </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto;">
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<span style="font-family: Calisto MT;">Don’t forget to act! </span></div>Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-44815196816354986212012-07-23T14:35:00.002-07:002012-07-23T14:35:35.056-07:00Auditions This WeekHappy <u><strong>Sunny</strong></u> Monday..... if you don't live in Seattle. :( <br />
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Yes that's right - another gray day in Seattle BUT people are happy! <br />
<br />
Why? This week is filled with exciting auditions.<br />
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<a href="http://www.balagantheatre.org/index.html">Balagan Theatre</a> is holding seasons auditions this weekend. They are doing some great shows this year! What else is new? Glad you asked. <u>Their Season.</u> This and every season. Contemporary shows. That is Balagan! <br />
Click on their name and follow the link to check them out. If you haven't seen one of their shows yet - <br />
WHAT? REALLY!? ;) <br />
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Seriously -you are missing out. They are doing some amazing work with talented, highly respected Seattle / New York artists. <br />
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<a href="http://www.dickenscarolers.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dickens Carolers</span></a> - Christams in July! No - just auditions. A Seattle tradition and wonderful orginization. They start rehearsals soon and work around your schedule as much as possible during the Christmas season. It is a great gig. If you have the harmony chops - schedule an audition! <br />
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<a href="http://www.unexpectedproductions.org/">Unexpected Productions!</a> Are you an improv genius? Another Seattle mainstay - Unexepected Productions is having auditions for their team!!!<br />
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If you check out <a href="http://tpsonline.org/auditions/auddb.php?action=active_list">Theatre Puget Sound (</a>TPS ) you will find a moderatly hopping audition board this week. Outside Seattle? <span style="color: blue;"><strong>Edmonds</strong></span> and <span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"><strong>Auburn</strong></span> have some offerings this week! <br />
Some student audio work is seeking voice talent among a smattering of independent films and a couple of plays. <br />
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If nothing tickles your audition bug - then it's a great week to read a couple of new plays, look for new material or take in the <strong>PINTER FESTIVAL</strong> at<a href="http://www.acttheatre.org/Tickets/OnStage/ThePinterFestival2012"> Act Theatre</a>. <br />
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<br /><strong>What was the most recent play you read and REALLY enjoyed? Have you booked anything recently that you would like to promote? Have you SEEN anything you would like to promote? </strong><br />
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<strong>Let me know in the comment box below!</strong> <br />
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<br />Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-11577083323032141852012-07-18T15:35:00.000-07:002012-07-18T15:57:52.475-07:00Building Your Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hopefully by now you have a three ring binder with the beginning of your Audition Material. You will continue to add to this binder as you continue to audition and work.<br />
In this binder you should have your monologues, your audition sheet, a record of money you're spending etc (see previous posts). <br />
Now it is time to add songs. Even better? Grab another binder that holds just music. Please remember, this is YOUR resource. This is not the book you will share with your accompanist. We will talk about that book in later posts. <br />
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What do you need in this book? Great Question. First let me ask you:<br />
<br />
Do you have a voice teacher? <br />
<ul>
<li>If they are involved in Musical Theatre, they will have their own opinions on the subject of what to keep in your book. Ask them what they think. Also, they should be a wealthy resource for finding songs. </li>
</ul>
Do you know your voice type? <br />
<ul>
<li>Although Sheet Music Direct, Music Notes and other resources for downloading sheet music allow you to change the key, you still need to know what key suits you the best. If you are out there auditioning - you should know your voice type and your range. Know your craft. You also need someone to play through the accompaniment even if you have the ability to learn the song on your own. Learning from a CD is not (usually) the best option. If you don't have a voice teacher, at least hire an accompanist to run through your material before your audition. More on that later. </li>
</ul>
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These are the "Tabs" I think you need. This is just a foundation. We will continue to add geners etc as we continue this series. <br />
<ul>
<li>Classic Musical Theatre (Cole Porter, Jerry Herman, Rogers&Hammerstein etc.) </li>
<ul>
<li>Ballad </li>
<li>Uptempo</li>
</ul>
<li>Jazz standard </li>
<ul>
<li>Ballad </li>
<li>uptempo </li>
</ul>
<li>Showstopper </li>
<ul>
<li>The 11th hour number, the number that stops the show. "Ain't It Good" from Children of Eden. "Defying Gravity" from Wicked (also the 1st act curtain song - so I cheated there). These are examples not suggestions. </li>
</ul>
<li>80s Pop Song</li>
<li>70s Pop Song</li>
<li>60s Pop Song</li>
<li>Rock Song </li>
<li>Sondheim Song</li>
<ul>
<li>Ballad</li>
<li>Uptempo</li>
</ul>
<li>Webber Song</li>
<li>Something in the style of Musicals from the 1995-Now (Like Wicked, Next to Normal, Avenue Q, Spring Awakening)</li>
<ul>
<li>Confusing? Try to find songs by the same composers or songs that "sound" like that composer. I am not suggesting songs becuse - you may be auditioning for these shows! Some of these songs are also - well overdone. Do it at your own risk. So try to make sure this song is from a show - different than .....:</li>
</ul>
<li>A Cabaret Song</li>
<ul>
<li>I am talking modern writers - not the musical Cabaret. Check out New Voices on YouTube to discover a whole host of new composers. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ContemporaryClassics">http://www.youtube.com/user/ContemporaryClassics</a></li>
</ul>
</ul>
These songs are not <u>necessarily</u> from a show - but "Showtune Like". There are a couple websites that have search engines to search new composers and old ones. Unpublished material and standards. I will post those links next week.<br />
<ul>
<li>Catchall </li>
<ul>
<li>This is a song you could use for almost anything. It has a catchy tune, it is versatile. Probably uptempo. All of the above songs should show you off but this song - this could be your signature song! Your showiest of them all! </li>
</ul>
</ul>
This is a good solid foundation. We will add more as we go. I have found all of these and more useful for planned and more importantly - unplanned auditions.<br />
We will delve a little deeper into this subject and talk about Cuttings next week.<br />
Next Post: Cuttings - The Art of 16 bars, 32 Bars and Verse to Chorus.Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-46325889228649925522012-07-15T17:46:00.001-07:002012-07-15T17:52:55.510-07:00Choosing a Monologue Part 1 of 4<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Choosing a Monologue Part 1 </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you don’t have one already now is the time to get a three ring binder. Start Building Your Audition Book. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The audition determines the type of monologue and the length. <strong>Read the requirements and follow them!</strong> If it says prepare a 2 minute monologue don’t walk in with a 2 minute and 15 second monologue. If they ask for comic piece don’t walk in with a dramatic one. If they ask for a Modern piece don’t bring in Shakespeare. But...."Let's start at the very beginning..." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I give examples of published work below. I have not included the entire text but I have provided enough information for you to find the text if you so desire. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Find an Active Monologue</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – this means a monologue that happens in the now not a Memory Monologue. A Memory Monologue (or M&M) is when you are telling a story, something that happened in the past. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Examples: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An M&M might start something like this</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">When I was a little girl I went into the abandoned coal mine. At first everything was fine but then I went deeper and there was a big bang. Everything came tumbling down… </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Below are a couple of lines from The play “Lardo Weeping” by Terry Galloway </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dinah has a monologue that begins: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“There was only one time in my life…. –and ends- …..just not quite ruthless.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is an M&M</span></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">An Active Monologue (AM) might start something like this:</span></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I don’t understand you. I give and I give but you know what, I’m through giving. Get out. Right now! Go into the bedroom, pack your bags and get out! No – don’t talk. You know why? Because I’m through listening!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Below are a couple of lines from The play “Four Corners” by Wendkos and Bond </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The character Jimmy has a monologue that begins:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Look, you know how dogs begin to look like their owners….. -and ends - ….couldn’t I turn into her?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is an AM. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I prefer these when I direct and when I act. I think they are easier to play objectives and allow an actor to use more tactics and objectives which in turn let's the director see more of your range. </span></div>Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-73664103382487131292012-07-15T17:33:00.001-07:002012-07-15T17:39:37.685-07:00Before You Audition - A Re-Post<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;"> If you are new to this blog or to acting please PLEASE read the following and - Welcome!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;">This is a re post. If you are looking for How To Choose A Monologue and other Audition Tips - please head back to August, September, October of 2010 in this blog. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;">For Musical theatre - stay tuned over the next couple of months. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">However -</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Before You Audition </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;">If you are an adult reading this blog and you have never done a show or taken a class –</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;">Get Thee To a Class. I’m not saying you have to have a four year degree before you audition, but take a class and acclimate yourself to the world of theatre. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;">Learn the basic vocabulary. Get some experience under your belt, find your sea legs – insert metaphor here – but get some experience. You are entering a competitive field. Raw talent is great and if you have it – Yay! Talent will only get you so far. Hard work, determination, being prepared, being easy to work with and <u>knowing your business</u> is what gets you the job after the first job. The story’s of being discovered walking your dog (David Boreanez from Buffy, Angel and Bones) are FEW and FAR between. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;">There are techniques, skills, basic vocabulary, knowledge and plain old stamina – way more than this blog post has room for – that will help you in your pursuit of becoming an Actor. Take a class and then audition for one of the many amazing smaller or community theatres we have in Seattle (or your local theatre!). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I have posted links to some local places to take class and Theatre Puget Sound (TPS) TPS posts classes, auditions etc. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;">Be smart when signing up for a class. Is it a studio that’s been around a while, a new group with some hot new teachers? Just ask around and make sure some people know who they are. Find someone who has had experience with the studio/teacher. Check out their website or blog. Make sure the class is reputable but - don't judge it <u>fully</u> based on someone elses experience. You may love a class your friend hates - or hate a class they love. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="color: white; font-family: georgia;">If you live in a small community and you are just out to have some fun – audition. See what happens. Some people – David Mamet among them – believe you should only do shows. He feels this is how you learn the craft of theatre. I do not believe that is the best way and definitely NOT the ONLY way. Will it help? Yes. Will you get better every show you do? Yes. But class affords you time to personally examine habits, choose when and when not to use those habits, explore techniques and grow into a more versatile actor. But if you’re just out to have fun – go for it! Ok – enough about that! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: white;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";">For my students and others who have a bit of theatrical experience</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"> head to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Choosing a Monologue</i>!</span></span></span></span></div>Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-46094113823410372742012-07-15T09:12:00.001-07:002012-07-15T15:05:43.130-07:00Musical Theatre - Where to StartMusical Theatre - Where to Start<br />
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First of all - Listen. Listen to musicals. I continue to be amazed that people venture into the world of Musical Theatre but don't know much about the canon. You must know your material as well as your craft. <br />
Knowing <em>Wicked, Next to Normal and Avenue Q -</em> is not enough. So today before we "Figure out Your Voice Type". Ask -"Should I take lessons" (The answer is yes and btw more voice teachers to come but check out the ones I already posted) "What song should I sing?"" What should I have in my audition book?" "How do I talk to an accompanist?" "What should my audition cut look like"....oh yes many posts to come! <br />
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Before all that a SHORT Quiz / homework. Ready? <br />
<br />
Sondheim and Webber: Is there really fan rivalry? ( don't know who these two are? hmmm)<br />
<br />
Who is Patty Lupone? <br />
<br />
Who is Mandy Patinkin?<br />
<br />
Who is Sutton Foster? <br />
<br />
Ok - if you know the cannon - come back later this week. If not - here are just a few OH so few musicals for you to listen to and get to know. I believe all of these are before the 90s. Here we go. <br />
<br />
A Chorus Line. (Every Little Step is a great documentary to go with this) <br />
This is the first musical I fell in love with. Sadly I was cursed with movement dyslexia and will never be a dancer. <br />
<br />
Into The Woods, Assassins, A Little Night Music<br />
Evita<br />
Anything Goes<br />
Oklahoma<br />
Fiddler on The Roof<br />
Show Boat<br />
The Secret Garden <br />
Grease (The Musical - not John and Olivia much as I love them!) <br />
West Side Story<br />
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This is just a starter course - smaller than an appetizer. Seriously - if you don't know these musicals hop online and read about them. LISTEN to them. Go see them if you have the opportunity. <br />
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<br />Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-71937140910726267072010-12-28T10:14:00.000-08:002010-12-28T10:20:59.717-08:00Mary Jo DugawMary Jo has credits that would take up three of four posts. Musical Theatre (Village, 5th Ave); Classical (concerts, with symphonies). You name it - She's probably done it.<br />
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<div id="dropmenu_container"></div><div class="fb_content clearfix" id="content" style="min-height: 100px; visibility: visible;"><div class="UIStandardFrame_Container clearfix"><div class="UIStandardFrame_Content"><div><div class="single_photo_header clearfix"><span id="myphotolink"><img height="180" id="myphoto" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v322/221/92/737848691/n737848691_810651_1345.jpg" width="120" /></span><br />
</div></div></div></div></div>Recording: Yes - Yes and Yes. Find out if it's Tape or CD<br />
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Gender: Girl. <br />
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Piano Skills: She plays a wonderful lesson. Encourages you to find a coach to actually "prep" for the audition (i.e. Listen to the accompaniment) - but plays well enough to run through it with you at her space. <br />
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Style: Specializes in techniques that apply to all styles of music from classical to popular. I will tell you from personal experience she teaches the mix in a clear, understandable way making it easy to make the translation from head to body. <br />
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Reputation vs. Isolationist: The woman is amazing. Back in my 20s when I thought I knew how to sing ( I had classical training after all!) <br />
I was touring kid shows. If you have never led the glamorous life of touring kid shows - let me give a quick peek. No mics. Bad venues - Mostly gyms. The kids - were actually wonderful because I was lucky enough to be doing material by Brian Willis when I was with Seattle Public Theatre and by Bruce Monroe when I toured with the 5th Avenue. <br />
So - clear picture - GYMS. Hard to be heard. I kept losing my voice. I was terrified, desperate and - terrified. (cue angel voices -now). She fixed me! She referred me to a specialist who assured me I did not have Nodes. Did I mention I was terrified? She then proceed to teach my everything I know about saving my voice while I speak - not just sing. She also solidified and increased my understanding of Mixing through the Psaggio (aka - your break). I am not the only one who has had this amazing experience. <br />
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Location: Eastside, Metropolitan area. So - when I took with her she was located solely in North Bend. BEAUTIFUL home and studio in the home. North Bend just became too far for me with my schedule. <br />
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Prices: <a href="http://www.maryjodugaw.com/">http://www.maryjodugaw.com/</a> Check her website for more info on cost and specific location<br />
Mary Jo Dugaw - Savior (by my definition - not hers!) Sent me to a specialist to make sure I did not have the dreaded Nodes - I didn't. Then taught me how to speak - not just sing - correctly. Sublime. <br />
Amazing teacher. If you are struggling at all with glitches in the voice or mastering the mix Mary Jo is a wonderful fit. If you are just looking for some great solid technique - Great fit!<br />
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Next Post: Kim Maguire also and Eastside Teacher!Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-9032140456567385602010-12-26T22:15:00.000-08:002010-12-26T23:06:55.158-08:00Jeff Caldwell - New YorkJeff Caldwell was the go to Music Director here in Seattle....Until he abandoned us-- Oh - I mean made a career choice and moved to New York. <br />
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Seriously...He is amazing and Seattle misses him. For those of you thinking of going to New York or already there -Let's talk about Jeff.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dADE9v4cPh1v2e_fS6Bw-y4R0WB40rkA4QqBr4WuKvUxKyUzz_5BIi46qLTeMiA5ZP9ISLa0Pt__qrCRVDHXfOBI7CODG6bydQzH0VkhCLzqcdPQgbvuhWFlYd_txn_2Je8aMVr2yiA/s1600/32418_388830893300_7893713300_4080963_5825802_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dADE9v4cPh1v2e_fS6Bw-y4R0WB40rkA4QqBr4WuKvUxKyUzz_5BIi46qLTeMiA5ZP9ISLa0Pt__qrCRVDHXfOBI7CODG6bydQzH0VkhCLzqcdPQgbvuhWFlYd_txn_2Je8aMVr2yiA/s320/32418_388830893300_7893713300_4080963_5825802_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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Recording: Yes, he does encourage it - I don't know if you bring your own or if he provides a machine. I suspect you should bring a device.<br />
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Gender: Well he is a boy. <br />
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Piano Skills: He is amazing. Plays everything, knows everything, sight reads well. He is amazing! Truly and excellent pianist. <br />
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Style: Specializes in legit technique, crossover coaching, and actors who sing. Because he regularly plays Broadway auditions he has a great sense of what goes on in the audition room. <br />
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Reputation vs. Isolationist: In my eh hem..Youth..I had a hard time hearing my register in comparison to boy registers. Jeff encouraged me to seek out a female teacher. At the same time he also taught me how to listen to his register and figure out where mine was in relationship to his. I did both. Yeah - Jeff and I go WAY back! So, I believe in seeing both genders - but as I said before - personal choice! <br />
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Location: New York based. best way to reach him - email! <a href="mailto:tomjeff1115@hotmail.com">tomjeff1115@hotmail.com</a> <br />
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Prices: New York prices are much higher than ours. Jeff's are really reasonable for NYC. $80.00 plus room rental but - he does negotiate-sliding scale. Ask. <br />
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I love this man. I still use some of the imagery he taught me after 20 years. The oblong Christmas Tree Ornament is still a fave! If you are NY - look him up!<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=616060953&pid=6106672&id=730802378" id="myphotolink"><img height="270" id="myphoto" seq="21" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs297.snc3/28506_124782104224040_100000767536749_123481_1955359_n.jpg" width="360" /></a>Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-70143338614388696612010-12-23T09:58:00.000-08:002010-12-23T09:58:48.782-08:00Last minute shopping ideasWell that time is here - Holiday celebrations -and last minute shopping. Ok - All my shopping was done December 10th and the following ideas may or may not have been things I bought for my loved ones.<br />
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Something for New York on Boxing day - Jeff Caldwell! To tide you over: Last minute shopping ideas<br />
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Finishing the Hat - Mr. Sondheim<br />
<img class="rg_i" height="126" id="y_6mV5-ZcqmBmM:l" onload="this.style.display='inline';google.stb.csi.onTbn(1, this)" 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" 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Patty LuPone's New Book<br />
<img class="rg_hi" data-height="225" data-width="225" height="225" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqbnwFhizmgckZ1zgYqhhBxgPvxp-H4pzJRNJKtFJmPDlJv-IcWQ" style="height: 225px; width: 225px;" width="225" /><br />
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Last year - a wonderful release by Julie Andrews about her life. If you like audio books - she reads it!<br />
<img height="276" id="il_fi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Ka9avQRV5b-T-M:http://www.altfg.com/Stars/m/memoir-of-my-early-years-book.jpg&t=1" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="183" /><br />
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Have a wonderful Holiday everyone! Talk to you on Boxing Day!Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-30000815948963950172010-12-22T07:35:00.000-08:002010-12-22T07:49:53.875-08:00Ann Evans Zavada<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are a lot of teachers out there. I mentioned that I would be highlighting several over the next week. All of the voice teachers I will be talking about are ones I have worked with in some capacity. Either as a fellow teacher, fellow actor, or as a student. Often - all three! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let us begin</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ann Evans Zavada</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5LKCV0yGpd1ltBAVu3Q20CpO4o3ZEC8HYOgz9PLJEJBNs3poCFE0d5J1eA-cHyFDCNyhkw8uTLW3ec3OSCB44Ez6dTHNCTtuoFxhsOsL6NGWMX7jaF1VnkcB8M1hTEgmepwXQY2xTpw/s1600/ann+evans+zavada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5LKCV0yGpd1ltBAVu3Q20CpO4o3ZEC8HYOgz9PLJEJBNs3poCFE0d5J1eA-cHyFDCNyhkw8uTLW3ec3OSCB44Ez6dTHNCTtuoFxhsOsL6NGWMX7jaF1VnkcB8M1hTEgmepwXQY2xTpw/s1600/ann+evans+zavada.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ann has been my primary Musical Theatre, Belt technique teacher and Song Choice go to Gal (yeah - I made that title up) for 7 years. So I have a lot of personal experience as a student with Ann. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ann is located in North Seattle. Her studio is an offshoot of her home. Spacious but not overly so, comfortable and beautiful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ann plays piano. Now, you'll have to ask her how proficient she thinks she is. I think she's pretty decent! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ann plays well enough to accompany me on audition pieces. She plays for lessons. Ann sometimes hires outside accompanist for special events. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ann has a great little device that allows you to walk out with a CD of your lesson. Bring your own blank CD. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ann holds cabaret's about once (sometimes twice) a year for her students to perform. A "showcase" of sorts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As I mentioned above Ann specializes in Musical Theatre and Belt Technique. Ann teaches you how to Belt safely and when not to belt. I learned a lot from the way she teaches the Belt technique. I mix when I have the option but if I want to Belt safely I do so because of my work with Ann. She works every piece of music you are preparing to help you navigate those choices and execute them within the song. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Her library and musical knowledge of the cannon is extensive and impressive!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She's not a guru (but has decent following!) Ann brings in guests on occasion. I have worked with </span><a href="http://web.mac.com/matthewkacergis/BroadwayMHL/Home.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Micheal Lavine</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and </span><a href="http://broadwayworld.com/people/Terrence_Mann/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Terrance Mann</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> out of her studio. They were incredible workshops. Check those guys out! Ann has a lot of students - Proffesionals and college bound. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You may contact an via email at </span><a href="mailto:annevansz@hotmail.com"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">annevansz@hotmail.com</span></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5f95wQtqhszjzyeT4-LLnDyPRadDEIv99uCLCbNdX558sdmsMEl0sJogO9MNgmOSyMl5w3mSe8yvHzoeshe8rN37YZ422NsA57kh8JxDS_xyMT0ILdiUPPyPGfXuc6tsCxR_H9QY2NXo/s1600/ann+evans+in+concert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5f95wQtqhszjzyeT4-LLnDyPRadDEIv99uCLCbNdX558sdmsMEl0sJogO9MNgmOSyMl5w3mSe8yvHzoeshe8rN37YZ422NsA57kh8JxDS_xyMT0ILdiUPPyPGfXuc6tsCxR_H9QY2NXo/s320/ann+evans+in+concert.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-84374948665699483642010-12-22T07:03:00.000-08:002010-12-22T07:03:11.698-08:00What's New Wednesday! Shoshanna BeanIt's the Holidays! Solstice, Hanukka(Chanukah), Kwanzaa, Christmas! New Year around the corner. So there is a PLETHORA of holiday outings and events. What about those college students home for a visit wanting to keep their skills sharp, Professionals looking to keep their skills sharp or those who took vacation in hopes of finding non-traditional events.<br />
Seattle has the answer! I want to highlight one event and pre-promote next week's event.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjky8RDWbiHzihBKogRJ41BDwFmWBhr58y70OSzKnhiwXSL_hW_9KZWm1i0ahb6iLEN-nSRptmEC_MyIBbdZUzwSGy7WekUx8JqF2HJA4Gz05e2EunP1cPKVC3RAVT15Bhl6MtJE4cWCgA/s1600/Shoshanna+with+Mic.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjky8RDWbiHzihBKogRJ41BDwFmWBhr58y70OSzKnhiwXSL_hW_9KZWm1i0ahb6iLEN-nSRptmEC_MyIBbdZUzwSGy7WekUx8JqF2HJA4Gz05e2EunP1cPKVC3RAVT15Bhl6MtJE4cWCgA/s320/Shoshanna+with+Mic.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://sb.beatbrokers.com/">Shoshanna Bean</a> is coming to Seattle! (picture from Shoshanna's FB fan page photo credit Matthew Murphy) <br />
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She's doing a one day <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=177398415617324">Master Class and Vocal Interpretation of Song </a>. Although the performance slots are full, there are still observation slots available. Click on the Master Class link for more details!<br />
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For those of you who don't know - Shoshanna took over for <a href="http://www.idinamenzel.com/">Idina Menzel </a>after she left <a href="http://www.wickedthemusical.com/#">Wicked</a> and made a lasting mark on the Broadway community. She is originally from Olympia, Washington. A kicking voice and beautiful spirit, this class is going to be amazing! If you have a chance to go - do it! Check out her website- check out her voice - If you don't know who she is you are missing out!<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=179975618681037">New Voices 10</a> - The Best of New Voices - is next week's "What's New Wednesday" post - I mention it now because tickets fly!Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-72716400453736814012010-12-21T11:05:00.000-08:002010-12-21T12:01:05.676-08:00Voice TeachersSo the next couple of days I will be focusing on Voice Teachers. There are voice teachers, there are audition coaches, there are voice teachers who also coach. <br />
So - Why do you need one?<br />
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Did I mention technique? You need it. Period. Singing is a skill and an art. It's also a sport. Vocal calisthenics are part of my voice lessons. You need these amazing exercises that Voice Teachers... teach and guide you through in order to make singing a challenging song look and SOUND easy. <br />
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Say - A challenging song like "It's a Privilege to Pee" From Urinetown. It has the range of a goose. Low to very, very high. Maneuvering all that - singing high, low and through your Pissagio - Don't know what that means? A voice teacher does!<br />
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Choosing a voice teacher is incredibly personal but here are just a few things to consider. <br />
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Recording: Most voice teachers have some sort of recording device to record your lesson. This means you can use those wonderful exercises for years to come. It also means you can evaluate how you sound, how you thought you sounded etc. Most teachers WANT you to record. I believe it's an invaluable part of the process. <br />
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Gender: Some men only want to work with men, Women only want women or men only want women or... you get the idea. It's a personal choice. <br />
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Piano Skills: Some teachers play piano really well, others hire accompanists. Both are fine. <br />
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Style: Do they know the musical theatre cannon? If not that is ok - just know that you will need a coach when you prepare for auditions. Classicaly trained teachers have wonderful technique - but may not know how to teach a musical theatre sound. This is a different sound than classical. However, many of the techniques that keep your voice safe are the same. Some Teachers do both. <br />
Belt - Make sure the teacher is telling you how to keep your voice safe. <br />
Mix - This is invaluable to get the psaggio. Also has a sound that is very similiar to belting. <br />
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Training: What is their background? Their training? Find out.<br />
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Reputation vs. Isolationist: Are they a guru? Do they think they are the only one that can help you? If so - Run. Do you know any of their students? What do they have to say about them? Look for that good Reputation. <br />
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Location: Close or 50 miles away. May or may not be important to you. Time is money and gas is expensive these days. But if they're worth it...<br />
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Prices: In Seattle anywhere from $50.00 - $65.00 is reasonable. If it is more than that -well one of two things. They are REALLY specialized in what they teach and in HIGH demand or they aren't on the up and up. Refer to Rep/Isolationist. Ask around. Check their rep. <br />
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"Chemistry...yeah Chemistry" - No matter how good they are - you need to have a click -Proffesional or Personal - hopefully both. BUT - don't go with someone who is not qualified just because you like them. <br />
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Throughout the week I will be posting local voice teachers and information about them and how to contact them.Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-5611917062976234182010-12-20T07:46:00.000-08:002010-12-20T07:49:21.377-08:00Do you sing?Do you sing? Most people answer yes. In the shower, with the radio in the car. So my next question is - Are you a singer? <br />
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If you are a singer you have technique, you at least work on being able to read music, perhaps you sight sing (if not - work on that!) you may have been in a choir, you take voice lessons. <br />
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I have met a lot of young actors who love musicals. The American Musical has made a huge comeback. Wicked, Next To Normal, American Idiot (hate it or love it!) just to name a few have drawn in a whole new generation of Musical Theatre Fans. Ten years ago you could count on your hands the number of Universities that had legitimate B.F.A's in Musical Theatre. Now - close your eyes, open the directory of schools and point - they are everywhere.<br />
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It doesn't mean they are all good - but that's another post! <br />
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Because of this love and enthusiasm for the material a lot of people want to do musical theatre. Well then -get some training. Why?<br />
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Technique. Your voice will not get through the run of a show if you do not have technique. You will lose your voice, you won't sound as good night to night - you will hurt yourself - the list goes on. The voice is an instrument. You wouldn't pick up a trumpet for the first time a couple days before an audition. So why would you do that if you're a singer? <br />
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Some quick bullet points that we will explore in more detail in later posts!<br />
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<ul><li>Find a Voice Teacher</li>
<li>Practice Everyday</li>
<li>Speak Well - don't gutter out. </li>
<li>Limit Caffeine and Alcohol (moderation!)</li>
<li>Drink Water. Make it a habit</li>
<li>Get enough sleep</li>
<li>Protect your voice.</li>
</ul>Your voice is your instrument. Treat it with respect.Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-53160239709201738862010-12-15T07:50:00.000-08:002010-12-15T07:50:20.015-08:00The Musical Theatre Audition<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Musical Theatre Audition</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let me first say – have you read the fundamentals I posted earlier in this blog? Yes – Good! No – after you read this run on sentence – Stop – go read them- come back. Are back? Let us begin.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Auditioning for a musical is the same as any other audition with a few more elements thrown in. Singing and Dancing. Here is the thing. Singing is not just about sounding pretty. It is, or it should be, about acting the song. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dancing is about – well – I’ll leave that to the experts (guest bloggers) but for me – it’s about doing the best I can and trying really hard to get them to look at my face – not the rest of my body! Over the next couple of posts we are going to talk about choosing an audition song. We will talk about ballads vs. up tempo, how to organize your book, how many books you should have, acting a song, where to find music, voice lessons etc. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We will also have some discussions and posts from some Music Directors, Choreographers and maybe a couple surprise visits! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the mean time, keep singing. I hear Carols are hot right now! ;0 </span></div>Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-52761169871020076982010-12-11T10:50:00.000-08:002010-12-11T10:53:16.031-08:00The Problem with AuditioningGetting cast. Ok. Well. It's not really a problem "It's not a problem it's a challenge - it's what I wanted..." (L5Y). I know I haven't been posting. When you get cast, and you work, and you have friends and you have a spouse - well - I know EXCUSES! But I'm back! I have noticed from the traffic reports that the good ol basics are getting used so YAY! We are moving into Musical Theatre Auditions. Having recently been cast in some musicals - I'll pass on what I knew before going in - and what I know now. "And I know things now many wonderful things" (Into The Woods). I'm excited to jump into this world with you. It's one of my faves! Joining us at some point will be some more guest bloggers - Zach Ortz, Tammis Doyle and many more! <br />
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What's been in the way? I just finished playing Matron Mama Morton in Chicago. This week I was cast as the Drowsy Chaperon in - you guessed it - The Drowsy Chaperon. Learning to balance my writing life with my acting life - well - I'm here to tell you that "I'm not going" (Dream Girls). So my commitment to you - at least 3 posts a week.I hope you will continue to check back. <br />
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Happy Holidays! Talk to you next week!Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-10950759656380469482010-09-22T22:15:00.000-07:002010-09-23T12:25:17.557-07:00Dennis Schebetta -Playwright - Guest BloggerI am SO Lucky - which means you are SO LUCKY! Thank you Dennis. These are words to live by my friends! <br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">BIO:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dennis Schebetta is an actor/director and award-winning playwright whose monologues can be found in the series </i>Audition Arsenal<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> published by Smith & Kraus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He writes about the creative life on </i></span><a href="http://www.fightingthevoid.blogspot.com/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Cambria;">www.fightingthevoid.blogspot.com</span></i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Without further ado (drumroll please) - Mr. Dennis Schebetta</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">5 Tips for the Auditioning Actor (from a playwright)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">As a playwright and actor, I’m honored to have had many talented performers elevate my writing to new heights (like say, Detta, for example). Actors are inspiring, courageous and interesting people. They work damn hard and deserve every curtain call they get.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">However…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">There’s nothing worse for a playwright than to spend three hours agonizing over getting a certain phrase just right only to hear an actor butcher the words in three seconds. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Don’t get us wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love actors and we love to write for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want you to be brilliant which is we try to help you even when you don’t know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shakespeare was a master at giving acting help via his lines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A line like, “Out, damned spot, out I say!” only gives one good option for physicality and delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, obvious example, but he did have other subversive methods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he isn’t the only one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All playwrights, Shakespeare or not, give hints that can help guide your choices. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great actors find them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">To help you, here are five useful tips from a playwright to keep in mind when you’re looking at your audition monologue or scene:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">1)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Use the words</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First off--<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Get thee to a voice & speech teacher</i>! One thing playwrights hate (and directors, too) are mumbling actors that can’t project without screaming and don’t know how to use the words effectively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Playwrights love the sound of words and so should you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find a vocal coach (not just for singing), and work that muscle every day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The audience comes to HEAR theatre as much as see it and good playwrights know this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(And yes, we can tell if you’ve had training or not; literally, once you open your mouth.) With training, you can really use the consonants and vowels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Play the language as much at the intention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your character says “I’m leaving”, then don’t rush through it with “I’mleavin…”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take your time (just like Detta said with your introduction of your own name).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think of the text like poetry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use any alliteration, especially if you’re working with comedy, as well as any repetition. Find any words that are simply <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fun</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">luxurious</i> to say. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">2)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Find the beat.</b> Poetry is as much about rhythm as it is about content (“iambic pentamer” is really just musical notation). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Playwrights use words as musical notes and are always conscious of rhythm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think David Mamet or Sarah Ruhl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some ways it defines the writer’s voice, but playwrights also use rhythm to indicate emotional states. Short and choppy can mean someone in a hurry, or angry—its quick and to the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long sentences may indicate something more contemplative or that the character has more power or status than the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, we may alternate the rhythm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you were to set your monologue to a beat, what would it be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snap your fingers and play around. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, pay attention if suddenly your character switches rhythm mid-stream—something revelatory might be happening.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">3)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Use the location. </b>Location will often inform the situation (aka “given circumstances”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A break up scene in an apartment is different than at a big birthday party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us see how the given circumstances affect you in the scene. People are territorial and we will use different words depending on where we are—the playwright chose those words based on that location, not because it’s a neutral state (like the audition room).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, playwrights love to set things in public places (at least I do) because it raises the stakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you know how many times I’ve seen Edward Albee’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Zoo Story</i> and not once ever saw behavior that reflected the setting of Central Park?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, how does the environment & setting affect your character’s choices? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does it affect what your character wants?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">4)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Find the arc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Playwrights focus on three areas when writing and rewriting and that’s the beginning of a play, the middle scene (usually the juiciest or toughest), and the ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In everything we write, long or short, we strive for a beautiful arc (yes, even with sentences).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first priority for us is the ending—we want to make the audience gasp (mentally or literally).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Same for a scene or monologue—that last beat or moment maybe won’t make an audience gasp, but should have impact. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s the importance of the last line and how does it move the story forward?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This does not mean play the ending at the top of your scene, because the next thing playwrights focus on is the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That should be as dramatically different from the ending as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This creates an arc, taking our characters on a journey from A to B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your character isn’t going from A to B, why are we watching you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also like to get the audience’s attention with something that might startle them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t ease into things and neither should you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, we find some good stuff for the middle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In your monologue, you might find a funny joke or meaty revelation that creates a 180-degree turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might even find the rhythm changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a look at your monologue—it’s likely these moments are already in the text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This arc idea also applies to sentence structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe not all writers are so anal, but I’ll rewrite a sentence several times, jostling the same words around to see the difference of affect and power in word order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask yourself why the playwright starts or ends the line with that word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Playwrights tend to put words with the most impact at the end of a line. This is why directors often give the note, “take the end of the line up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">5)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Find the love</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael Shurtleff’s book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AUDITION</i> has the best piece of advice for actors ever and that’s to look for what the characters love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before you do that, think of what the playwright loves. Rarely do playwrights devote months or years of our life writing a character we hate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may be in love with their wit, their ambition, their flaws, or just because they are reflections of our own self (or completely different).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you figure out why the playwright loves them, you might love them, too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And directors have a knack for knowing when actors love what they’re working on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Of course, each playwright has different strengths and weaknesses (we’re not all Shakespeare) and so I have one additional tip: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ignore everything I’ve just told you.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">No, seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Playwrights have large egos because they spend a lot of time alone imagining entire worlds that they control. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commit to your choices, even if it seems to contradict the playwright. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Playwrights can be wrong even about their own work and the smart ones will admit when an actor has made a unique discovery. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">So surprise us. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div>Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-44963310190856760732010-09-20T20:32:00.000-07:002010-09-20T20:32:35.145-07:00The Callback-Part 2- Bold ChoicesSometimes you only have one shot. One chance to read, one chance to sing, one chance to dance. Make the most of of it. How do you do that?<br />
<ul><li>First - What is your objective? Always first and foremost what do you want? </li>
<li>How are you going to get it? Tactics! These will lead you to bold choices.</li>
<li>MAKE A BOLD CHOICE - go for it!</li>
<li>Has the director given you any direction? Told you what she's going for? </li>
<ul><li>If yes - do it - try to give her/him what they want</li>
<li>If no- it's up to you. They want to see you interpret the role. If you've done your research this is easier - because you have already thought of choices, maybe even tried them out. At home, while you prepping. Read previous blog posts. Just saying.</li>
</ul><li>Listen to your scene partner</li>
<li>React to your scene partner</li>
<li>Give to your scene partner</li>
<li>Take from your scene partner - what they are giving you. </li>
<li>Remember when it's not just about you, the scene is better. </li>
<li>When you are pursing an objective, the scene is better. </li>
<li>Don't push</li>
<li>Have fun.</li>
</ul>Have you made a strong, definitive, bold choice rooted in emotional honesty? Then no matter what the outcome - you just had a good callback!Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-42228762776641244652010-09-18T09:48:00.000-07:002010-09-18T09:48:12.842-07:00The Callback-Part 1- You get to perform today!The Callback - Part 1<br />
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I thought this was appropriate today since - I have a call back today! I'll be Dancing, Singing and Reading for Matron Mama Mortan in Chicago. So - I'll share with you what I did between my original audition and today. <br />
<ul><li>Listened to Chicago once all the way through. I know the show - or I would have listened a lot more</li>
<li>Listened to Mama's songs</li>
<li>Sang through Mama's songs</li>
<li>Read the script. Read through all Mama's scenes a couple of times, a couple of different ways with different objectives. OUTLOUD!</li>
<li>Read scenes with somone else, got their feedback, tried it on for size, kept some ideas, threw other's away. </li>
<li>Came up with questions - if given the opportunity - to ask at the callback</li>
</ul>This morning - I got up early, Drank water, started warming up, ate a good breakfast with some protein, drank coffee - drank more water to make up for the coffee, stretched out, practiced the few dance moves I know, warmed up my voice a little more. Petted the dog. <br />
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Now - I will hop into the shower, get dressed for the dance call, take a change of clothes for after the dance call, make sure I have water - lots of it! Pack some protien and BREATH.<br />
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The most important thing I can do today and that anyone can do at a callback - after you've done your research of course - is to have fun. Even if I never get to perform the role for an audience with this company - I do today. TODAY I am Mama Morton - TODAY I have a captive audience. TODAY I get to have fun - act, sing, dance PLAY, try different things with different people. TODAY I get to do what I love - Perform. That was true with my original audition and it is true today. If one starts looking at auditions as performance opportunities - the audition process becomes a lot easier. <br />
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HAVE FUN! You get to perform today!Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1879837910698784725.post-41289816236154459372010-09-17T09:46:00.000-07:002010-09-17T09:46:22.052-07:00Know Your Material-Beyond MemorizationKnow your Material!<br />
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Do not memorize your monologue the night before the audition. Know your monologue backwards and forwards. Now - this does not mean - know-your-monologue-so-you-can-do- it- the-exact-same-way- every -time-therefore-I-can't-do-it-any-other-way. Refer to Hedda Example.<br />
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If the director has time they may ask you to try something new - Hedda as a cheerleader. Or they may ask you to start from a particular section and do it again. Maybe with no change. Focus on your objective and your tactic. However if you've only ever done the monologue from the beginning AND if you've only ever done it one way - this request will not be easy - even if that haven't given you a direction.<br />
<br />
So - when memorizing a piece:<br />
<ul><li>don't always start from the beginning</li>
<li>try singing it</li>
<li>do it with different "voices"</li>
<li>Say it out loud - not just in your head</li>
<li>have people talk to you while you are trying to do the monologue</li>
<li>do it in a park where there are distractions (um - if it is appropriate...)</li>
<li>have friends try to distract you</li>
<li>Say it out loud</li>
<li>do it with t.v., radio, dog in the room, playing with the cat</li>
<li>Move your body while you speak out loud</li>
<li>Did I mention SPEAK OUT LOUD - not just in your head! </li>
</ul> Let the words live in your body. In other words really KNOW the piece. Don't just memorize it.Bradettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09087351075734170922noreply@blogger.com0