Last Blog Post!

This past semester in COM 201 was awesome. How are you guys by the way? Feel free to comment!

I'm really excited for the future of Broadway. With many popular movie musicals out (Frozen, Tangled, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, etc.), the future only looks bright for us show tune fans. I understand people have different interests, but this is one interest I feel is under-appreciated by the overall community.

The last tip I will talk about is:
Slating


Slating is when you describe you and your purpose, usually before an audition and sometimes before a performance. It consists of your name and your piece title. Sometimes some companies want you to include other details such as your school, agent, grade level, etc. They might also want you to say where your piece is from (play, musical).

The auditioners may ask you questions, so be calm and be ready for any to answer!

Slate in your own voice. Do not go in character when you slate, as slating is all YOU! It is also impressive to see someone switch from one character to another, as slating can give that sort of thrill. Be confident and strong when you slate. A slate is only as strong as the performance and the performance is only as strong as the actor and his/her preparation. 

An example would be:
"Hi, my name is Anthony Lee and I will be singing the song Purpose from the musical Avenue Q."

If you have multiple things prepared, say them all in your slate so you can transition smoothly from piece to piece.

Example:
"Hi, my name is Anthony Lee and I will first be singing the song Lost in the Wilderness from the musical Children of Eden and following that will be doing a monologue from The Pillowman."

Best wishes,
Anthony Lee

A list of random tips!

Tired of my long, lengthy tutorials? This week's post will be a short list of things you can do that relates to improving in theatre/performing.

1. Learn a different language- It will always help.
2. Take up dance/singing- Notice how most actors already can sing/dance? You would want to be part of that community.
3. Stage > Film- In my opinion, Stage training is great for Film, moreso than the other way around.
4. Pick a focus point- Wandering eyes are bad, especially when you are speaking/performing an action.
5. Stay in character- You can mess everything up, but if you're in character the audience will possibly not notice any of it.
6. Contacts- If you wear glasses, get contacts. At least for shows.
7. Drink milk/be tall- Some people are naturally short (like me), but do your best to be tall. Directors love tall actors for both male and females.
8. Don't force your vibrato- It should naturally come out when singing with a proper breathing technique.
9. A straight note with a supported ending sounds better than a sung note with a singer trying to create vibrato.
10. Wear makeup on stage- Even for males. The lights are so bright... if you do not wear makeup you will look like a ghost. The oil will shine off your face as well and it will look... I'd rather not say.
11. Makeup: Foundation, blush, mascara (for girls), lipstick (for girls)

I hope you find these tips helpful!

Signing out,

Anthony