Saturday, November 30, 2013

Finding a new monologue/song - Whyyy???

I know I am not alone when I say that finding a new monologue that speaks to me and my experience or at least moves me is like looking for a needle in a haystack. I am always reading new plays and if I limit it to plays featuring African American female characters that are not simply 2-dimensional caricatures then good luck to me! When you are preparing for an audition especially if you sing and act, it is vital that you are able to demonstrate strong choices and a great sense of who you are with your choices.

At times, I look at the bags of music and the scarcity of contemporary monologues and become completely overwhelmed. And if they ask for a comedic monologue, forget about it. Humor in a scene is very organic and is the result of the entire scene not just the 1-2 minutes that I gorged out to make a monologue. This is one of the many reasons that working with a coach or a trusted colleague is never a bad idea. The process can help you get out of your head and back into your body. It can help you make some great and insightful choices. Active choices so that the words can come to life. Someone watching you or videotaping yourself can help you to see what you can often miss.Even a pro like me needs a nudge in the right direction every once in a while. It encourages growth and helps me avoid stagnation.

The same holds true for music. Use the lyrics to tell a story and the notes to show off your voice. It cannot simply be a song that you always wanted to sing. If it is from a musical, it should be from a role that you would actually play (unless it is for a cabaret, then I say sing what you feel). But in the audition room, you do not want to get blocked by perception. I would never sing Don't Cry for me Argentina in the room because a black women of my size and stature oh and don't forget that I am not from Argentina would never get that role. No matter how great I sound singing it. But, I should demonstrate any and legit training I have if necessary because that is also unexpected, but it can work in your favor. (Knock your heart out Audra McDonald)

I also cannot limit myself to yelling and making gospel trills with my voice. The song you sing should reflect the show you are auditioning for. If you are unsure of the show or season, select one that shows off your voice and personality.

Not only are the casting folks looking for talent. They are also looking to see if they can or want to work with you. Do you appear difficult or are you afraid to make any choices outside of your box of safety?

These are my basic tips and fears of monologues and choosing music. Now off I go to prepare...until next time

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Why artists need a spiritual exercise?

Once again auditions are back into full swing. I am also deeply involved in educational advocacy surrounding the deep budget cuts in Philadelphia as my daughter survives 7th grade. This means that many of my days start at 8 am and do not seem to end until 8 pm or later. Documenting important events for my online newspaper column and making sure that I get in appropriate time to rehearse my audition songs and monologues make me feel lost and at times disoriented. And let's not forget cooking dinner, checking homework, making sure that Maya practices her piano, taking her to choir and piano lessons, and art classes. And volunteering at her school at least once a week. (I just made myself tired writing this- LOL!)

If I forget my morning exercise or my evening meditations and prayers, I feel imbalanced and spiritually empty. There is this great film, That Guy who was in That Thing that interviews several actors about this life. Unlike, those who are on Actors Studio, they are the ones who may have a few roles here and there. They are the "working actor" population. Some of them still live without cable and drive their first car in order to afford the inconsistent checks and the up and down finances. In order to get through the dry periods, they all have a hobby that replenishes their spiritual and emotional self. One started yoga, and he noticed how much calmer and nicer he became when he was waiting to hear about a role or not having work for long periods of time.

This is vital. Artists are so vulnerable. We are always taking risks that exposes us to negative and positive comments. Folks are always telling us no or rejecting us. We are always making project to project decisions. Will this job move me forward artistically? Will it provide a financial cushion? Will it give me 2 more weeks so that I can be eligible for insurance? Do I have to turn to the pole and give myself a stripper name?

I love to walk. It clears my brain and allows new thoughts and feelings to take root. I get to shake off my weekly negativity and replace it it with some positivity. Watching movies and reading books is another way to create a little mental/spiritual staycation. Attending weekly service and having a supportive church family is also another aspect that completes my spiritual armor.

Find your spiritual exercise and find a way to replenish your soul or else.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

My day back in the classroom as a subsitute teacher

How can students be in a classroom where they have not had a regular consistent teacher for approximately 3 weeks? Yes, they are little out of control. They are also in 6th grade, chatty, and BORED! There has been no structure nor engaging instruction. Fortunately, I got to work with another substitute teacher who has been working in a variety of classrooms in the same building. The students know her, but their lack of respect and poor listening is connected to the fact that none of their assignments are accounted for or graded. And they have been working with worksheets for 3 weeks. This day reminded me of what occurs when a teacher falls sick or their health does not allow for them to return in  a timely fashion. I also wondered if any of the parents were aware of the situation.

I noticed boxes and boxes of unused experiments and labs that could have made earth science more tangible and connected. The Social Studies teacher tried to provide necessary assistance, but she also has her own class to plan for. Stacks of completed handouts with no grades are piled on the desk. After watching and attempting to re-engage them in preparation for a quiz that was being administered by the Social Studies teacher for Science, it dawned on me that there were times when 4 adults were in a single classroom with 22 students and the volume often got out of control. Despite what that sounds like, it looked like all of us being highly ineffective. I saw very bright students and some that desperately needed some one-on-one instruction for remediation. The discussion of volcanoes and plates went well but only for limited spurts because guess what? They were mostly completely over it. And many of the adults were too. In fact, I am sure that this trend will continue until a full-time teacher returns.

Near the end of the day, we completed a writing prompt. I made a promise that I would grade them immediately. Each of them tested me by writing far less than what was directed until I fulfilled my promise by grading the first one I read based lightly on content, creativity, and length. And you know what happened? They spent the next 45 minutes being the most engaged and interested. A few even read theirs aloud. Some even asked for their stories to be returned so they could make improvements. It was not perfect but it was nice to observe.

That is all for now. I wish their teacher a speedy recovery and a more sustainable solution that will insure that the students do not lose anymore time.

Seeking representation

I have some wonderful representation for projects in Philadelphia. Now, I am in the process of procuring representation in NYC in order to increase my visibility at all auditions. I attended a workshop and it was an interesting experience. It was also very affordable.  There were approximately 25 attendees with one agent. Each went in and sang a musical theater selection to get feedback. I am always open to feedback because it leads to growth and insight. Unfortunately, this feedback consisted of 3 sentences. None of sentences discussed type, audition technique, or the effectiveness of my headshot/resume. I literally got asked to watch a single growl, create a cleaner end, and (Who am I to tell you about growling?) Yep, that's it!

So what did I take from this. Thank goodness, I know who I am in this business and am still seeking opportunities to work with new representation.

That is all for now. Until next time.