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Acting in Plays, Singing/Too late?
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Question
Dear Sean,
Thank you in advance for your expert advice and for taking the time to read my letter.
I am a music teacher in Birmingham, Al. I got my BFA in music theatre performance from Millikin University (Illinois)way back in "97. I was all set to move to Chicago with my roommate and begin the long process of getting experience wherever I could and doing many auditions. I got sidetracked when I fell madly in love with a man my parents didn't approve of. I love my husband of over 10 years very much and I don't regret the hard work and sacrifice it took to keep us afloat while I taught voice lessons and he finished school. I had a lot of depression to work through because it was many years before I was able to have a good relationship with my family again.
We moved to Birmingham when my husband was offered an excellent job at the university down here. I tried to keep my singing career moving by doing some professional dinner theater and putting on a few one woman shows I do Tin Pan Alley, Sondheim, Porter, Gershwin, Gilbert and Sullivan, Rodgers and Hart, etc. I'm also good belter and have done lots of classical church singing and been in classic rock bands.
However, I find that my job as a music teacher at a grade school is exhausting, although often fulfilling. I don't have the energy to make a serious effort to create a performing career. I'm tempted to leave everything behind for awhile and try my luck in Nashville or Chicago. I'm thirty-three and do not have any children, yet. Is it too late for me to even contemplate getting into the world of professional performance?
I'm only 5'0" and usually get cast in a character role, which I don't mind. I used to be very fit, but have gotten a bit doughy. It's been a long time since I took a dance class. It would be hard to get back in shape, but I do still sing several hours every day and my voice is solid. I know I can always enjoy music theatre on the amateur stage, but there is a big hole in my life because I just never took the plunge.
This probably is one of those questions only I can ultimately answer. I would still love to hear your perspective.
Thank You,
Julie
Hello, Julie –
Happy New Year!
Thank you for the question. It is among the best I have ever received. This could be the start of something big.
Before you buy your ticket to Chicago or Nashville – consider a couple of marketing issues.
My clients know that I am insistent upon exploring every performing option available – always with the best-paying gigs in mind.
I passed New Year's Eve at Davies Symphony Hall here in San Francisco. Singing with the SF Symphony were Broadway performers MARIN MAZZIE and her husband JASON DANIELEY. Along with musical theatre medleys from the orchestra (featuring the works of Jules Styne and Leonard Bernstein), the couple sang selections from a CD they released in 2005, OPPOSITE YOU. After the concert they signed copies out in the Lobby. They have "A Package". That package includes arrangements for a full-sized symphony orchestra. It also includes Ms. Mazzie's wardrobe, perfect hair, gowns, jewelry, and 4" heels which she shed during the second half. It certainly made Mr. Danieley look a lot taller. Moreover, the contract arrangement also included a state-of-the-art sound engineer who kept both of them hugely audible, allowing both singers to use a variety of vocal stylizations including volumes that ranged from whisper soft to as loud as they wanted.
The point is – this essentially "Pops Night" package could be booked by every symphony orchestra all over the world. Moreover, the same show could be done in a way-smaller venue with a smart 3-piece combo in front of an audience packed with their fans. All they need now is a Second Package.
Most performers who are bent on marketing themselves and who may also work with an agency have a PR package that consists of a DVD and/or a CD of their material – both studio recorded or excerpts from live events, etc. – along with portraits, bio material, etc. Do you have some version of this ready to send out? No matter where you go, you have to work the Booking Agent first.
Make a plan!
Start by getting yourself into the best physical shape of your whole life. Work as though you were training for the Olympics and a few strategic 3-page centerfolds. You will be amazed at the effect it will have on your voice and your self esteem – and in the eyes of your Beholder.
In the meantime, plan a trip to San Francisco and come work with me. To book an appointment, contact me through Craig's List – http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/973848227.html
I am also the fine arts critc for SanFranciscoSentinel.com. All my articles and interviews provide a link to my personal e-mail.
Take a look at my You Tubes:
Lorena Feijóo - A Look at "Giselle" with Seán Martinfield
SAMSON & DELILAH – Meet Seán Martinfield
CA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES – A Preview Look with Seán Martinfield
Below are links to recent articles and reviews:
SAN FRANCISCO BOYS CHORUS – WILL SING AT THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18330
NEW YEAR’S EVE – MARIN MAZZIE & JASON DANIELEY At the SF Symphony Concert
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18338
SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY – The Results of Fiscal Year 2008
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18276
SAN FRANCISCO OPERA – The Audited Financial Results, 2007–08
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18211
FREE ADMISSION – Visit the de Young Museum and Legion of Honor, Tuesday, January 6th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18437
FREE ADMISSION ON DECEMBER 25th – At The Contemporary Jewish Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18193
CD Review – COOLSIDE OF YULETIDE
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18078
DAVID CONTE’S GIFT OF THE MAGI – Receives West Coast Premiere
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18047
DAVID HIGGS, Organist – CHRISTMAS PIPE DREAMS this Saturday at SF Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18032
BRIAN PATTERSON – Local Hunk In Bay Area Premiere of ZANNA, DON’T
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17927
THE NUTCRACKER – Now At San Francisco Ballet
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17896
DONNA SACHET – At the RRAZZ ROOM, December 15th–18th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17887
MICHAEL BISHOP, Sound Engineer – Grammy Nomination for LA BOHÈME
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17846
CD – LA BOHÈME, Grammy Nomination for Sound Engineer Michael Bishop
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17846
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – What Becomes A Legend Most
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17798
LEONARDO DA VINCI – Drawings on display at the Legion of Honor
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AUSTRALIA – For Baz Luhrmann, There’s No Place Like Home
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17716
MILK – A Magnificent Film
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HILARY HAHN – This week at the San Francisco Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17626
AS BEES IN HONEY DROWN – New Conservatory Theatre Center buzzing sweetly for the Holidays
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17580
LA BOHÈME – Now at SAN FRANCISCO OPERA through December 7th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17542
TONY CURTIS – LIVE! At The Castro Theatre, Tuesday Night
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17474
YVES SAINT LAURENT – Haute Couture Fashions Now at the de Young Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17349
CHRISTINE ANDREAS – A Conversation with Beautiful Broadway and Cabaret Star
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CD Review – REVOLUTIONARY, Cameron Carpenter, Organist
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17408
LA BOHÈME – Opens Sunday Afternoon, November 16th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17390
AFGHANISTAN – HIDDEN TREASURES FROM THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, KABUL, Now at the Asian Art Museum
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THE ELIXIR OF LOVE – It’s Happy Hour At San Francisco Opera
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THE STATE MUSEUMS OF BERLIN AND THE LEGACY OF JAMES SIMON
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PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – Lon Chaney Silences SF Symphony For Halloween Night, Friday at 8:00
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CARNEGIE HALL OPENING NIGHT – Tonight on PBS’ GREAT PERFORMANCES
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17164
SAMUEL RAMEY IS BORIS GODUNOV – Now at San Francisco Opera through November 15th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17140
CD – BRAHMS: Ein Deutsches Requiem
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17012
IDOMENEO – Star Treatment For Mozart Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?cat=65
CD – DAS LIED VON DER ERDE: Superb Live Recording by Stuart Skelton and Thomas Hampson
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16897
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW – Ray of Light Theatre Begins New Season October 17th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16805
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16790
EMANUEL AX – Renowned Pianist Appears with San Francisco Symphony October 9th – 11th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16700
A BRONX TALE – At the Golden Gate Theatre through October 19th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16594
DIE TOTE STADT - A BAD HAIR DAY IN THE DEAD CITY
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16512
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16116
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS – More Lucas-Cloned Crap
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15557
TOM ORR – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15981
AT THE LEGION OF HONOR - The State Museums Of Berlin And The Legacy Of James Simon
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15655
THE MIKADO – Opens 56th Season of The Lamplighters Music Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15390
BERNADETTE PETERS – A Triumph In San Francisco
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15150
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE – Detours Ahead
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15107
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE – at Broadway By The Bay
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14777
JENNIFER SIEBEL – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=6361
A CONVERSATION WITH IAN ROBERTSON – Director of the San Francisco Boys Chorus
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13747
SAN FRANCISCO SILENT FILM FESTIVAL – At the Castro Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14576
NORMA SHEARER in “MARIE ANTOINETTE” – At the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=8783
Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
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Answers by Expert:
Sean Martinfield
Expertise
I am a professional vocal coach in San Francisco. In addition to answers from a previous web site (Askme.com - where my "tag" was "VocalCoach") I have published over 2000 responses related to vocal training - particularly as it relates to Musical Theatre and Opera. I have 24 years of experience as Personal Trainer to singers and actors in the San Francisco Bay Area. I sang professionally for 20 years and know what it means to live the life of a musician. I can determine your voice category, i.e., Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Alto Belter, etc., and how to broaden and strengthen your range. Need an audition song for a Broadway Musical? I will give you suggestions that are appropriate to your vocal category and to requirements specified in the audition notice. I have also created a vocal methodology, "The Belter`s Method". It will enable those in Musical Theatre to practice more efficiently because it focuses on the demands of professional performers as well as to those auditioning for school and community productions, and as University and Conservatory performing arts majors. If what you want is a better voice and more control over your career moves and choices, contact me. Also, as the Editor of SanFranciscoSentinel.com, it is my privilege to review productions at the San Francisco Opera, Ballet and Symphony, as well as Broadway National Tours booked into San Francisco's Orpheum, Golden Gate and Curran Theatres. I also review works by A.C.T (the American Conservatory Theatre) and Magic Theatre. I cover select films, tributes and retrospects, and various international film festivals – particulary those booked into The City's opulent Castro Theatre – including the LGBT Frameline Festival, International Film Festival, Silent Film Festival, Jewish Film Festival, etc. For private vocal instruction, I can be contacted through SanFranciscoSentinel.com. Look under: Seán Martinfield, Sentinel Editor and Publisher.
Experience
As a vocal coach, I work primarily with singers and actors throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. My students range from absolute beginners to working professionals, from pre-schoolers to senior citizens. The vast majority of my clients come to me through recommendation. I know how to identify any singer's vocal category, i.e., soprano, tenor, alto, baritone, etc. I know how to muscle-up every singer's vocal range and to expand it beyond conventional definitions. I have developed a vocal methodology for those who want to know how to belt, THE BELTER'S METHOD. As a singer who spent half of his career doing Bel Canto, I know that classical or Italian methodologies do not work in Standard American music. Bel Canto cannot be "adapted" to meet the needs of contemporary American music, including the demands of the Musical Theatre.
There are a number of major components to my work as a vocal coach. The first is to identify the client's vocal category and to strengthen and maximize the vocal range accordingly. Then it's about teaching a reliable vocal workout that will enable the client to gain better control of their musicianship. That includes scale work to expand the vocal range and to improve placement, breath control, and diction. Then we work on material for the audition portfolio, the immediate job or assignment, a recording session, etc. My task to is to better equip singers and actors who are hoping to or relying upon their performance skills and vocal endurance to maintain a career in the Performing Arts. My clients regularly appear in cabarets and musical productions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Some have worked in New York and gone on National Tours. For more information, Contact me at: Broadwaybelters@yahoo.com
Education/Credentials
San Francisco State University – BA in Theatre Arts; graduate work in Theatre, Philosophy, and Comparative Reiligion.
Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley – Graduate work in Ethics
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