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Acting in Plays, Singing/Baritone or Tenor
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Question
Hey, I'm in high school and have been doing plays since forever. Ever since 6th
grade, I've been a tenor, and just recently i was messing around and tried bass,
to my surprise I could hit all the notes. I was wondering, is there a preference
for Broadway type plays for tenor or for bass? I can really belt out bass, but I can
use vibrato and hit notes faster as Tenor
Good question! And the answer is: it depends.
In the history of musical theatre, there have been periods where shows have been written for tenors and other times where shows are written for baritone or bass voices. From what I have heard from current hit musicals, the current preference is for baritone . . . but that could change at a moment's notice.
It sounds like you have a very good range, and might be classified by the slang term "baritenor" - someone with an exceptional range. Being one myself, I can tell you that it is a great advantage toward landing roles. (Two years ago I was cast in a straight tenor role, and this summer I'm doing a bass role.)
You didn't mention whether or not you have had any voice training. If you haven't, I would strongly encourage you to pursue voice lessons; if you have, I would encourage you to continue. A well-trained voice is *essential* in theatre, and gives you a far greater advantage than someone who can simply carry a tune.
Break a leg, and let me know how you do!
-- Spyder
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Answers by Expert:
J. Spyder Isaacson
Expertise
Especially the Seattle theatre scene. Seattle is the number two theatre city of the nation, having more theatres than any other city (including Chicago!) except New York. I know the reputations of most of the local theatres, have worked with quite a number of them, and am currently earning the majority of my livelihood through live theatre. Beyond that, I have been a working professional for the past 10 years (after a long career in an unrelated field), have done just about everything in the field, and have done every possible type of theatre. Currently, I am also pursuing a new (and unexpected!) career as an animated film producer. (PLEASE NOTE that I am NOT an expert in music!) ***DO NOT*** ASK ME QUESTIONS REGARDING AUDITION SONGS OR MONOLOGUES - the answers require way too much information to be passed along by the All Experts system.
Experience
I have been an award-winning actor, singer, playwright, director and administrator (on various levels, all categories) for the past 30 years. A large part of my expertise has been with live theatre, although I do have a minor connection to filmed theater. I have done musicals, straight dramas, straight comedies, and experimental theatre.
Organizations
Theatre Puget Sound
Magical Mystery Troupe
Centerstage Theatre Conservatory Board of Trustees (former)
Express-Theatre Northwest (former)
Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater
Publications
Unrelated trade publications
Education/Credentials
B.A. in Theatre Arts, Gonzaga University
M.Ed. in Education and Technology, Western Governor's University (in progress)
Awards and Honors
Mutiple awards (ask for specifics), Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival
Valley Community Players, Best Supporting Actor
Past/Present Clients
C's Animation Studio Productions, LLC
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