Acting in Plays, Singing/Am I too late?

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Expert: - 3/31/2010


Question
Hello,

I have almost no prior experience or knowledge in theatre and arts, but I have always had a passion for musicals-- I've just never considered myself being in one until now. I am willing to dedicate myself to learning to sing opera, dance lessons, acting lessons, etc... It would be my dream to be in a Broadway musical, particularly The Phantom of the Opera. However, most young Christine-hopefuls like myself have been preparing for this role for many years, since they were children. I recently turned 17 earlier this month.. I know I am very VERY late. Is it silly of me to even consider pursuing such a task at my age? I realize that this will likely take very many years, and I am willing, but I just want a realistic opinion...what do you think, am I too late / too old to start? Should I give up?

Thank you :)

Answer
Hello, Kinsey –

Thank you for your question.

Your fears are based on mis-information and a lack of knowledge about the business of the Performing Arts.

The role of "Christine" in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA requires a working Pop voice and an elevated style of singing heard in other Broadway operettas such as CANDIDE and SHOW BOAT. If your plan is to become an opera singer, then you'll want to consider a music conservatory such as the one we have here in San Francisco. They're not big on songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber. And the tuition is steep.

The very best advice I can give you is to enroll in the best college or conservatory you can. A career on Broadway starts with you being the best dancer and actress you know. It's not just about the voice and a consuming passion for a particular role. Talk to your parents and to your school counselors about your plans. If you want to pursue a career in the performing arts, then you must major in the performing arts. You will be required to audition. That's where I come in as a professional vocal coach.

When you are in San Francisco and want to book an appointment, contact me through Craig's List. This week’s connection is: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/1663489068.html
You may also contact me through my website: http://www.thebeltersmethod.com/The_Belters_Method/Welcome.html
I am the Editor and Publisher of SanFranciscoSentinel.com.  All my articles and interviews about the Performing Arts provide a link to my personal e-mail.

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Best regards,
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Acting in Plays, Singing

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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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