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Acting in Plays, Singing/RENT
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Question
can maureen be played by a 'bigger girl' not a stick, medium build? Can she be played by some one 'brown' half african american?
I kinda know directors can cast whatever they want... but do most go for Idina Menzel look-a-likes?
Any tips for a RENT Maureen Audition. We're allowed to sing from the show. I'm singing take me or leave me.
Hi, Cassie –
Thank you for a great question.
The role of "Maureen" in RENT requires an extravagant Pop/Rock-type singer, especially one who believes she could also work as the Lead Singer in an extravagant Pop/Rock-type band. Does that describe you?
Many audition notices for RENT state that you must do a Rock song. If you have that opportunity, what will you sing? Go prepared with several numbers in case your audition panel asks, "What else have you got?"
In addition to proving your Rock vocal chops, you must also demonstrate to We the Audience your sexual charisma. "Maureen" can be played by anybody of any height, build or ethnic background. The thing is – she is equally attractive to men and women. Last week she was with "Mark", this week she's the lover of "Joanne" – and everybody knows it and nobody cares. Maureen believes she's really hot and it's only a matter of time until she is Big Time.
I am a vocal coach to working singers in the San Francisco Bay Area. I'm also the Music and Theatre critic for SanFranciscoSentinel.com – http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?cat=65
and Classical music reviewer for Examiner.com – http://www.examiner.com/user/4557381/articles
Check out my recent interview with popular TV host, David Perry, on "Ten Percent":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKeeTYTYMAI
Below are links to my articles and youtubes on San Francisco's entertainment and cultural scene:
NICOLA LUISOTTI – Music Director of San Francisco Opera signs with Teatro di San Carlo
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=167072
Tchaikovsky's Other 'Onegin' – At San Francisco Ballet
http://www.examiner.com/classical-music-in-san-francisco/tchaikovsky-s-other-one
'Unfaithfully Yours' – Classic Overtures at Noir City X
http://www.examiner.com/classical-music-in-san-francisco/unfaithfully-yours-clas
SAN FRANCISCO OPERA – Announces 2012/13 Season
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=166876
SF Symphony – elevates Debussy's "Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian" to ecstatic heights
http://www.examiner.com/classical-music-in-san-francisco/sf-symphony-elevates-de
EDDIE MULLER – On the Slow Death of 35mm – An Interview with the "Czar of Noir"
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=166840
Best In Women's Classical Vocals 2011
http://www.examiner.com/classical-music-in-san-francisco/best-women-s-classical-
"Le Martyre de Saint Sébastien" – At Davies Symphony Hall, Featuring Damian Smith of SF Ballet, January 12th–14th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=166732
A Spectacular Christmas Eve at Davies Symphony Hall
http://www.examiner.com/classical-music-in-san-francisco/a-spectacular-christmas
CD, JAKE SCHEPPS – An Evening in the Village: The Music of Béla Bartók
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=166708
THE NUTCRACKER – Confection Perfection at San Francisco Ballet
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=166662
DEANNA DURBIN – The Leading Lady of NOIR CITY XMAS, Wednesday at The Castro Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=166623
CD: SANCHO PANÇA – 18th Century Opera ★★★
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=166581
"THE ARTIST" – Silents, please! – A masterpiece in B&W, starring Jean Dujardin
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=166452
THOMAS JANE – An interview with the star of HBO's "Hung" and 3D Thriller "Dark Country"
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=166393
KRISTIN CLAYTON– A Conversation with "The Diva" of Teatro ZinZanni
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=166029
"XERXES" – At San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=165997
CD Release: "Feels Like Home", The Celtic Tenors ★★★★
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=165722
DON GIOVANNI – It's smart and new at San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=165485
LEANNE BORGHESI – SF Bay Area Star on the Rise
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=163898
ZHENG CAO – A Conversation with A Miracle Artist
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=111219
MELODY MOORE – A Conversation with San Francisco Opera Star
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=110816
MARNIE BRECKENRIDGE – An Interview with “La Princesse” of Philip Glass’ Orphée
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=109326
A Conversation with Elza van den Heever
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=99268
Dr. ELISA STEPHENS – A Visit with the President of the Academy of Art University
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=90791
CUBAN BALLET – An Interview with Octavio Roca
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=86049
A Look At "Giselle" with Ballerina Lorena Feijóo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33-a6Oa-0j4
AMANDA McBROOM – A conversation on her recording of songs by Jacques Brel
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=68879
CAMERON CARPENTER – An interview with Grammy-nominated organist
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=68311
PEARLS OVER SHANGHAI – An Interview with Russell Blackwood
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=63625
PIANIST MISHA DICHTER – A Conversation
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=59695
ZUILL BAILEY – A Conversation
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=58241
JANE MONHEIT – An Interview
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=48083
DIANE BAKER – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32007
CAMERON CARPENTER – An Interview with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=24462
AT LAST! – ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY – An Interview with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=27122
A Conversation with Ruben Martin Cintas, Principal Dancer with SF Ballet
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=22107
Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?cat=65
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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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