About Arlene Schulman Expertise I have been a director, dramaturg, actor and acting coach for over twenty-five years and am happy to share my expertise in learning to act, character development, taking direction, acting styles and techniques, auditioning techniques, how to choose an audition monologue or song (but NOT specific audition songs or monologues), learning lines, script analysis, acting in musicals, dramas, comedies, farces, mysteries and even new plays in their first productions.
I am NOT a voice teacher or vocal coach. My expertise is in acting and directing, not in singing. I can not advise you on specific audition songs, vocal exercises, how to stretch your range or on solving vocal problems. For that you need an expert on singing and vocal work. And there is at least one very good one on this list.
Experience I have been a director, dramaturg, actor and acting coach in the NYC/NJ area for over twenty-four years. I have directed dramas, comedies, musicals, mysteries, thrillers and farces as well as directing original plays in staged readings, workshops, showcases and world premieres. I have worked with all level of actors from amateurs to Equity, from children to seniors.
Organizations Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers - associate member Literary Managers & Dramaturgs of America - associate member Shakespeare Association of America The Shakespeare Instititute - MA candidate - "Shakespeare & Theatre"
Dustin wrote at 2006-12-07 16:03:06
I agree with what Arlene says, but I want to point out that Chicago (as well as Boston, Atlanta, and a few others) are great places to start working before moving to New York or LA. Chicago has probably 100 theatre groups that aren't Equity and some of them are just as good as the Equity houses.
If you've gone through any kind of decent theatre program in school, you should have a fair enough resume to start working some in these bigger cities. When you get there, take classes in auditioning, Shakespeare, improv, or whatever you think will interest you. This gives you the opportunity to network and meet more people and find out where they're getting work.
