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Question
Hi, I'm auditioning soon in various schools in the UK, got my speeches, and am all revved up, which is great. But I just have this idea in my head, and I have no one to ask to clarify the question. Apart from the speeches, I also have to sing a song, and my question is: can you pick ANY song? Even if the original was sung by a man? Or does it have to be a song originally by a woman (in my case). And I can't sing very well, so, I don't know, can I.. change it somehow? to my own key?
i think the question is a bit confusing, but I'm confused with the subject too!
Many thanks
Carolina
Hi Carolina,
Some of the best performances are new twists that haven't been seen before!
There is no reason you can't change to your key or sing a song originally done by a man. You may or may not have to change a few words, but so what?
The main thing is to get lots of air in your lungs in between places (wherever it doesn't interfere with the flow of the song. Nothing worse than a nervous singer croaking out lyrics without air in their lungs because they are breathing shallow. JUST BREATHE!
Also, try to concentrate on what the words mean and how you pronounce them...if you stay busy with that, you won't have time to worry about whether you are being "good". My bet is you aren't as bad as you believe. It wouldn't hurt to find a voice coach to give you a "crash course" in singing before you go. I use a coach for my acting when I have an important audition or part to work on. Nothing unfair about that!
Break a leg, young star!
Best, Taylor
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Answers by Expert:
Taylor Sheppard
Expertise
I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.
Experience
I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.
Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).
Publications
Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.
Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).
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