Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 7/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I recently graduated from high school. I am going to Murray State in Murray, KY next fall. I really wanted to go to a school in Chicago, but money was a problem even though I got the Presidential Scholarship. In the past I told my family that I wanted to be a news anchor/report, but now I want to become an actress on Broadway or an opera singer. When I was in high school I discovered some things about myself. Now I really want to change schools and I wonder which is best for musical theater, but I am having trouble deciding whether I want to do opera or theater more. How do I make this decision? I am a really great singer, but not such a great dancer and a mediocre actor. What schools are best for these fields and how do I pay off student loan debt when these careers are so competitive in the job market?

ANSWER: Hi Dominique!  And thanks for writing.

Congratulations on your graduation.  This must be an exciting time for you.  I am sure that you are finding making the decisions about a school as tough as most people do.  It's a major decision.  Be encouraged!  You are not alone.  

To give you some guidance, I will need to ask you questions that will help you think and guide you.  This may turn into a conversation going back and forth rather than just a one time answer which is fine.  You will probably benefit more from a conversation anyways.  So I invite you to take part if you can.  :)

So to start, what was the reason for the change in your career - from an anchor to an opera singer or actor on Broadway?  Was it because of the things you discovered in high school?  If so, what things did you discover?

This will help me understand a little more about you.

You ask how you make a decision...Answering some questions like the following will help:

What is your ultimate goal when you finish school?  What do you want to do - perform or teach or both?  What kind of network do you want around you?  What kind of personality do you have?  Are you a pioneer or do you like to follow a path that is predictable and more common?  What are the advantages and disadvantages to being a news anchor?  How about an actress?  How about an opera singer?  What are you most passionate about and why?  

Once you know the answers to these questions, then you will be able to find a school that gives you what you want.  Contact by phone the registrars and ask them questions to determine which is a fit.  

This will take some research and thinking.  But it will pay off in the end.  

Does that help?  

Again, I am very willing to have a conversation with you if need be.

Wanda



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well in high school I was exposed to theatre for the first time and I really liked it. My music teacher help me discover that I could really sing when I let go and was not so shy. I think I would have a better chance at becoming news anchor, but I wonder if I would missing another opportunity in music or theatre. I did think about double majoring in vocal performance and broadcast journalism. I was reading an article about how Audra McDonald and Kristin Chenoweth, who are both great musical broadway actresses, each have a major in vocal/opera performance. I have always loved music, but was never really confident when I tried singing. My high school had a really good program for theatre and television called production, one of the best in the country. I got more experience doing television reports that aired on channel 5 and I won two regional student emmys, but I also made All SouthWest Tennessee Honor Chior. I am having trouble deciding which one I am most passionate about. When I got in the musical this past spring, it was so thrilling to me and I wanted to do it as a career. After finding out that I was better at music than I thought I was, I started thinking maybe this would be better than becoming a news anchor. Is majoring in vocal/opera performance and broadcast journalism ok, if you want to be a broadway? It seems like most of the time in theatre they want you to be a great dancer, singer, and actress? Is this true?

ANSWER: Hey there...Good questions.  

Being on broadway involves being a performer that is strong and well rounded for either opera or musicals.  

As I don't know the outline of the courses you are talking about, I would suggest that you talk with someone in the vocal/opera department of the university you are thinking of going to and let them know your goal to be on Broadway.  I am sure they will help you determine whether this is the best path for you.  Phone or go visit them.

You sound like you are really interested in the broadcast journalism. If you can't decide, what would you think about taking some courses in both to find out more?  Would that help you?  

Any thoughts?

Wanda



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I called and asked if I could study both broadcast journalism and vocal performance and they said it was ok. I think that is the best idea. They also told me they will be holding auditions for the vocal music program during the first week of school. I was going to sing "Dance of the Robe" from Aida. Are you familiar with this song and do you think it is a good choice for a 1st or 2nd Soprano?

Answer
Hi there, Dominique.  Good.  I am glad that you came to that conclusion about your studies.  It never hurts to study somewhere where you are interested.  You just never know what you will find out.  I wish you all the best in those studies!   :)  

I am not familiar with the song.  But there are some questions you can ask to help decide whether this is the song for you:

1.  Do you like the song?  If you don't, find another song.
2.  Does the song strain your voice or does it display what you can do with your voice?  (Is it in your current range?)  If it strains your voice, find another song.  
3.  What do you want to show with your voice?  Does your song do that?
4.  How long can the audition piece be?  Does it fit into that time?
5.  How long do you have to rehearse for this audition?  Is this song going to be a super challenge for you to have ready or can you comfortably learn what you need to learn to perform it well?  If you are going to be overly tasked by this song, find another.  
6.  What is the message of the song?  Is it a message that you want to give for your audition?  If not, find another song.


Does that help you?

Wanda