From time to time, almost all singers have to deal with, what I call, the creeping crud. That’s an overload of yuck in the throat. There are a number of things that can cause the creeping crud – Eating chocolate; eating ice cream, drinking milk, going swimming! Yup, all these things are the things you…
Looking natural onstage is one of the hardest things to learn. I studied how I stood and what I did with my hands in everyday life, so I could stand onstage, just being, and feel natural. It’s not as easy as it sounds. But it makes a huge difference to not have to worry about…
I was so fortunate to grow up in an area of Michigan that was crammed with theater – especially musical theater. Each Fall the Bay City Music Foundation (I think that was what it was called) put on an all-high school musical. My high school put on its musical in the Spring. And in the…
I was in a production of Oklahoma in Burbank, California. I had agreed to be in the ensemble because they needed someone to sing the high soprano parts. I had not auditioned for the show because I had just done three shows end-to-end and I wanted/needed a break. I agreed to sing the part. I…
As I’ve said before, theater is hard work. It can also be dangerous work. I’ve had a few tumbles and such on stage, but three times (that I can recall) I actually drew blood. First, when I was in the Fischer Troupe in Frankenmuth, Michigan. We had these faux footlights on the stage. They were…
I have done two musicals through a college. Let me tell you something – if you have a chance to do a show through a college – do it. It is a different world. They have a full costume department, staffed by people who are excited about doing costumes. Often – new costumes, made just…
I had an audition on Friday. It went pretty well, and I was hoping for an e-mail inviting me to call backs. For some reason, it never occurred to me that they might telephone. My cell phone rings. I don’t recognize the number. Must be a telemarketer. I HATE telemarketer calls. I REALLY HATE telemarketer…
I used to simply love auditions. Now it’s more of a love/hate relationship. I still love seeing what other people choose for their audition songs, and how they perform them. I still love seeing the acting choices people make in their auditions. I will always and forever HATE dance auditions. Sorry choreographers, it is nothing…
Am I a method actor? Fuck no. I mostly do musical comedy. I contend there is no basis in reality in musical comedy. That doesn’t mean that I don’t try to make my performance “real” on some level. My very first musical was The Bashful Prince, an original musical by Robert Peeples (? My SEP…
I recently went to see a local production of Smokey Joe’s Café (great production, by the way). You’d have thought I was risen from the dead. Everyone was so surprised to see me. WTF? I admit I’m not the best at getting my fat old lady ass out the door, but … c’mon. I’m not…
Thoughts from a Fat Old Lady 