Well folks, day off number 2, and what a good day it was. I got 10 hours of sleep last night. Imagine that, 10 hours. That is a definite record since being here at NUOVA. I'm going to do better at this sleeping thing this week.
Today a bunch of us NUOVAites went to the waterpark at West Edmonton Mall. It was brilliant. Really good way to take your mind off of everything and just play around and goof off for an afternoon. There were quite a few of us: Megan, Julia, Alfred, Erin, Michael, Adam, Ivan, Josh, Joey, Sonya, Tracey, JP, Kate, Alex, and me. A great group of us. I went down the really steep one, and it was kinda like a roller coaster, only 5 seconds long. I went on it approx. 10 times. SO much fun! Then after the waterpark, Kate Applin and caught a quick bite to eat, and went to the Scotia Bank Theatre and watched Sex and the City 2. Which was quite delightful. Just what I needed to see. Light, but still had a great story line, with meaningful comments about humanity. It was great, the perfect day off really.
I even did a little shopping...well...I bought a raincoat, which I do need, FYI (i don't actually own a raincoat) It was originally 160 dollars, and I got it for 50 dollars at Club Monaco. I'd say, a steal of a deal.
It's been the perfect day off, a day off for my brain!
Here we go week three!
Goal of the week: To let my artistic flashlight shine bright 100 percent of the time. My inner artist is going to be smiling all week!!!
Oh and here is a good quote. Monday's are my quote days!
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. Its not just in some of us; its in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As were liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
W2D6 - Funny things are happening!
Welcome to the end of the second week. Wow, it's incredible to think of all that has taken place in 2 weeks. Literally incredible (and yes Jess, I mean literally) Every day I'm constantly trying to open up my brain to stuff in more and more nuggets of gold.
Today was another busy day. Scheduling is something that can be tricky, to put it lightly, when you have 3 operas rehearsing at the same time. It's get even more tricky, when you have a few people who are in all three. It's been an interesting challenge trying to get to every rehearsal you have been called for. Between Romeo and Juliet, Beatrice and Benedict, voice lessons and classes, organizing 60 people is insane. Wilmarie, Kim's assistant does an amazing job of keeping it all straight. Part of me wants her job so bad. Assistant to Kim, it would be incredible, stressful, fun, tiring, challenging, exciting, and wonderful way to see a summer program from the inside out!
So today, we had a diction session with Nico Castel in the morning, and then it was off to Lunch Box Talk. Today we focused on the best way to learn a role, from the perspective of the faculty. There were a few different variations, but most people said roughly the same thing. Some focus on different stuff, but in the end they all had the same basic outline. Here we go:
How to learn a Role
1.buy the score, and mark in everything that your character does. Be as creative as you can, use colours and highlighters. (this kind of thing excites me. I love crafty stuff)
2. Take all your aria's and recits, and any chorus stuff that you have, and get a libretto version, or type it out yourself, and make a word for word translation of the text. It is beyond what words can express how important it is too know the word for word translation. (This is something I have only really discovered while at NUOVA. I knew it was important, but I didn't understand that it was the first step
3. Once the text feels good, add the rhythm of the notes while speaking the text. Do that until the rhythm is en stilled in your body.
4. Take the text away, and learn the melody on your favourite vowel. Just the melody and the rhythm.
5. Then put the words, meaning and melody all into one package.
Another incredibly important thing about learning a score is to know what everyone else is doing in the show. When it comes to character development, it's often everyone else that defines who you are suppose to be.
I will never learn a piece of music the same way, ever again! There is no such thing as generality in art. You can't just sort of know what you are singing about, you have to actually know.
Tonight we had a masterclass with Michael and Jackie. It was a great set of songs by everyone. I sang some French Melodie. It went pretty good. Adieu felt pretty good today. I've never been more aware of how bad my french is until today. Which seems harsh, but I seriously need to get my but in gear and learn the languages.
Yesterday and today I don't really now what's going on in my voice. Ever since my lesson with Jackie, dealing with breath, this have started to change. My voice has been tired for that last 2 days. The breathing stuff is opening me up a lot more, and that could be why my voice is so tried. It's hard to explain. I'm hoping that a day off tomorrow will really relax my voice and my body. I need a day to just process the week.
Kim ended our week tonight by encouraging us to really focus on listening for our 3rd week of rehearsals. Listen to all the things you say out loud and to yourself, about yourself. We may be nice to everyone around us, but are we nice to ourselves? Do we love my own body's? Kim brilliantly describe our self awareness like a child growing up. When we take our first step, use the potty, eat really food; these are all times when everyone around us celebrates even at the slightest improvement. The child wants to keep learning because when he trys something, his little success turns into large celebration. We need to be able to celebrate our success more regularly. (and that doesn't mean a party every other day) Also, part of the listening exercise means to be away of how often you say things that don't help you get to where you want to go. A good way to think is that if you wouldn't say the line to a child learning how to walk, then you shouldn't be saying it all all. As Kim said, "you're inbeast is back!
Well this is record how early this entire is at.
Over and Out!
Today was another busy day. Scheduling is something that can be tricky, to put it lightly, when you have 3 operas rehearsing at the same time. It's get even more tricky, when you have a few people who are in all three. It's been an interesting challenge trying to get to every rehearsal you have been called for. Between Romeo and Juliet, Beatrice and Benedict, voice lessons and classes, organizing 60 people is insane. Wilmarie, Kim's assistant does an amazing job of keeping it all straight. Part of me wants her job so bad. Assistant to Kim, it would be incredible, stressful, fun, tiring, challenging, exciting, and wonderful way to see a summer program from the inside out!
So today, we had a diction session with Nico Castel in the morning, and then it was off to Lunch Box Talk. Today we focused on the best way to learn a role, from the perspective of the faculty. There were a few different variations, but most people said roughly the same thing. Some focus on different stuff, but in the end they all had the same basic outline. Here we go:
How to learn a Role
1.buy the score, and mark in everything that your character does. Be as creative as you can, use colours and highlighters. (this kind of thing excites me. I love crafty stuff)
2. Take all your aria's and recits, and any chorus stuff that you have, and get a libretto version, or type it out yourself, and make a word for word translation of the text. It is beyond what words can express how important it is too know the word for word translation. (This is something I have only really discovered while at NUOVA. I knew it was important, but I didn't understand that it was the first step
3. Once the text feels good, add the rhythm of the notes while speaking the text. Do that until the rhythm is en stilled in your body.
4. Take the text away, and learn the melody on your favourite vowel. Just the melody and the rhythm.
5. Then put the words, meaning and melody all into one package.
Another incredibly important thing about learning a score is to know what everyone else is doing in the show. When it comes to character development, it's often everyone else that defines who you are suppose to be.
I will never learn a piece of music the same way, ever again! There is no such thing as generality in art. You can't just sort of know what you are singing about, you have to actually know.
Tonight we had a masterclass with Michael and Jackie. It was a great set of songs by everyone. I sang some French Melodie. It went pretty good. Adieu felt pretty good today. I've never been more aware of how bad my french is until today. Which seems harsh, but I seriously need to get my but in gear and learn the languages.
Yesterday and today I don't really now what's going on in my voice. Ever since my lesson with Jackie, dealing with breath, this have started to change. My voice has been tired for that last 2 days. The breathing stuff is opening me up a lot more, and that could be why my voice is so tried. It's hard to explain. I'm hoping that a day off tomorrow will really relax my voice and my body. I need a day to just process the week.
Kim ended our week tonight by encouraging us to really focus on listening for our 3rd week of rehearsals. Listen to all the things you say out loud and to yourself, about yourself. We may be nice to everyone around us, but are we nice to ourselves? Do we love my own body's? Kim brilliantly describe our self awareness like a child growing up. When we take our first step, use the potty, eat really food; these are all times when everyone around us celebrates even at the slightest improvement. The child wants to keep learning because when he trys something, his little success turns into large celebration. We need to be able to celebrate our success more regularly. (and that doesn't mean a party every other day) Also, part of the listening exercise means to be away of how often you say things that don't help you get to where you want to go. A good way to think is that if you wouldn't say the line to a child learning how to walk, then you shouldn't be saying it all all. As Kim said, "you're inbeast is back!
Well this is record how early this entire is at.
Over and Out!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
W2D5 - Opening up
Once again, it's too late already. But it's habit for me to blog, I need too! I don't feel like I can go to bed until I do. It's like my chance to unload my brain, so that tomorrow I can take more in. Tomorrow is going to be a full day again, and then i sing in the masterclass series in the evening. I'm a little nervous for that, but as Carol said, "I'm just going to turn the corner and say yes." Be open, say yes. After my Alexandre Tech. episode, I have been trying to be really open to everything. Let myself feel exactly what I want to feel. Today in Alexandre Tech, Michaela said that she noticed a change in me, that I was walking taller and more confidently. And you know, I was feelin great in that class. It is amazing what someone says can do to your emotions and mood. After some observations, I notice that I am much more aware of my breath after my lesson with Jackie. I'm no longer breathing from my belly, but rather breathing into my lungs, which then widens the ribs, creating a nice open space for sound to resonate!
I have even noticed a change in my speaking voice. I get a buzzing feelin in my chest and head. It almost feels as though I'm finally using my whole vocal folds/chords. When I breath into my ribs, all of a sudden everything underneath me falls into place. I no longer feel like my abs are tensing up. My bum doesn't stick out, or go under, it's not tense either, it just sits there. My back opens up, and releases. Things are changing, and I think all the movement and opening up, is creating some vocal fatigue.
Today during our Beatrice and Benedict rehearsal we were going over dialogue, and I finally used my own voice. I was under no ones criteria, but my own. I was listening to what Rob had to say. I would say a line once, and then he would ask for it a little bit differently. I told myself, "just keep being open and say yes" and I could actually go to the place he wanted me to go to! It was scary, but felt amazing. It's this strange idea that when you finally get something right, you want to hold onto it, because you think it's going to fly away, or something. When in reality, that thing is you, and no one can take it away from you. It was always there, you just didn't know how to access it. And if you can access it once, you can access it again. It cannot be forced. Today I let go of the reigns, and let me right and left brain work together. I cannot wait to do more dialogue and to keep practicing my own voice. Rob is a fantastic director and just knows how to make you feel comfortable enough to just try everything. It is exactly what I needed in order to discover something that was already living inside me. Even when I just talk normally, I feel like I have a different voice. It resonates in my whole body. AHHHHH!!
It was a good day, after our R and J rehearsal, a friend named Michael S. helped me with my french diction, which needs some work. As an English speaker, my vowels are incredibly lazy, which does not work with French vowels. The more specific the better, when it comes to French. When you think you are using your lips, try again and really melt your lips around the vowels. A good exercise is to read your songs poetically, and only say the lipped vowels, seeing how much your lips change for each one. It's basically all muscle memory in your lips that allows you to speak really good French.
During creative process we were asked to imagine that Carol had a magical wand, and that she could grant us anything we wanted for one whole year. In other words, we were asked to plan out the dream year of our lives. No limits, at all. It was crazy. The lists were crazy, but at the same time, not all were impossible. She then asked us to look at our lists and circle the things that we have control over. There were obviously a lot of things we aren't in control of, but then you have to think of creative ways to work with those things that you don't control. Every ones dreams were very different, even in a group of people that are all striving to be performers. Everyone has different priorities, and the reason I love NUOVA, is because nothing is wrong. Your answers are never wrong, they may not be the best answers, but they are not wrong. According to Kim, "in order to get anywhere, you have to correct, and then continue, correct and then continue." We are all going to make mistakes over and over and over again, but we must remember that those things happen for a reason, and are always good life lessons. Making a correction and then continue on. If you want something, you have to be a courageous person. There are going to be a lot of people in life that tell you you can't do it, but they aren't you. You are you!!!
I'm learning more and more about following my instincts. Which again brings me back to the idea that the way you do one thing, is the way you do everything. So, every time I take too long making a decision, I walk away, and come back to the situation and go with my gut. I have to get used to following my instincts, because when the decision is a big one, you have to be able to trust your gut instinct!
Today I was tired, but felt good, and I can't wait to see what is in store for tomorrow. First I will be having a great sleep.
This is Justin Friesen, signing off!
Over and Out!!
I have even noticed a change in my speaking voice. I get a buzzing feelin in my chest and head. It almost feels as though I'm finally using my whole vocal folds/chords. When I breath into my ribs, all of a sudden everything underneath me falls into place. I no longer feel like my abs are tensing up. My bum doesn't stick out, or go under, it's not tense either, it just sits there. My back opens up, and releases. Things are changing, and I think all the movement and opening up, is creating some vocal fatigue.
Today during our Beatrice and Benedict rehearsal we were going over dialogue, and I finally used my own voice. I was under no ones criteria, but my own. I was listening to what Rob had to say. I would say a line once, and then he would ask for it a little bit differently. I told myself, "just keep being open and say yes" and I could actually go to the place he wanted me to go to! It was scary, but felt amazing. It's this strange idea that when you finally get something right, you want to hold onto it, because you think it's going to fly away, or something. When in reality, that thing is you, and no one can take it away from you. It was always there, you just didn't know how to access it. And if you can access it once, you can access it again. It cannot be forced. Today I let go of the reigns, and let me right and left brain work together. I cannot wait to do more dialogue and to keep practicing my own voice. Rob is a fantastic director and just knows how to make you feel comfortable enough to just try everything. It is exactly what I needed in order to discover something that was already living inside me. Even when I just talk normally, I feel like I have a different voice. It resonates in my whole body. AHHHHH!!
It was a good day, after our R and J rehearsal, a friend named Michael S. helped me with my french diction, which needs some work. As an English speaker, my vowels are incredibly lazy, which does not work with French vowels. The more specific the better, when it comes to French. When you think you are using your lips, try again and really melt your lips around the vowels. A good exercise is to read your songs poetically, and only say the lipped vowels, seeing how much your lips change for each one. It's basically all muscle memory in your lips that allows you to speak really good French.
During creative process we were asked to imagine that Carol had a magical wand, and that she could grant us anything we wanted for one whole year. In other words, we were asked to plan out the dream year of our lives. No limits, at all. It was crazy. The lists were crazy, but at the same time, not all were impossible. She then asked us to look at our lists and circle the things that we have control over. There were obviously a lot of things we aren't in control of, but then you have to think of creative ways to work with those things that you don't control. Every ones dreams were very different, even in a group of people that are all striving to be performers. Everyone has different priorities, and the reason I love NUOVA, is because nothing is wrong. Your answers are never wrong, they may not be the best answers, but they are not wrong. According to Kim, "in order to get anywhere, you have to correct, and then continue, correct and then continue." We are all going to make mistakes over and over and over again, but we must remember that those things happen for a reason, and are always good life lessons. Making a correction and then continue on. If you want something, you have to be a courageous person. There are going to be a lot of people in life that tell you you can't do it, but they aren't you. You are you!!!
I'm learning more and more about following my instincts. Which again brings me back to the idea that the way you do one thing, is the way you do everything. So, every time I take too long making a decision, I walk away, and come back to the situation and go with my gut. I have to get used to following my instincts, because when the decision is a big one, you have to be able to trust your gut instinct!
Today I was tired, but felt good, and I can't wait to see what is in store for tomorrow. First I will be having a great sleep.
This is Justin Friesen, signing off!
Over and Out!!
Friday, May 28, 2010
W2D4 - Classic Broadway and Opera Composition
Day 4 of Week 2 and I still can't believe it's been less than 2 weeks. My life has been flipped unside down, and I don't even know how to feel anymore. My emotions change from moment to moment. After what happened in Alexandre Tech. yesterday, it's hard to know how to then take a step forward. I tend to over analyse everything. So my mind is constantly replaying yesterdays lesson. It was insane, but WHAT DO I DO NOW? When you have that kind of relization, it changes your entire life. I will never be the same, I can't. I never want to go back to that person that was trying so hard. The idea that I don't have to try seems to easy to me. You just have to be you, and that is enough. It doesn't make sense, there has got to me more too it. Now, that is not to say that you just have to be true to yourself and all of a sudden you are an actor! Performing is incredibly hard work. But it also blanket full of fun!
I'm really starting to notice that I'm not getting enought sleep. I'm still feeling great, but I notice that i'm slowly down a bit. Apparently week 3 is the most challenging. Basically because you are so tired, you are so raw, you finally let everything in or out!!
So today in creative process we made up operas based on stories that we all know. My group chose "Humpty Dumpty!" It was an amazing experience of using the left brain first and then totally using the right brain to peform our creations. They were so much fun.
Then i had a little talk through of Romeo and Juliet. I found out that I was not prepared for Gregorio. I will get it, that's part of what is happening after the blog entry. I can already tell our dirctor, Michale Cavonogue, is going to be fantastic to work with!
Tonight we also had our Broadway Classic's Concert, in which I sang the real version of "Brush Up your Shakespeare." The whole night was fantastic. My favourite set was the "Secret Garden." Adam and Lida, and Fredric were amazing.
Wow, I'm sorry guys, today is going to be short. I'm fading fast on this computer. One last thing, I had a masterclass with Christian Riel. She was trying to help me open up my upper range. I hope i get to work with her again soon.
Peace up all, it's time for a good sleep!
Over Oat!
I'm really starting to notice that I'm not getting enought sleep. I'm still feeling great, but I notice that i'm slowly down a bit. Apparently week 3 is the most challenging. Basically because you are so tired, you are so raw, you finally let everything in or out!!
So today in creative process we made up operas based on stories that we all know. My group chose "Humpty Dumpty!" It was an amazing experience of using the left brain first and then totally using the right brain to peform our creations. They were so much fun.
Then i had a little talk through of Romeo and Juliet. I found out that I was not prepared for Gregorio. I will get it, that's part of what is happening after the blog entry. I can already tell our dirctor, Michale Cavonogue, is going to be fantastic to work with!
Tonight we also had our Broadway Classic's Concert, in which I sang the real version of "Brush Up your Shakespeare." The whole night was fantastic. My favourite set was the "Secret Garden." Adam and Lida, and Fredric were amazing.
Wow, I'm sorry guys, today is going to be short. I'm fading fast on this computer. One last thing, I had a masterclass with Christian Riel. She was trying to help me open up my upper range. I hope i get to work with her again soon.
Peace up all, it's time for a good sleep!
Over Oat!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
W2D3 - Cry Fest
Well, if you read the title of this entry, you may be a little intrigued. I had quite the emotional roller coaster ride today. All the way from laughing my head off in Romeo and Juliet fight rehearsal, to rockin it out on the dance floor in dance class, to hyperventilating on the floor crying in Alexander Technique, to enjoying a fantastic lesson with Jackie (and Beth). It was one bizarre day!
I will start by saying that I was late today. I wasted a lot of time when I got up, and I have realized that I could, in fact, have made it on time, if I wouldn't have spent so much time making stupid decisions, that shouldn't take that long to make. I sit there and ponder, rather than trusting my instincts. I take the time to think because I want to be prepared, because I don't want to look like I don't know what I'm doing, because heaven forbid someone noticing I'm not perfect (note the sarcasm - and I literally have to type that because in retrospect, I would be serious about thinking I have to be perfect all the time) Looking back on my life, I realize I have spent a lot of time making sure everything is prepared, in order to stay in control of each situation. This task of making a decision comes up all the time. Down to the chocolate bar I choose at 7-11. These are all part of my habits. I want to know that I am making the right decision so that I don't regret it. I don't really see this as a bad thing, but I'm not really letting my instincts take over. As an actor you have to trust your instincts (also just as a human being, it's a good thing) When I over analyse every decision I make, I'm not letting my instincts kick in. We will always have an instinct reaction to everything that happens, and more times than none, we should follow them. Thinking isn't bad, because it's also important to make the best decision possible. I don't believe in doing something the wrong way. I believe we can train ourselves, sort of, to instinctively make the best decision possible. And maybe part of that is having a sense that every decision you make will help you grow, and in that, all decisions are helpful and teach you something about yourself.
Ironically, our Morning Inspiration today was all about being prepared, I didn't catch the whole thing, because I was late, but it was because I was preparing so long, that I was late. We all waste a lot of time thinking. Just do it!!!
I started with dance class this morning, and it was fantastic. We learned a little combo across the floor, and I am constantly impressed at how fast people pick up the choreo, and how much fun everyone is having. It's an amazing vibe, with such positivity floating around at all times. So I left dance feeling good, a little tired, but good. Little did I know what lay ahead in Alexander Technique with Candice.
Alexander Technique is a relaxation/body alignment theory that comes from Europe. It's all about living in the body that you were created in. Especially we all have perfect bodies, God created us that way, but we have tons of bad habits. Ways of doing things that clash with how our bodies are actually suppose to function. From the work we have done so far, 9 out of 10 people lean back when they are just standing in what they would call a normal position. Or they lean to one side. All these things cause tension in other areas of our body and it creates tension. The tension needs to be countered by something, so another part of your body, a lot of the times your bum, or ab muscles, compensate for the leaning back stance. It soon becomes normal for your abs so always be engaged, and working. What do you think that does to your stomach and internal organs? What does that do to your breathing? What does that do to you hips. I could go on and on about Alexander, but that would take a whole other blog. This gives you an idea of what it's all about. We are trying to find the real normal state/stance in which your body was meant to be in. Sort of Confusing, but it's a really amazing class.
Today she realignment me and what I felt like and what I looked like were two very completely different things. When she was done alignment (just standing up) I felt like I was bending over like a monkey, and then when I looked in the mirror beside me, I was standing up completely straight. Like we are talking the most straight and natural looking I've ever looked. It blew my mind. At first I was just overwhelmed and didn't know what to think. How is that possible. To feel like you are hunched over, and actually be standing straight up. But what had happened, is that I had gotten so used to standing in a leaning back stance. Basically, I felt like I had been robbed 15 years of my life of standing in a position that i thought was strong and manly, but actually was less masculine and more sloppy. When Candice aligned me, people were saying I looked more organic, and masculine. I have been overcompensating my masculinity since I was in junior high school. In the heat of the moment, I broke down. Literally sobbing and hyper ventilating, falling on the floor, surrendering to this feeling of shame and disappointment, and anger. "Why did I to that, why was I trying to be/talk/stand like somebody else?" If I would have only known that I could have stood like I did today for the past 12 years and felt comfortable. AHHHHHHH, it's not fair.
Those were the thoughts rushing through my brain and heart. That moment of surrender was the most raw I've ever felt in my life, but it was all me, and only me. I felt like me, and no one else. ME!!! JUSTIN GERHARD KLASSEN FRIESEN. It was amazing, terrifying, and hopeful all in one snap shot. I left the class feeling quite sad, but knew that I had a whole day ahead of me, so I pretty much had to keep going. For the rest of the day, I told myself to be open to everything. Which I will continue to make a goal for each day!!
After lunch I had a fantastic Broadway rehearsal for the Classic Broadway show we are putting on tomorrow night, and then I had a wonderful lesson with Jackie Short. I rediscovered my breath, and where it comes from. (and I'm not going to loose it) It's amazing how everything just kinda falls into place when you breath into your lungs (which really means your rib change expands) I can't wait for another lesson tomorrow:]
Last in the day, we had a fight rehearsal workshop with the cast of Romeo and Juliet. It was slow at the start, but then all of a sudden Josh, Andrew, Emma and I were laughing so hard about everything and it was a blast. What an amazing way to end off a crazy day.
It was nuts, but it was fun nuts! Nuts in a way that there was a step forward, and that is what really matters. I must get to bed, having tomorrow makes it an early morning. This is Justin signing off.
Over and Out!
I will start by saying that I was late today. I wasted a lot of time when I got up, and I have realized that I could, in fact, have made it on time, if I wouldn't have spent so much time making stupid decisions, that shouldn't take that long to make. I sit there and ponder, rather than trusting my instincts. I take the time to think because I want to be prepared, because I don't want to look like I don't know what I'm doing, because heaven forbid someone noticing I'm not perfect (note the sarcasm - and I literally have to type that because in retrospect, I would be serious about thinking I have to be perfect all the time) Looking back on my life, I realize I have spent a lot of time making sure everything is prepared, in order to stay in control of each situation. This task of making a decision comes up all the time. Down to the chocolate bar I choose at 7-11. These are all part of my habits. I want to know that I am making the right decision so that I don't regret it. I don't really see this as a bad thing, but I'm not really letting my instincts take over. As an actor you have to trust your instincts (also just as a human being, it's a good thing) When I over analyse every decision I make, I'm not letting my instincts kick in. We will always have an instinct reaction to everything that happens, and more times than none, we should follow them. Thinking isn't bad, because it's also important to make the best decision possible. I don't believe in doing something the wrong way. I believe we can train ourselves, sort of, to instinctively make the best decision possible. And maybe part of that is having a sense that every decision you make will help you grow, and in that, all decisions are helpful and teach you something about yourself.
Ironically, our Morning Inspiration today was all about being prepared, I didn't catch the whole thing, because I was late, but it was because I was preparing so long, that I was late. We all waste a lot of time thinking. Just do it!!!
I started with dance class this morning, and it was fantastic. We learned a little combo across the floor, and I am constantly impressed at how fast people pick up the choreo, and how much fun everyone is having. It's an amazing vibe, with such positivity floating around at all times. So I left dance feeling good, a little tired, but good. Little did I know what lay ahead in Alexander Technique with Candice.
Alexander Technique is a relaxation/body alignment theory that comes from Europe. It's all about living in the body that you were created in. Especially we all have perfect bodies, God created us that way, but we have tons of bad habits. Ways of doing things that clash with how our bodies are actually suppose to function. From the work we have done so far, 9 out of 10 people lean back when they are just standing in what they would call a normal position. Or they lean to one side. All these things cause tension in other areas of our body and it creates tension. The tension needs to be countered by something, so another part of your body, a lot of the times your bum, or ab muscles, compensate for the leaning back stance. It soon becomes normal for your abs so always be engaged, and working. What do you think that does to your stomach and internal organs? What does that do to your breathing? What does that do to you hips. I could go on and on about Alexander, but that would take a whole other blog. This gives you an idea of what it's all about. We are trying to find the real normal state/stance in which your body was meant to be in. Sort of Confusing, but it's a really amazing class.
Today she realignment me and what I felt like and what I looked like were two very completely different things. When she was done alignment (just standing up) I felt like I was bending over like a monkey, and then when I looked in the mirror beside me, I was standing up completely straight. Like we are talking the most straight and natural looking I've ever looked. It blew my mind. At first I was just overwhelmed and didn't know what to think. How is that possible. To feel like you are hunched over, and actually be standing straight up. But what had happened, is that I had gotten so used to standing in a leaning back stance. Basically, I felt like I had been robbed 15 years of my life of standing in a position that i thought was strong and manly, but actually was less masculine and more sloppy. When Candice aligned me, people were saying I looked more organic, and masculine. I have been overcompensating my masculinity since I was in junior high school. In the heat of the moment, I broke down. Literally sobbing and hyper ventilating, falling on the floor, surrendering to this feeling of shame and disappointment, and anger. "Why did I to that, why was I trying to be/talk/stand like somebody else?" If I would have only known that I could have stood like I did today for the past 12 years and felt comfortable. AHHHHHHH, it's not fair.
Those were the thoughts rushing through my brain and heart. That moment of surrender was the most raw I've ever felt in my life, but it was all me, and only me. I felt like me, and no one else. ME!!! JUSTIN GERHARD KLASSEN FRIESEN. It was amazing, terrifying, and hopeful all in one snap shot. I left the class feeling quite sad, but knew that I had a whole day ahead of me, so I pretty much had to keep going. For the rest of the day, I told myself to be open to everything. Which I will continue to make a goal for each day!!
After lunch I had a fantastic Broadway rehearsal for the Classic Broadway show we are putting on tomorrow night, and then I had a wonderful lesson with Jackie Short. I rediscovered my breath, and where it comes from. (and I'm not going to loose it) It's amazing how everything just kinda falls into place when you breath into your lungs (which really means your rib change expands) I can't wait for another lesson tomorrow:]
Last in the day, we had a fight rehearsal workshop with the cast of Romeo and Juliet. It was slow at the start, but then all of a sudden Josh, Andrew, Emma and I were laughing so hard about everything and it was a blast. What an amazing way to end off a crazy day.
It was nuts, but it was fun nuts! Nuts in a way that there was a step forward, and that is what really matters. I must get to bed, having tomorrow makes it an early morning. This is Justin signing off.
Over and Out!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
W2D2 - Story Telling!!
Once again, i start this entry too late. But it has to be done, and this is how I learn from it. I'm noticing more and more how I just procrastinate doing things. I got home today at 11 o clock, but I didn't really start doing anything on the computer till 11:45. I washed some dishes, but otherwise was just thinking about what I should do, rather than just doing it. There is so much time wasted that way. IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE! And how's it's 12:30 and I'm just starting to blog. Ridiculous, at least i only have to leave the house at 8:00 tomorrow. 6 hours will be nice!
Today really felt like a Wednesday. It was definitely full, and tiring, but also it was a really fun day too. We had an awesome yoga class in the morning, then we had a dance class, which was all around awesome. Marie played the best music possible for a dance class. A little bit of Britney, some Jordan Sparks, and some Lady Gaga, some Latin tango stuff, and then even some Elvis Presley. It was so much fun.
The during Creative Precess we talked about story telling. In a story there are 5 major parts (sometimes 6)
1. Character Development
2. Conflict is presented
3. Character works with the conflict
4. Climax - When the person changes.
5. Resolution
In any story, you need to develop characters, and then present the conflict. You then see the characters interact with the conflict, and realize that something needs to change. It keeps building and building as the character(s) attempt to figure out the conflict. The climax come in when the "ah ha" moment takes place. The character(s) becomes a different person, or realizes what kind of person he really is.
it was a very powerful class and what struck me the most is how important understanding your operas plot points, and then being able to discuss how you character fits into the big picture. You need to know where you place is, to know what your motivation is. Each line and thought has to be motivated by someone else, or something else. This led to Carol talking about Queing. We each took 2 pieces of paper, one tha said a phrase, and another that said a "state of being"
Ex - Phrase, "Cereal, are you serious, you are absolutely ridiculous, that is not going to work." This phrase must then be spoken in the state of "inspired." It's crazy, but it really shows you how you need to make a story up in your head about what que's your line. You have to know your que line, and the more specific, and full of layers, the better. Each Character has a back story, what is it? These are all great ways to get to know your character that much better, which could allow you the freedom to just "BE" on stage, and not always feel like you have to present something. Presenting looks contrived, and fake. When you know your story and plot points, you know where the play is headed, but you also can react to everything around you onstage.
Even in the morning Inspiration we had today. It was all about living in the present. We often spend so much of our time it the past and future, but what about that is right now. Isn't that more important, within reason. We all have a billion things going on in our heads, but we need to practice living in today. A really good way to do that is to do an exercise called "verbing." when you verb, you are asking yourself what are you doing right now. Ex - running, conversing, arguing. It really makes you focus your energy in the present moment.
I want to apply this to my schedule, and rehearsal, and practice time. So I bought some sticky notes, and every time i go into the practice room, or a rehearsal, I have to have a goal written down. Something achievable!! but don't sell yourself short:) Practicing, even though it is your Left Brain, should be fun! Enough with the old way, find new ways. It's just like the cue's. There are many ways to played "inspired." In the same way, it is good to have thought of different ways your character could react. The director may not like your first take on the line. So then you bring more options to the table. There is no wrong choice, but there is a difference between a choice and the best choice. You want to learn how to always choose the best choice, or, in this case, the best cue's.
Lots to think about. Today during lunch I realized that I don't care how much work has to be done, it will get done. Even after all these feelings of not being prepared, and feeling like I'm going to suck, I still want to be in this profession. We all need to stop thinking that we suck. Who's criteria are we living by. Our new phrase as NUOVAites, is "I'm not ashamed." -Michael Shannon and Jennifter Szeto. Basically everthing you can better, something might go wrong, you just say your not ashamed. It's kind of hilarious, and something that will stick around for a while.
well folks, I'm fading. Off to bed we go
Over and Out!!
Today really felt like a Wednesday. It was definitely full, and tiring, but also it was a really fun day too. We had an awesome yoga class in the morning, then we had a dance class, which was all around awesome. Marie played the best music possible for a dance class. A little bit of Britney, some Jordan Sparks, and some Lady Gaga, some Latin tango stuff, and then even some Elvis Presley. It was so much fun.
The during Creative Precess we talked about story telling. In a story there are 5 major parts (sometimes 6)
1. Character Development
2. Conflict is presented
3. Character works with the conflict
4. Climax - When the person changes.
5. Resolution
In any story, you need to develop characters, and then present the conflict. You then see the characters interact with the conflict, and realize that something needs to change. It keeps building and building as the character(s) attempt to figure out the conflict. The climax come in when the "ah ha" moment takes place. The character(s) becomes a different person, or realizes what kind of person he really is.
it was a very powerful class and what struck me the most is how important understanding your operas plot points, and then being able to discuss how you character fits into the big picture. You need to know where you place is, to know what your motivation is. Each line and thought has to be motivated by someone else, or something else. This led to Carol talking about Queing. We each took 2 pieces of paper, one tha said a phrase, and another that said a "state of being"
Ex - Phrase, "Cereal, are you serious, you are absolutely ridiculous, that is not going to work." This phrase must then be spoken in the state of "inspired." It's crazy, but it really shows you how you need to make a story up in your head about what que's your line. You have to know your que line, and the more specific, and full of layers, the better. Each Character has a back story, what is it? These are all great ways to get to know your character that much better, which could allow you the freedom to just "BE" on stage, and not always feel like you have to present something. Presenting looks contrived, and fake. When you know your story and plot points, you know where the play is headed, but you also can react to everything around you onstage.
Even in the morning Inspiration we had today. It was all about living in the present. We often spend so much of our time it the past and future, but what about that is right now. Isn't that more important, within reason. We all have a billion things going on in our heads, but we need to practice living in today. A really good way to do that is to do an exercise called "verbing." when you verb, you are asking yourself what are you doing right now. Ex - running, conversing, arguing. It really makes you focus your energy in the present moment.
I want to apply this to my schedule, and rehearsal, and practice time. So I bought some sticky notes, and every time i go into the practice room, or a rehearsal, I have to have a goal written down. Something achievable!! but don't sell yourself short:) Practicing, even though it is your Left Brain, should be fun! Enough with the old way, find new ways. It's just like the cue's. There are many ways to played "inspired." In the same way, it is good to have thought of different ways your character could react. The director may not like your first take on the line. So then you bring more options to the table. There is no wrong choice, but there is a difference between a choice and the best choice. You want to learn how to always choose the best choice, or, in this case, the best cue's.
Lots to think about. Today during lunch I realized that I don't care how much work has to be done, it will get done. Even after all these feelings of not being prepared, and feeling like I'm going to suck, I still want to be in this profession. We all need to stop thinking that we suck. Who's criteria are we living by. Our new phrase as NUOVAites, is "I'm not ashamed." -Michael Shannon and Jennifter Szeto. Basically everthing you can better, something might go wrong, you just say your not ashamed. It's kind of hilarious, and something that will stick around for a while.
well folks, I'm fading. Off to bed we go
Over and Out!!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
W2D1 - What is FEAR?
It's funny how you get into such a routine of waking up early, and then all of a sudden you are aloud to sleep in for a day, and your body feels a little waked out. Yesterday I sort of slept in, and then today, it's not like it was really hard to get up, but my routine was gone. Back to square one, well not really square one, more like 1.2. Last week Tuesday, I think, I woke up and decided today was the day I wasn't going to use the snooze button anymore, and since that day, my body has woken itself up. I set my alarm for 6 o clock, and I wake up at 5:55, no problem. My internal clock is alive and well, who knew!!! Even today, I woke up before my alarm went off. I was definitely tempted to use my snooze button, but it was much easier this time to say no, and just get up! Before I go to bed, I decided that I will not hit snooze, and then I somehow wake myself up!
The day started off with a Mini Master class with Kim Barber and Laura Loewen. Both fantastic artists. There were 4 buys in the class, all baritones, and all with very different voices. Alfred did a Schubert Lieder first, and then Ed followed by an aria from Romeo and Juliet, then it was my turn. I was going to do some lieder as well, but then realized that I really want to work on my french. I'm singing all my opera roles in french, and I love the language, but don't feel that comfortable singing in it. So I pulled out Roncontre by Faure from a set called Poem du jour! Lovely little collection. I hadn't really warmed up yet, and there are some higher parts to the piece, so I was kinda nervous, but I just say, what the hell, just go for it. (it's one of our new phrases at NUOVA, [from Carol Castel] when you are in a pickle, or something just isn't going right, or you are afraid, just say 'what the hell,' and try it, see what happens) I sang the piece and it went way better then I thought, and then Kim made a few suggestions about how to sing french music. It's all about the vowels, something I've been told before. But never realized how much more fun french music is, when you are really focusing on the vowels, and letting the vowels resonate. French people speak with everything in their lips and at the edge of there mouths. They drink the vowels in and let them slash around in there mouths. It's delicious music to sing, especially Faure!! I can't wait to work with Laura and Kim again!
Next, I moved on over to the Timms centre for Creative Process with Carol. You never quite know what that class is going to be like until you get there. Today was all about fear. Last week we all wrote down what was stopping us from getting what we want, as a performer, and a lot of people have fears of what others think about them. We live and perform in this criteria that doesn't actually exist. We assume what someone else is thinking, but in reality we don't actually know at all what they are thinking. So many of us become obsessed with doing something the right way. THE IS NO RIGHT WAY, there are better ways, and better choices, but nothing is the right, or wrong way. Fear is created by these expectations to not live up to the criteria that we think other people are creating. Carol asked us what our fears were, and then we applied it to our practice and rehearsal time. I said that when I go into a rehearsal, all i want to do it 'be awesome.' I know, a little ridiculous, but when it comes down to it, I don't want to suck. Oh my goodness, what back up way of thinking. Justin, come on! Left brain is doing way to much thinking. Forget about what anyone else thinking, but most of the time, they aren't judging. They are probably watching, but they aren't judging you. And if you are confident, and know yourself well enough, you can do anything, and everyone will believe you. We give so much power away when we live by other peoples criteria. Power is an energy between people, it doesn't come from authority, or hierarchy. You control how much power you have! That energy and power needs to be used on stage. We played a game where we threw "the ball of life" around the circle (imagine an imaginary ball that changes colours and sizes and is really cool). We all observed how the ball was tossed and then how it was caught. The energy is passed one way, and you if you don't catch it in a similar fashion, the energy changes. You kinda want to caught the ball of life in the same energy it was thrown in. However, once you have the ball of life, you can throw it to something else in a different way. Just like on stage, you have to be listening to those around you and when someone says a line, or action to you, you take the energy, and then throw it to someone else, not necessarily in the same energy. The idea is that we all react differently, and aren't going to use the exact same energy. We must take the energy and then make it our own. And to make it your own, you must know yourself. Sounds easy, but knowing yourself is harder than it seems, or is it? It's one of those easy but really simple things about life.
Moving on to the afternoon, I had a great session with Rosemary Thompson, conductor for Romeo and Juliet, as well as Nico Castel, for my character of Gregorio in Romeo and Juliet. We sang through all my recits, and Rosemary said they had improved since the end of last week. So at least I'm on the right track. French is still hard to wrap my mouth around, but it just takes time for your mouth muscles to learn the shapes of the vowels. Nico and Rosemary are so much fun to work with. You CAN'T NOT have fun with them:)
Then I had a little exploritor lesson with Cam Mcphail. (side note: blog readers, watch out for this boy. He is going to take the opera world by storm. He has a brilliant voice, that is just itching to to a masters, and also sing professionally. I believe he is going to Yale for his masters this coming year. Seriously, I'm tellin you, keep your eyes peeled. He is a great guy with a grounding head on this shoulders. Genuine person, who loves to sing and loves to help others explore their voices)
So him and I took to the practice studio. He somehow got me to sing with my real voice. For those that that doesn't make sense, I basically don't use my full voice, because I don't really know how. It's a combination of being too tight in ab muscles, and also have a really tight jaw, which restricts the way I speak. Somehow Cam managed to relax my abs and open my mouth properly, and for 4 seconds, I was singing with my full 360 voice. It was resonating throughout my entire body, and the right and vibrato was organic. It felt effortless, and didn't even know what to do, because I wasn't doing anything. It was just ringing. Now that lasted about 4 seconds, but it felt like years. Then we attempted to find it again, and it was gone. So it was great, we are taking small steps, but what the hell, we are moving forward and that is what this program is all about for me. "I AM HERE TO FIND MY VOICE AND ACCEPT IT THE WAY IT IS!! and that excites me. I want my own voice, that isn't like anyone Else's. A voice is like a finger print. I look forward to more exploration sessions/lessons with Cam. It was a ton of fun.
The even was quite long, consisting of blocking our trio from Beatrice and Benedict. It was really slow moving, so it was hard to keep the energy level up. It was still fun because we got to sword fight. Another reason to come see the show.
Lastly, before I hit the hay, I am going to start a new thing I picked up from Kim Mattice Wanat. This is a way to be organized when you have way to many things on your mind, and too makes things to get done. Sticky notes!!!! 90 percent of the battle, when you are trying to get something done, is getting started. I am often too overwhelmed with everything that i don't know where to start. So my new goal is to write things on sticky notes when they are important. Then whenever I have a spare moment, I will just look at my sticky notes and pick something and just do it. It all needs to get done at some point, so I mind as well just pick one and got for it. I also want to use this in the practice room. Practice with purpose. Go in with a goal in mind. Don't just got practice and say, I want to be here for 2 hours. It's just like book work (dad this is for you) you can't just go in a say, okay I'm going to do this for 4 hours, and see how far I get. NO NO NO, you need to go in with a specific goal in mind. Make manageable goals. It seems silly, but your time spend working will be much more productive.
To me, these are just small things that can help keep life less stressful. We have enough stress. They are hard to get into the habit of doing, but I think they are positive ways to structure your life. I'm game to try it, and see what happens. These 6 weeks are all about being uncomfortable, and trying anything and everything. If you don't try, there is no chance for success or failure, and that would just be boring. Challenge yourself and try whatever it is that you are afraid of.
Well, it's once again too late. But I hoping the Matte I got from my dear cousins Justin and Devo will help with the energy levels tomorrow. Getting up early for yoga, it's gonna be great. Until tomorrow, cheers!
Over and Out!!
The day started off with a Mini Master class with Kim Barber and Laura Loewen. Both fantastic artists. There were 4 buys in the class, all baritones, and all with very different voices. Alfred did a Schubert Lieder first, and then Ed followed by an aria from Romeo and Juliet, then it was my turn. I was going to do some lieder as well, but then realized that I really want to work on my french. I'm singing all my opera roles in french, and I love the language, but don't feel that comfortable singing in it. So I pulled out Roncontre by Faure from a set called Poem du jour! Lovely little collection. I hadn't really warmed up yet, and there are some higher parts to the piece, so I was kinda nervous, but I just say, what the hell, just go for it. (it's one of our new phrases at NUOVA, [from Carol Castel] when you are in a pickle, or something just isn't going right, or you are afraid, just say 'what the hell,' and try it, see what happens) I sang the piece and it went way better then I thought, and then Kim made a few suggestions about how to sing french music. It's all about the vowels, something I've been told before. But never realized how much more fun french music is, when you are really focusing on the vowels, and letting the vowels resonate. French people speak with everything in their lips and at the edge of there mouths. They drink the vowels in and let them slash around in there mouths. It's delicious music to sing, especially Faure!! I can't wait to work with Laura and Kim again!
Next, I moved on over to the Timms centre for Creative Process with Carol. You never quite know what that class is going to be like until you get there. Today was all about fear. Last week we all wrote down what was stopping us from getting what we want, as a performer, and a lot of people have fears of what others think about them. We live and perform in this criteria that doesn't actually exist. We assume what someone else is thinking, but in reality we don't actually know at all what they are thinking. So many of us become obsessed with doing something the right way. THE IS NO RIGHT WAY, there are better ways, and better choices, but nothing is the right, or wrong way. Fear is created by these expectations to not live up to the criteria that we think other people are creating. Carol asked us what our fears were, and then we applied it to our practice and rehearsal time. I said that when I go into a rehearsal, all i want to do it 'be awesome.' I know, a little ridiculous, but when it comes down to it, I don't want to suck. Oh my goodness, what back up way of thinking. Justin, come on! Left brain is doing way to much thinking. Forget about what anyone else thinking, but most of the time, they aren't judging. They are probably watching, but they aren't judging you. And if you are confident, and know yourself well enough, you can do anything, and everyone will believe you. We give so much power away when we live by other peoples criteria. Power is an energy between people, it doesn't come from authority, or hierarchy. You control how much power you have! That energy and power needs to be used on stage. We played a game where we threw "the ball of life" around the circle (imagine an imaginary ball that changes colours and sizes and is really cool). We all observed how the ball was tossed and then how it was caught. The energy is passed one way, and you if you don't catch it in a similar fashion, the energy changes. You kinda want to caught the ball of life in the same energy it was thrown in. However, once you have the ball of life, you can throw it to something else in a different way. Just like on stage, you have to be listening to those around you and when someone says a line, or action to you, you take the energy, and then throw it to someone else, not necessarily in the same energy. The idea is that we all react differently, and aren't going to use the exact same energy. We must take the energy and then make it our own. And to make it your own, you must know yourself. Sounds easy, but knowing yourself is harder than it seems, or is it? It's one of those easy but really simple things about life.
Moving on to the afternoon, I had a great session with Rosemary Thompson, conductor for Romeo and Juliet, as well as Nico Castel, for my character of Gregorio in Romeo and Juliet. We sang through all my recits, and Rosemary said they had improved since the end of last week. So at least I'm on the right track. French is still hard to wrap my mouth around, but it just takes time for your mouth muscles to learn the shapes of the vowels. Nico and Rosemary are so much fun to work with. You CAN'T NOT have fun with them:)
Then I had a little exploritor lesson with Cam Mcphail. (side note: blog readers, watch out for this boy. He is going to take the opera world by storm. He has a brilliant voice, that is just itching to to a masters, and also sing professionally. I believe he is going to Yale for his masters this coming year. Seriously, I'm tellin you, keep your eyes peeled. He is a great guy with a grounding head on this shoulders. Genuine person, who loves to sing and loves to help others explore their voices)
So him and I took to the practice studio. He somehow got me to sing with my real voice. For those that that doesn't make sense, I basically don't use my full voice, because I don't really know how. It's a combination of being too tight in ab muscles, and also have a really tight jaw, which restricts the way I speak. Somehow Cam managed to relax my abs and open my mouth properly, and for 4 seconds, I was singing with my full 360 voice. It was resonating throughout my entire body, and the right and vibrato was organic. It felt effortless, and didn't even know what to do, because I wasn't doing anything. It was just ringing. Now that lasted about 4 seconds, but it felt like years. Then we attempted to find it again, and it was gone. So it was great, we are taking small steps, but what the hell, we are moving forward and that is what this program is all about for me. "I AM HERE TO FIND MY VOICE AND ACCEPT IT THE WAY IT IS!! and that excites me. I want my own voice, that isn't like anyone Else's. A voice is like a finger print. I look forward to more exploration sessions/lessons with Cam. It was a ton of fun.
The even was quite long, consisting of blocking our trio from Beatrice and Benedict. It was really slow moving, so it was hard to keep the energy level up. It was still fun because we got to sword fight. Another reason to come see the show.
Lastly, before I hit the hay, I am going to start a new thing I picked up from Kim Mattice Wanat. This is a way to be organized when you have way to many things on your mind, and too makes things to get done. Sticky notes!!!! 90 percent of the battle, when you are trying to get something done, is getting started. I am often too overwhelmed with everything that i don't know where to start. So my new goal is to write things on sticky notes when they are important. Then whenever I have a spare moment, I will just look at my sticky notes and pick something and just do it. It all needs to get done at some point, so I mind as well just pick one and got for it. I also want to use this in the practice room. Practice with purpose. Go in with a goal in mind. Don't just got practice and say, I want to be here for 2 hours. It's just like book work (dad this is for you) you can't just go in a say, okay I'm going to do this for 4 hours, and see how far I get. NO NO NO, you need to go in with a specific goal in mind. Make manageable goals. It seems silly, but your time spend working will be much more productive.
To me, these are just small things that can help keep life less stressful. We have enough stress. They are hard to get into the habit of doing, but I think they are positive ways to structure your life. I'm game to try it, and see what happens. These 6 weeks are all about being uncomfortable, and trying anything and everything. If you don't try, there is no chance for success or failure, and that would just be boring. Challenge yourself and try whatever it is that you are afraid of.
Well, it's once again too late. But I hoping the Matte I got from my dear cousins Justin and Devo will help with the energy levels tomorrow. Getting up early for yoga, it's gonna be great. Until tomorrow, cheers!
Over and Out!!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Day Off - TWITA
It feels like I've been here much longer then a week, but in a good way. It's one of those experience that is super challenging, but you never really want it to stop because it's just so good.
I want to share a quote with you all that was read to me by a new NUOVA friend, Kate Applin from Toronto Ontario.
"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable it is nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive."
Martha Graham to Agnes de Mille (via diva-in-training)
What a brilliant quote. I don't have much more to say for the day. It's been nice to take a break, but at the same time, it wasn't really a break so much as a chance to regather my thoughts and prepare for the crazy week ahead. Here we go week 2! It's time to crack open that heart and embrace the change that needs to happen. It's going to be a rocky ride, so hold on tight!! Cheers y'all:]
Over and Out!
I want to share a quote with you all that was read to me by a new NUOVA friend, Kate Applin from Toronto Ontario.
"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable it is nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive."
Martha Graham to Agnes de Mille (via diva-in-training)
What a brilliant quote. I don't have much more to say for the day. It's been nice to take a break, but at the same time, it wasn't really a break so much as a chance to regather my thoughts and prepare for the crazy week ahead. Here we go week 2! It's time to crack open that heart and embrace the change that needs to happen. It's going to be a rocky ride, so hold on tight!! Cheers y'all:]
Over and Out!
W1D7 - Master Class with Nico and Carol
I confess that this entry was not writen on Sunday, but rather Monday afternoon, because I didn't come home last night...after the master class everyone came to the St Josephs Cafeteria and we just chilled and relaxed together. It was nice to have some time, NOT inbetween rehearsal, where we could just talk about everything. It was a chance to further let our gaurds down and get to know each other away from work; work being NUOVA. It was great!
The day started off a little differently then most. Menno and Lee Klaassen, aunt and uncle, packed there bags and left for Europe, I think. They are going on a historical tour for the next 2 weeks. So I have the house to myself...PARTY TIME!!! haha, just kidding. There is no time for such things in this program. Well, that's not really true either, opera people know how to party, we just have to wait for sunday nights to relax. I feel like we are living like pastors, getting Monday off.
So Menno and Lee left and I went to school a little earlier to go out for coffee with my friend Lindsey Gable. Then we had Lunch Box Talk from 11:30 to 12:45. Basically it was a question answer period where we could ask any of the facualty anything we want. We talked a lot about what worked and what didn't work while they were building their careers. It was great to hear about how they got to where they are, some really big nuggets of golden advise. But in the end, what resonated the most was that you make it what you want it to be. You have to network, you have to make opportunities, you have to get our there and find work, and be open to anything. Take any opportunity you can get your hands on, within realistic reasoning. We also talked about student loans, and many of the facualty made it plainly clear that you want to get out of debt as fast as possible. Money can tie you down. There comes a time when you need to get out of school and start using the Right side of your brain. Start building your own criteria. School is very important, but there comes a time when you need to jump out of your comfort zone and explore the world of opporunites out there. You can learn so much by just living. Singing is just one part of living, there is so much more to life. So much of what we are learning about at NUOVA is about living "your" life, and no one elses. The role, and what Opera you are almost secondary to the things you learn about practicing, and taking care of your body.
The rest of the afternoon I was in a staging rehearsal for the Overture of Beatrice and Benedict and then the first scene of dialogue. Our director is Robert Herriot, and I can't even try to begin to describe how much we all love him already. He is a mind blowing director who is so specific and fantastic. He has so much energy, but knows how to focus it! He knows what he wants, but lets you find it. And if you are having trouble finding it, he gives you little nuggets of advice to help you get there. He doesn't just give it to you, it's your journey. It was quite an emotional first rehearsal, especially after an intense first week, we were all feelin a bit worn down. So as soon as you start feeling things, walls start to come down and people start to open their hearts to the roles they are playing. And what is brilliant about Robert is that when something is not working, he gives you the opportunity to go to extremes in order to find it. Kim Mattice Wannat, the founder and director of NUOVA, read a quote to us in the Lunch Box Talk from Albert Einstein, " The definition of Insanity is when you practice some over and over the same way expecting a different result." I can't tell you how many times I leave a practice room so frustrated that I just didn't get it, when all I did was practice it over and over the same way, expecting something different. It's the same when in these acting rehearsals with Robert. He asks for something, and when it's not what he wants, we need to try something else. I've discovered for me, that that means I have to go to the exact opposite place in order to try and find a balance. I am very very excited to keep exploring the acting world. It is absolutely fascinating. Acting is hard, like really, I have so much respect for actors. It's completely different than singing. You can almost hide behind the notes when you sing. Actors have action and words, thats it. Every line you say has to have intent, you have to breath in the intent everytime you get ready to say a line. You also have to be listening to everything around you, so you can react properly to everything onstage. In acting, there is no wrong choice, but you have to learn how to make the best/strongest choice. There are many roads to rome, and in the same way, you have to practice finding the best way there, FOR YOU!! I am very excited to keep working on Beatrice and Benedict. Robert, combined with our class creates an amazing evergy that is so so so much fun to work in. If anyone wants to see one of the most rare opera's ever performed, done by a cast of people directed and coached by the best in the business, come to Edmonton on June 11 and 12. I gaurentee you will not be disappointed. This opera experience will change your opinion of opera forever. Opera is so dramatic, but because of the stunning music, it has the ability to take the listener to a new place. Opera is not just big singers betting loudly for 3 hours. I have begun to fall head of heals in love with Opera. I always loved Classical music, but this is different. In opera it is the music which allows the singers to take the words to a different level. It is also always exciting because it's almost always about love. The one topic that no one ever gets sick off.
In the evening I went out for supper with Amanda Cockrane from Calgary. She is a flight attendant, and has her masters in opera performance, now just trying to find out what is the next best step into the professional world. She is a very special girl, and that was my first impression from the minute I saw her) She has a depth and glow that comes from the inside. Her wit and sarcasm are very contagious!
After supper we attended a masterclass lead by Nico and Carol Castel from New York. They are absolutely magnificent human beings that have so much knowledge to offer about performance, language, and living in the performing world. My heart is filled with so much joy just thinking about them. I definitely want to keep working with them after the program ends. (Heck, I want to keep working with all of the faculty after I leave.) After Carol and Nico's session I am starting to understand the important of resonance, and articulation. In order to sing properly you have to sing on the vowels. On the vowels is where the voice resonates, and if you know how to articulate the vowels properly, the sound with come easily.
Well, once again, a day filled to the brim with golden nuggets of knowledge and advise. What can I say, it's the best program in the country, and many many many people would agree. I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. I'm off to memorize more music. This is Justin Gerhard signing off.
Over and Out!!
The day started off a little differently then most. Menno and Lee Klaassen, aunt and uncle, packed there bags and left for Europe, I think. They are going on a historical tour for the next 2 weeks. So I have the house to myself...PARTY TIME!!! haha, just kidding. There is no time for such things in this program. Well, that's not really true either, opera people know how to party, we just have to wait for sunday nights to relax. I feel like we are living like pastors, getting Monday off.
So Menno and Lee left and I went to school a little earlier to go out for coffee with my friend Lindsey Gable. Then we had Lunch Box Talk from 11:30 to 12:45. Basically it was a question answer period where we could ask any of the facualty anything we want. We talked a lot about what worked and what didn't work while they were building their careers. It was great to hear about how they got to where they are, some really big nuggets of golden advise. But in the end, what resonated the most was that you make it what you want it to be. You have to network, you have to make opportunities, you have to get our there and find work, and be open to anything. Take any opportunity you can get your hands on, within realistic reasoning. We also talked about student loans, and many of the facualty made it plainly clear that you want to get out of debt as fast as possible. Money can tie you down. There comes a time when you need to get out of school and start using the Right side of your brain. Start building your own criteria. School is very important, but there comes a time when you need to jump out of your comfort zone and explore the world of opporunites out there. You can learn so much by just living. Singing is just one part of living, there is so much more to life. So much of what we are learning about at NUOVA is about living "your" life, and no one elses. The role, and what Opera you are almost secondary to the things you learn about practicing, and taking care of your body.
The rest of the afternoon I was in a staging rehearsal for the Overture of Beatrice and Benedict and then the first scene of dialogue. Our director is Robert Herriot, and I can't even try to begin to describe how much we all love him already. He is a mind blowing director who is so specific and fantastic. He has so much energy, but knows how to focus it! He knows what he wants, but lets you find it. And if you are having trouble finding it, he gives you little nuggets of advice to help you get there. He doesn't just give it to you, it's your journey. It was quite an emotional first rehearsal, especially after an intense first week, we were all feelin a bit worn down. So as soon as you start feeling things, walls start to come down and people start to open their hearts to the roles they are playing. And what is brilliant about Robert is that when something is not working, he gives you the opportunity to go to extremes in order to find it. Kim Mattice Wannat, the founder and director of NUOVA, read a quote to us in the Lunch Box Talk from Albert Einstein, " The definition of Insanity is when you practice some over and over the same way expecting a different result." I can't tell you how many times I leave a practice room so frustrated that I just didn't get it, when all I did was practice it over and over the same way, expecting something different. It's the same when in these acting rehearsals with Robert. He asks for something, and when it's not what he wants, we need to try something else. I've discovered for me, that that means I have to go to the exact opposite place in order to try and find a balance. I am very very excited to keep exploring the acting world. It is absolutely fascinating. Acting is hard, like really, I have so much respect for actors. It's completely different than singing. You can almost hide behind the notes when you sing. Actors have action and words, thats it. Every line you say has to have intent, you have to breath in the intent everytime you get ready to say a line. You also have to be listening to everything around you, so you can react properly to everything onstage. In acting, there is no wrong choice, but you have to learn how to make the best/strongest choice. There are many roads to rome, and in the same way, you have to practice finding the best way there, FOR YOU!! I am very excited to keep working on Beatrice and Benedict. Robert, combined with our class creates an amazing evergy that is so so so much fun to work in. If anyone wants to see one of the most rare opera's ever performed, done by a cast of people directed and coached by the best in the business, come to Edmonton on June 11 and 12. I gaurentee you will not be disappointed. This opera experience will change your opinion of opera forever. Opera is so dramatic, but because of the stunning music, it has the ability to take the listener to a new place. Opera is not just big singers betting loudly for 3 hours. I have begun to fall head of heals in love with Opera. I always loved Classical music, but this is different. In opera it is the music which allows the singers to take the words to a different level. It is also always exciting because it's almost always about love. The one topic that no one ever gets sick off.
In the evening I went out for supper with Amanda Cockrane from Calgary. She is a flight attendant, and has her masters in opera performance, now just trying to find out what is the next best step into the professional world. She is a very special girl, and that was my first impression from the minute I saw her) She has a depth and glow that comes from the inside. Her wit and sarcasm are very contagious!
After supper we attended a masterclass lead by Nico and Carol Castel from New York. They are absolutely magnificent human beings that have so much knowledge to offer about performance, language, and living in the performing world. My heart is filled with so much joy just thinking about them. I definitely want to keep working with them after the program ends. (Heck, I want to keep working with all of the faculty after I leave.) After Carol and Nico's session I am starting to understand the important of resonance, and articulation. In order to sing properly you have to sing on the vowels. On the vowels is where the voice resonates, and if you know how to articulate the vowels properly, the sound with come easily.
Well, once again, a day filled to the brim with golden nuggets of knowledge and advise. What can I say, it's the best program in the country, and many many many people would agree. I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. I'm off to memorize more music. This is Justin Gerhard signing off.
Over and Out!!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
W1D6 - PACE
P for Passion
A for Attitude
C for Change
E for Extreme
Those were the 4 words I chose at the beginning of the program, 6 days ago. When I got home today, around 12:15 AM, those words were hanging on my wall beside my bed. It was like my angel knew I needed to see them there. That person knew that I needed to see them everyday as a reminder of what this program is all about for me. We as NUOVAites all chose different words to fit the word PACE. All of our journey's are very different, yet today was a day I realized that is okay. You can pretend to think it's okay that you aren't having the same journey as someone else, but to really believe that it's okay is a totally different conclusion for the heart. Those 4 words give me a sense of support and grounding, and I believe in them. It's only been a week, and those words continue to resonate in my body. I want all of those words all the time, surging through my blood, pumping into everything I do.
Today I realized I CAN change. And I don't mean that I've been living a lie and all of a sudden I have to change everything about me. NO NO NO NO, don't freak out, I'm not freaking out about this. This is Justin realizing that he needs to stop trying to impress everyone. It's not like that is a terrible thing, being a pleaser, but if it consumes you, you've gone too far. When we are doing a creative exercise in Creative Process with Carol Castel (an amazing performance thinker from New York, seriously, she is just beyond what words could describe. Her presence at Nuova, along with her Husband Nico Castel, is unforgetable and truely inspirational) I am too busy freaking out about the fact that I have to answer the question that i don't really think about the question. I'm too focused on the fact that I, me, Justin Friesen needs to answer the question, because that makes me a better person. The problem I see now is that I'm wasting too much energy and brain power thinking about the fact the I need to find an answer. Rather, why not just listen to the question with an open heart, and respond. The same thing goes for when I'm reading something. I put on my Justin Performing face, and all of a sudden everything is presupposed. I don't actually think about what I'm saying, I just say things "like an actor would." In the end I'm making things much harder than they need to be. Why not just stop, focus on each word and speak the text. Half the time that is all the audience wants to see. Simple is better. Simple is the key. The world loves watching humans be human, and in order to do that, to react genuinely, so that people believe you, is to JUST BE YOU!!!! That's it, imagine that, that's all you have to do.
Today was a weird day. Emotionally I was all over the map, feeling great, and then feeling sad, and then wanting to cry, but not knowing how, and then feeling mello, and then wanting to cry again, then trying to be happy, but not really feeling great. We had a yoga session this morning which applied the breathing and movement of yoga with warming up the voice. It was really cool, and I got to go up, sing a warm up, and work on being grounded, and know where my support is. Also he made it clear that a dancers home position is not that of a singer. In the afternoon I had a lesson with John Avey and we pretty much made a massive breakthrough on my voice. I sing from my Laryx. When I sing all my sound comes from my vocal folds. I have manufactured a vibrato that is created by the laryx shaking back and forth. It finally makes sense to me why I feel like I'm working so hard all the time, it's because I am. I'm working way to hard, singing should feel easy. There should be absolutely no strain on the vocal chords, NON WHAT SO EVER! Another student, Cameron, can into my lesson at the end and John and him observed my voice. I was really nice to have a least taken a step in some sort of direction. To have people around me to explore with. I'm slowly caring less and less about impressing people and more and more about wanting to accept my voice for what it is. That was my goal of this program, to accept my voice and play on stage.
After the lesson I left feeling unsettled, and as strange as it feels I welcome that feeling with open arms. That means change is a comin, and I have to keep practicing patience. Keep things simple, listen, and react with your heart.
Well folks, It been another full day, and I must get to bed. Until tomorrow! Cheers!
Over and Out!!
A for Attitude
C for Change
E for Extreme
Those were the 4 words I chose at the beginning of the program, 6 days ago. When I got home today, around 12:15 AM, those words were hanging on my wall beside my bed. It was like my angel knew I needed to see them there. That person knew that I needed to see them everyday as a reminder of what this program is all about for me. We as NUOVAites all chose different words to fit the word PACE. All of our journey's are very different, yet today was a day I realized that is okay. You can pretend to think it's okay that you aren't having the same journey as someone else, but to really believe that it's okay is a totally different conclusion for the heart. Those 4 words give me a sense of support and grounding, and I believe in them. It's only been a week, and those words continue to resonate in my body. I want all of those words all the time, surging through my blood, pumping into everything I do.
Today I realized I CAN change. And I don't mean that I've been living a lie and all of a sudden I have to change everything about me. NO NO NO NO, don't freak out, I'm not freaking out about this. This is Justin realizing that he needs to stop trying to impress everyone. It's not like that is a terrible thing, being a pleaser, but if it consumes you, you've gone too far. When we are doing a creative exercise in Creative Process with Carol Castel (an amazing performance thinker from New York, seriously, she is just beyond what words could describe. Her presence at Nuova, along with her Husband Nico Castel, is unforgetable and truely inspirational) I am too busy freaking out about the fact that I have to answer the question that i don't really think about the question. I'm too focused on the fact that I, me, Justin Friesen needs to answer the question, because that makes me a better person. The problem I see now is that I'm wasting too much energy and brain power thinking about the fact the I need to find an answer. Rather, why not just listen to the question with an open heart, and respond. The same thing goes for when I'm reading something. I put on my Justin Performing face, and all of a sudden everything is presupposed. I don't actually think about what I'm saying, I just say things "like an actor would." In the end I'm making things much harder than they need to be. Why not just stop, focus on each word and speak the text. Half the time that is all the audience wants to see. Simple is better. Simple is the key. The world loves watching humans be human, and in order to do that, to react genuinely, so that people believe you, is to JUST BE YOU!!!! That's it, imagine that, that's all you have to do.
Today was a weird day. Emotionally I was all over the map, feeling great, and then feeling sad, and then wanting to cry, but not knowing how, and then feeling mello, and then wanting to cry again, then trying to be happy, but not really feeling great. We had a yoga session this morning which applied the breathing and movement of yoga with warming up the voice. It was really cool, and I got to go up, sing a warm up, and work on being grounded, and know where my support is. Also he made it clear that a dancers home position is not that of a singer. In the afternoon I had a lesson with John Avey and we pretty much made a massive breakthrough on my voice. I sing from my Laryx. When I sing all my sound comes from my vocal folds. I have manufactured a vibrato that is created by the laryx shaking back and forth. It finally makes sense to me why I feel like I'm working so hard all the time, it's because I am. I'm working way to hard, singing should feel easy. There should be absolutely no strain on the vocal chords, NON WHAT SO EVER! Another student, Cameron, can into my lesson at the end and John and him observed my voice. I was really nice to have a least taken a step in some sort of direction. To have people around me to explore with. I'm slowly caring less and less about impressing people and more and more about wanting to accept my voice for what it is. That was my goal of this program, to accept my voice and play on stage.
After the lesson I left feeling unsettled, and as strange as it feels I welcome that feeling with open arms. That means change is a comin, and I have to keep practicing patience. Keep things simple, listen, and react with your heart.
Well folks, It been another full day, and I must get to bed. Until tomorrow! Cheers!
Over and Out!!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
W1D5 - Vocal Gems Concert
Let me just say that I will get no sleep tonight, but it was all worth the day that it was...I say that hoping that tomorrow is hell!!
It was a long day, and I almost feel studid saying it anymore, I'm pretty sure they are always going to be long days. It's just sort of assumed now. If I had more than 30 minutes off in a day, I would be shocked!!!
Today was a great day. I don't know why, and I don't really know how to explain it, or understand it. Yoga at 8, Then Sword Fighting at 9:15, then Alexandre at 10:45 till 12:30, then (brain fart, I actually can't remember, it was so long ago, my goodness)...Oh then I had a dress rehearsal for the Vocal Jems concert, then Chorus sing through of Romeo and Juliet till 2:30, then Chorus sing through of Falstaff till 3:45, then chorus sing through of Beatrice and Benedict till 4:45, then a coaching with Rosemary Thompson on my character of Gregorio in Romeo and Juliet, then supper break for 45 minutes, change, and be at the Convocation Hall by 6:30 for the Vocal Gems concert that startes at 7:30, meet and greet tons of people. (what would you know, I meet a few Mennonites. It was completely ironic, and very random. I walked up to these two ladies and they happened to be Regehrs. Seriously, when does that NOT happen) Then Ivan, Alfred and I opened the show with a little number called "Brush up your Opera" Which was a ton ton ton of fun!
[side note: The vocal Gems concert was amazing. A few names that come to mind, that one day you will need to keep your eyes and ears peeled for (because they will be famous performers) Cat Affleck, Erin Armstrong, JP, Michael. I'm forgetting last names, but I will remember to make a list of people on here yet. And then to top it all off, some of the teachers performed. I was completely blown away, as if a tornado hurled through the building. Kim Barber, and Jackie Short, Christiane and Johny Avey. They were all stunning!
Well folks, this is going to be a short entry, I almost didn't have the energy to post this one. It's now 1:44 AM, and I will be getting up at 6, so I can leave by 7, so I can get to Yoga at 8. And that is my life. It's going to be a good nap. It's been quite a delicious day! Cheers:)
Over and Out!
It was a long day, and I almost feel studid saying it anymore, I'm pretty sure they are always going to be long days. It's just sort of assumed now. If I had more than 30 minutes off in a day, I would be shocked!!!
Today was a great day. I don't know why, and I don't really know how to explain it, or understand it. Yoga at 8, Then Sword Fighting at 9:15, then Alexandre at 10:45 till 12:30, then (brain fart, I actually can't remember, it was so long ago, my goodness)...Oh then I had a dress rehearsal for the Vocal Jems concert, then Chorus sing through of Romeo and Juliet till 2:30, then Chorus sing through of Falstaff till 3:45, then chorus sing through of Beatrice and Benedict till 4:45, then a coaching with Rosemary Thompson on my character of Gregorio in Romeo and Juliet, then supper break for 45 minutes, change, and be at the Convocation Hall by 6:30 for the Vocal Gems concert that startes at 7:30, meet and greet tons of people. (what would you know, I meet a few Mennonites. It was completely ironic, and very random. I walked up to these two ladies and they happened to be Regehrs. Seriously, when does that NOT happen) Then Ivan, Alfred and I opened the show with a little number called "Brush up your Opera" Which was a ton ton ton of fun!
[side note: The vocal Gems concert was amazing. A few names that come to mind, that one day you will need to keep your eyes and ears peeled for (because they will be famous performers) Cat Affleck, Erin Armstrong, JP, Michael. I'm forgetting last names, but I will remember to make a list of people on here yet. And then to top it all off, some of the teachers performed. I was completely blown away, as if a tornado hurled through the building. Kim Barber, and Jackie Short, Christiane and Johny Avey. They were all stunning!
Well folks, this is going to be a short entry, I almost didn't have the energy to post this one. It's now 1:44 AM, and I will be getting up at 6, so I can leave by 7, so I can get to Yoga at 8. And that is my life. It's going to be a good nap. It's been quite a delicious day! Cheers:)
Over and Out!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
W1D4 - Hitting a Wall
Good day to you all. Day 4 is complete, and thankfully it was a little bit shorter. I got home today at 9:30, which it outrageous considering I usually get home at around 11:30.
Today was a filled with mixed emotions. In the morning I had Alexandre Technique, with Candice. She is amazing, and has a passion for exploring the dynamics of a human body. Alexandre Technique is pretty much going to change my posture.
Then we had Creative Process with Carol Castel. Oh my dear lanta, now that is a woman I want to be friend with all the time. She is hilarious and witty, and know exactly what to say. Yet, Carol, keeps her interactions with people very intimate and that allows for each one of us NUOVAites can share our experiences!
"Bordom is always this far away..." - Carol Castel. I couldn't agree more with this statement. I'm always on edge, waiting for the next thing to come along.
Then she began to talk about the Left side and Right side of the brain, and how they are connected but sometime very indepedant. (I'm sure one of you has probably studied this) The Left side is all about Rational thought, deductive thought, science, math, linguistics, and as a singer the Left ride of the brain is used for learning all the notes, rhythms, timing issues, etc... The Right side of the brain is used for creative thinking, emtion, texture, taste, smell, etc.. When in the rehearsal stage follow these steps.
1.when learning the piece for the frist time, notes rhythms, use the left critical side of your brain.
2. Then when you are doing a sing through, you should be using about 60 percent Left Brain and 40 percent Right Brain. You still need that left side telling you what you are doing right and wrong, but you also need the Right side of your brain to help you get into the characters faster. Become the Character.
3. Once the opera is being staged you should have your music and words memorized! At this point the Right brain should be 60 % and the Left brain should be around 40%
4. Basically, let go of the left side of the brain, so that the right side can enhance when ever you are doing on stage.
Three things I learned today: MY GOLDEN NUGGETS
Build your own Criteria, don't be living in someone else agenda. You are responsible for your own criteria.
Strength does not come from being hard (and by hard, I mean tensing muscles, and trying to be strongly grounded into the floor) What actually makes us strong and supported is being soft.
As an athlete i need to work on being more relaxed. But then again, my body is in a pattern. As soon as I get into a practice room , or a lesson, I loose my confidence and then retreat back to old ways of getting certain notes. This Habit has to change.
What a day. I could write more, but my eyes are starting to drift off. Later folks!
Over and Out!
Today was a filled with mixed emotions. In the morning I had Alexandre Technique, with Candice. She is amazing, and has a passion for exploring the dynamics of a human body. Alexandre Technique is pretty much going to change my posture.
Then we had Creative Process with Carol Castel. Oh my dear lanta, now that is a woman I want to be friend with all the time. She is hilarious and witty, and know exactly what to say. Yet, Carol, keeps her interactions with people very intimate and that allows for each one of us NUOVAites can share our experiences!
"Bordom is always this far away..." - Carol Castel. I couldn't agree more with this statement. I'm always on edge, waiting for the next thing to come along.
Then she began to talk about the Left side and Right side of the brain, and how they are connected but sometime very indepedant. (I'm sure one of you has probably studied this) The Left side is all about Rational thought, deductive thought, science, math, linguistics, and as a singer the Left ride of the brain is used for learning all the notes, rhythms, timing issues, etc... The Right side of the brain is used for creative thinking, emtion, texture, taste, smell, etc.. When in the rehearsal stage follow these steps.
1.when learning the piece for the frist time, notes rhythms, use the left critical side of your brain.
2. Then when you are doing a sing through, you should be using about 60 percent Left Brain and 40 percent Right Brain. You still need that left side telling you what you are doing right and wrong, but you also need the Right side of your brain to help you get into the characters faster. Become the Character.
3. Once the opera is being staged you should have your music and words memorized! At this point the Right brain should be 60 % and the Left brain should be around 40%
4. Basically, let go of the left side of the brain, so that the right side can enhance when ever you are doing on stage.
Three things I learned today: MY GOLDEN NUGGETS
Build your own Criteria, don't be living in someone else agenda. You are responsible for your own criteria.
Strength does not come from being hard (and by hard, I mean tensing muscles, and trying to be strongly grounded into the floor) What actually makes us strong and supported is being soft.
As an athlete i need to work on being more relaxed. But then again, my body is in a pattern. As soon as I get into a practice room , or a lesson, I loose my confidence and then retreat back to old ways of getting certain notes. This Habit has to change.
What a day. I could write more, but my eyes are starting to drift off. Later folks!
Over and Out!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
No More "I'm Sorry"
Hi Folks,
Well news flash for Justin Friesen, this blogging thing has a spell checker, so it looks like I should have no problem with misspelled words. (We will see about that, it's only a computer)
It has once again be a busy, and full day. As I write this 4 entry, I feel like I have been doing this forever. It's only been 3 days, and I swear I feel like it's been at least 3 weeks. I have learned so much in three weeks, and by that I mean I have learned so much music and new text in 3 days, it's insane. But what's more insane is that i still have to tackle both Romeo and Juliet and Falstaff chorus parts. AHHHHHH!!!! First I have to focus on my trio in Beatrice and Benedict, and my Recit's from Romeo. I don't know if I have even mentioned what parts I'm playing at Nuova, so in that case I will take some time to clear that up.
Opera Nuova is putting on 3 operas this year, as well as many evening concert: including an Aria Extraveganza, A Vocal Gems Concert, and Classic Broadway night, and Song Soiree nights featuring the dominant Opera languages of Italian, French, German, and English. On June 11 and 12th, I alone with a cast of just under 15 people (doubled casted) will be presenting "Beatrice and Benedict" an Opera composed and originally conducted by Hector Berlioz. It is one of his least famous Operas, the most famous being "Carmen." However, I would argue that this opera has some of the most beautiful duets, trio's and aria's I've ever heard in Opera. I am going to be playing both Leonato and Claudio. One on each night. Nuova is then presenting 2 more operas at the end of June. Romeo and Juliet composed by Charles Gounod, in which I will be playing the exciting role of Gregorio. (he's got lots of recit, hence why I needed that little workshop with Megan Brown [MBro]) Also, we at Nuova will be presenting Falstaff, composed by Verdi, in which I will be joining the chorus. These 2 main stage operas will run on opposing nights going from June 21 to 27th.
So if you are interested, come on out, I guarantee you will enjoy yourself. Nuova is one of those summer programs that is always putting life back into the Operatic Stage. There is no need to be afraid, you won't be bored. Opera is taking a dramatic turn in the new millennium. It's time people started heading out to see some of these amazing productions. There is just an amazing clob of talent this year, everyday I'm just aww inspired.
For example, today we had a Media Launch, in which CTV came and taped us doing a bunch of songs to show off the Program on the news. The Final Duet from Romeo and Juliet will make you cry it's so beautiful. And the women of Falstaff, Sonya and Tracy, Janna and Laurelle, wowsa, so funny. Then you have the men from Falstaff, with these amazingly rich young voices ready to take on these roles with vigour and zeal. It's amazing to be apart of this. And if I still haven't convinced you. Then you should simply come to see Beatrice and Benedict, because it is a rarely seen opera that is absolutely filled with Golden Nuggets of sweet music that will make your heart melt. Seriously people, this opera needs to be seen.
Anyways enough of that, back to blogging!!!
Today we had another musical theatre run through, and because we have such a willing group of people we get so much done in rehearsal, is fantastic. Everyone is just so excited about everything, and it makes it so easy to enjoy the choreography. People who have no dance training are just diving right in and don't care at all what they look like. That is also inspiring, and makes me what to dive head first into a few things that make me uncomfortable, and just see what happens. That's what this is all about, right??
I had a wonderful coaching today with Jordan De Souza and Kathleen Gable (love them dearly) for the Trio for Beatrice and Benedict. Well I realized that my French sucks, and that is mostly because I've never taken the time to train my mouth how to sing the 14 different vowels. That is a lot of vowels, considering English has, what "E, I, A, O, U, and Sometimes Y." Furthermore Kathy stressed the idea that you should always be adding character, right from the minute you combine words with the music. Why wait till the staging to add emotion and movement. Often the words will come much easier when you just look away from your score and engage with the singers and actors around you. You must not forget that they are only words, and especially in French, there needs to be flow and line to the text. Right now I'm trying to find the musical line to the text, and to do that you have to know the text inside and out, backside and front. It's crucial! Then you can create a line, and gently emphasis the right words here and there. I tend to get boggled down with the words, but as Kathy said when I had 3 words to say in one section of the trio ,"Justin, it's just three words, your not trying to spew out a paragraph, it's just three words." An ongoing theme I'm sensing here at Nuova is "keep it simple!" What do we make things harder for ourselves sometimes, I DON'T KNOW...
During my supper break, I had a delightful chat with Michael from Toronto. He is singing Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, and has a beautiful Tenor voice. He is another dude to watch out for. He has been doing some cross-over work and is putting together a record right now to be released I believe next year.
I'm beginning to feel more and more, that Opera is a great place to be in. But then again, it's been 3 days. Yet in these three days, I've already realized how much I love the process of putting on all these concerts and opera's. That's what I love, THE PROCESS!!! The chance to explore and discover new things about yourself and the music you are studying as well as the people you are working with. And I'm getting the chance to work with some kicksweet people, let me tell you!!
Well it's late at night, once again, and I must head to bed. It's been a great day, and tomorrow I don't have to be up till 7, what a concept. Amazing. I can't wait. 6 full hours of sleep!! Good night folks, this is Justin Friesen signing off!
* oh one more thing, there is no more saying "Sorry" while at Opera Nuova, Unless someone gets hurt or dies, saying sorry is not aloud. We have a sorry jar, and it's 25 cents every time you say it. I already had to pay a dollar. I blame my Mennonite roots for that. hahaha
Cheers!
Over and Out:]
Well news flash for Justin Friesen, this blogging thing has a spell checker, so it looks like I should have no problem with misspelled words. (We will see about that, it's only a computer)
It has once again be a busy, and full day. As I write this 4 entry, I feel like I have been doing this forever. It's only been 3 days, and I swear I feel like it's been at least 3 weeks. I have learned so much in three weeks, and by that I mean I have learned so much music and new text in 3 days, it's insane. But what's more insane is that i still have to tackle both Romeo and Juliet and Falstaff chorus parts. AHHHHHH!!!! First I have to focus on my trio in Beatrice and Benedict, and my Recit's from Romeo. I don't know if I have even mentioned what parts I'm playing at Nuova, so in that case I will take some time to clear that up.
Opera Nuova is putting on 3 operas this year, as well as many evening concert: including an Aria Extraveganza, A Vocal Gems Concert, and Classic Broadway night, and Song Soiree nights featuring the dominant Opera languages of Italian, French, German, and English. On June 11 and 12th, I alone with a cast of just under 15 people (doubled casted) will be presenting "Beatrice and Benedict" an Opera composed and originally conducted by Hector Berlioz. It is one of his least famous Operas, the most famous being "Carmen." However, I would argue that this opera has some of the most beautiful duets, trio's and aria's I've ever heard in Opera. I am going to be playing both Leonato and Claudio. One on each night. Nuova is then presenting 2 more operas at the end of June. Romeo and Juliet composed by Charles Gounod, in which I will be playing the exciting role of Gregorio. (he's got lots of recit, hence why I needed that little workshop with Megan Brown [MBro]) Also, we at Nuova will be presenting Falstaff, composed by Verdi, in which I will be joining the chorus. These 2 main stage operas will run on opposing nights going from June 21 to 27th.
So if you are interested, come on out, I guarantee you will enjoy yourself. Nuova is one of those summer programs that is always putting life back into the Operatic Stage. There is no need to be afraid, you won't be bored. Opera is taking a dramatic turn in the new millennium. It's time people started heading out to see some of these amazing productions. There is just an amazing clob of talent this year, everyday I'm just aww inspired.
For example, today we had a Media Launch, in which CTV came and taped us doing a bunch of songs to show off the Program on the news. The Final Duet from Romeo and Juliet will make you cry it's so beautiful. And the women of Falstaff, Sonya and Tracy, Janna and Laurelle, wowsa, so funny. Then you have the men from Falstaff, with these amazingly rich young voices ready to take on these roles with vigour and zeal. It's amazing to be apart of this. And if I still haven't convinced you. Then you should simply come to see Beatrice and Benedict, because it is a rarely seen opera that is absolutely filled with Golden Nuggets of sweet music that will make your heart melt. Seriously people, this opera needs to be seen.
Anyways enough of that, back to blogging!!!
Today we had another musical theatre run through, and because we have such a willing group of people we get so much done in rehearsal, is fantastic. Everyone is just so excited about everything, and it makes it so easy to enjoy the choreography. People who have no dance training are just diving right in and don't care at all what they look like. That is also inspiring, and makes me what to dive head first into a few things that make me uncomfortable, and just see what happens. That's what this is all about, right??
I had a wonderful coaching today with Jordan De Souza and Kathleen Gable (love them dearly) for the Trio for Beatrice and Benedict. Well I realized that my French sucks, and that is mostly because I've never taken the time to train my mouth how to sing the 14 different vowels. That is a lot of vowels, considering English has, what "E, I, A, O, U, and Sometimes Y." Furthermore Kathy stressed the idea that you should always be adding character, right from the minute you combine words with the music. Why wait till the staging to add emotion and movement. Often the words will come much easier when you just look away from your score and engage with the singers and actors around you. You must not forget that they are only words, and especially in French, there needs to be flow and line to the text. Right now I'm trying to find the musical line to the text, and to do that you have to know the text inside and out, backside and front. It's crucial! Then you can create a line, and gently emphasis the right words here and there. I tend to get boggled down with the words, but as Kathy said when I had 3 words to say in one section of the trio ,"Justin, it's just three words, your not trying to spew out a paragraph, it's just three words." An ongoing theme I'm sensing here at Nuova is "keep it simple!" What do we make things harder for ourselves sometimes, I DON'T KNOW...
During my supper break, I had a delightful chat with Michael from Toronto. He is singing Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, and has a beautiful Tenor voice. He is another dude to watch out for. He has been doing some cross-over work and is putting together a record right now to be released I believe next year.
I'm beginning to feel more and more, that Opera is a great place to be in. But then again, it's been 3 days. Yet in these three days, I've already realized how much I love the process of putting on all these concerts and opera's. That's what I love, THE PROCESS!!! The chance to explore and discover new things about yourself and the music you are studying as well as the people you are working with. And I'm getting the chance to work with some kicksweet people, let me tell you!!
Well it's late at night, once again, and I must head to bed. It's been a great day, and tomorrow I don't have to be up till 7, what a concept. Amazing. I can't wait. 6 full hours of sleep!! Good night folks, this is Justin Friesen signing off!
* oh one more thing, there is no more saying "Sorry" while at Opera Nuova, Unless someone gets hurt or dies, saying sorry is not aloud. We have a sorry jar, and it's 25 cents every time you say it. I already had to pay a dollar. I blame my Mennonite roots for that. hahaha
Cheers!
Over and Out:]
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
W1D2 - 5 steps to learning how to sing a recit by Megan Brown
Well folks, it was another long day, starting at 5 in the morning (after 4 hours of sleep) I peeled off my covers, feeling fairly well rested after my nap. It was off to the city early for the BREAKFAST TELEVISION segment featuring NUOVA summer opera intensive on Edmonton's Local CITY TV. It was like Canada AM but local. Two other fellows (Ivan, Alfred), and I sang a Broadway trio called "Brush up your Opera." Which is a rearrangement of "Brush up your Shakespeare," from Kiss my Kate. The Host of CITY TV morning show was Michelle, and it was hilarious to watch her chat with the tv, while we only hear her side of the conversation. It was funny to actually see the person on the other end of the morning show, the one who is out there reporting on a specific story. Despite the early morning, it was actually a ton of fun to be apart of the show. I got to sing and hear some other stunning pieces.
(side note: Cat Affleck, keep that name somewhere in your brain, because she will be a superstar someday, she is absolutely splendid, from head to foot)
It is just fascinating to be around such unbelievable talent. It's like this gas that is just filling the whole program. Everyone is just bursting with talent, it's very inspiring. And I had a few convo's today about the cross over between Musical Theatre, Acting and Opera, and how that is a good combo of things to keep at your finger tips. I have lots of thinking about what I'm doing in the future, and I know this program is going to help me make a few decisions.
Today I embarked on another life long journey called Alexandre Technique. Now I have studied a little bit of Alexandre in Winnipeg, but this was taking it to a whole new level. Alexandre is about everything in your life, somewhat broad, eh?? So what the heck does that mean then, everything. Well, today we just started with our body posture, the typical performer ways to tighten and stress muscles. The instructors name is Candice, and she basically told us that we might in fact not know ourselves at all, and could possibly be a completely different person. Many people live there lives, but aren't actually living inside there own body. To live in your body means to learn how to be aware of it, and to be present in it in the NOW. How do we be present in the now you might ask? Well it starts with thinking about what is going on in your body at this very moment. Even as you are sitting here reading this blog, think about what your knee's feel like, your head, your spine, your ankles, your shoulders, your neck, what is going on in your body. That awareness is called being present in our body. Of course we can't always be thinking about our bodies, but we could certainly be more aware of what is going on. There is far more I could say about this first Alexandre Technique lesson, but you are probably getting bored, or have already decided to quite reading...STOP...the day isn't done. I had a sing through of Romeo and Juliet, and I sing the part of Gregorio, and Chorus. Well lets just say things didn't really go as planned. I pretty much bombed my part during the sing through, in front of many faculty and fellow NUOVAnites. Oh Well, that's life, eh? And then to top it all off, I missed a lesson today - man Justin, get with the program, literally! In the end everything was fine. I will probably be able to reschedule my lesson.
The most rewarding part of my day was learning Megan Browns 5 STEPS TO SINGING A RECIT:
1. LEARN THE TEXT, WITHOUT RHYTHM OR ANY EMOTION
2. AT THE RHYTHM TO THE TEXT, AND BE VERY PRECISE
3. TAKE AWAY THE WORDS, AND JUST MASTER THE MELODY, WHILE PLAYING THE ORCHESTRAL REDUCTION UNDERNEATH TO GIVE YOU YOUR NOTES
4. ADD THE WORDS BACK IN, BUT WORK SMALL SECTIONS
5. (the last step will tell you if you need to repeat any of the previous steps) BE ABLE TO SING THROUGH THE RECIT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM 5 TIMES IN A ROW, PERFECTLY. No Cheating!!!
-Also mark up your score like crazy, but very neatly. You want to make it as easy as possible for your when you are doing your run throughs. You don't want to have to be thinking about simple timing issues, or if you come in on the downbeat. These are things that can be marked in the score to help you remember so you can better embrace your Recit in a public situation, Example, a first sing through!
Wow, I'm sure that made a ton of sense to all you readers, all 5 of you!
Megan Brown was amazing tonight, and I am utterly grateful to her for spending a few hours with me tonight, helping me as I attempt to learn how to sing my Romeo and Juliet recits. We had a blast tonight. That girl is a special one:)
Well folks, I think it's time to get one down to bed. Gotta be up by 6 tomorrow. Time to get me a parking pass, enough of this 14 dollars a day, completely ridiculous. This is Justin signing off.
Over and out!
(side note: Cat Affleck, keep that name somewhere in your brain, because she will be a superstar someday, she is absolutely splendid, from head to foot)
It is just fascinating to be around such unbelievable talent. It's like this gas that is just filling the whole program. Everyone is just bursting with talent, it's very inspiring. And I had a few convo's today about the cross over between Musical Theatre, Acting and Opera, and how that is a good combo of things to keep at your finger tips. I have lots of thinking about what I'm doing in the future, and I know this program is going to help me make a few decisions.
Today I embarked on another life long journey called Alexandre Technique. Now I have studied a little bit of Alexandre in Winnipeg, but this was taking it to a whole new level. Alexandre is about everything in your life, somewhat broad, eh?? So what the heck does that mean then, everything. Well, today we just started with our body posture, the typical performer ways to tighten and stress muscles. The instructors name is Candice, and she basically told us that we might in fact not know ourselves at all, and could possibly be a completely different person. Many people live there lives, but aren't actually living inside there own body. To live in your body means to learn how to be aware of it, and to be present in it in the NOW. How do we be present in the now you might ask? Well it starts with thinking about what is going on in your body at this very moment. Even as you are sitting here reading this blog, think about what your knee's feel like, your head, your spine, your ankles, your shoulders, your neck, what is going on in your body. That awareness is called being present in our body. Of course we can't always be thinking about our bodies, but we could certainly be more aware of what is going on. There is far more I could say about this first Alexandre Technique lesson, but you are probably getting bored, or have already decided to quite reading...STOP...the day isn't done. I had a sing through of Romeo and Juliet, and I sing the part of Gregorio, and Chorus. Well lets just say things didn't really go as planned. I pretty much bombed my part during the sing through, in front of many faculty and fellow NUOVAnites. Oh Well, that's life, eh? And then to top it all off, I missed a lesson today - man Justin, get with the program, literally! In the end everything was fine. I will probably be able to reschedule my lesson.
The most rewarding part of my day was learning Megan Browns 5 STEPS TO SINGING A RECIT:
1. LEARN THE TEXT, WITHOUT RHYTHM OR ANY EMOTION
2. AT THE RHYTHM TO THE TEXT, AND BE VERY PRECISE
3. TAKE AWAY THE WORDS, AND JUST MASTER THE MELODY, WHILE PLAYING THE ORCHESTRAL REDUCTION UNDERNEATH TO GIVE YOU YOUR NOTES
4. ADD THE WORDS BACK IN, BUT WORK SMALL SECTIONS
5. (the last step will tell you if you need to repeat any of the previous steps) BE ABLE TO SING THROUGH THE RECIT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM 5 TIMES IN A ROW, PERFECTLY. No Cheating!!!
-Also mark up your score like crazy, but very neatly. You want to make it as easy as possible for your when you are doing your run throughs. You don't want to have to be thinking about simple timing issues, or if you come in on the downbeat. These are things that can be marked in the score to help you remember so you can better embrace your Recit in a public situation, Example, a first sing through!
Wow, I'm sure that made a ton of sense to all you readers, all 5 of you!
Megan Brown was amazing tonight, and I am utterly grateful to her for spending a few hours with me tonight, helping me as I attempt to learn how to sing my Romeo and Juliet recits. We had a blast tonight. That girl is a special one:)
Well folks, I think it's time to get one down to bed. Gotta be up by 6 tomorrow. Time to get me a parking pass, enough of this 14 dollars a day, completely ridiculous. This is Justin signing off.
Over and out!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 1 - Definitely FOD!
Wowsa, the frist day has come and gone, and what a day it has been. I left a little late today, big shocker (if you know me at all you will understand I'm not the most punctual of people, but I'm workin on it) In leaving late, I thought I would arrive late, however, they said to be there at 8:45 for the exact reason that there would be special people like me that would need to be told 8:45 in order to make it there by 9. One of the many brilliant ideas spewing forth from the brain of Kim Mattice Wanat, the director and founder of Opera NUOVA.
When I arrive they had delicious breakfast treats set out, and my friend Emma Parkinsons greeted me as I entered the Timms Centre (which is the main theatre on U of A campus) Emma and I met in Montreal this past January when I went to visit my dear friend Rebecca Woodmass.
It was nice to see a familiar face, and she was kind enough to introduce me to the people that she knew.
Next Kim hushed us all and began to dive into what NUOVA is all about. Frist off, she is a beautiful person, inside and out (Amazing hair) and she is firecracker of positivity just ready to go off. Her energy is completely contageous and you can't help but smile while she is talking.
This year's theme is "Embracing Change!" Wow, how ironic, probably the one thing that is going on most consitently in my life right now...CHANGE! As soon as she said that, I was like, "landed." (Another word I've picked up from Kim. Used when in a teaching situation you understand what the teacher is saying and are ready to move forward. Quite brilliant when you think about it) I landed right on the word change and it was scary how much I knew I needed to wrap my arms around this word and embrance it! She challenged us to reframe everything, take another look and try to figure out if there is a better way to do it. We are never done learning and in the performance world, you have never fully learned a role, or never fully understand a song, there is always more word to be done; and that is the fun of it all. The process is always changing, which at times can be unsettling, but in change comes growth. Furthermore, she explained that when you give graciously, you will always receive back 10 fold. All these things sound great, but putting them into practice is not so easy. Kim's understanding is that how you do/attempt/accomplish on thing/task, is pretty much how you will do everything (does that make sense) The way you decide which kind of cheese to buy is a prime example of the way you probably make most decisions in your life. We live in patterns, big and small. No matter how important the decision is, you will probably come a conclusion in the same way you would choose your cheese at Safeway. We are comfortable in our patterns. When we try to change the pattern we feel completely on edge, and out of control. And that is the exact place I want to be in during this NUOVA experience. I want to feel uncomfortable, and try to do things differently.
We had to pick 4 words to the acrinome (spelling?) PACE that would help you grow through our 6 weeks at NUOVA. It was completely ironic how much I could analyse about myself even by the way I chose those 4 words. I didn't want to follow my instincts because i was afraid of my words, it was so stupid. Finally I just went back to what first came into my mind.
PASSION
ATITUDE
CHANGE
EXTREME
And then we had to make a goal for the program, a personal goal. Here it is, for all to read, now keep me accountable, because the more people you tell, the more likely you are to actually follow through.
"My Goal is to accept MY voice/sound, and just play and have fun on stage!"
So there you go. That's my goal. I don't really know what it all means yet, but that's what my heart wanted to write!
The rest of the day was a confusing puzzle of understand the strange schedule and also becoming familiar with my surroundings at U of A. I feel much better about where things are now. But in the midst of the day I was a little bit of a mess. I mean, I pretty much just accepted that it was my FOD (Feak Out Day) It had to happen. I was so scared to sing in the sing through, and since we are double cast in Beatrice and Benedict, I said the other dude (Alfred) could sing it. [Justin, come on, seriously, what a little chicken poop] I know, I know, it's time to just suck it up and do it. Throw myself out there and give it a go, even though falling on my face is a very possible consiquence. I'm feelin like it's time for some mud in my face.
Well it's super late, and I could write a ton of stuff about today, and I'm sure everyday, but I have to get up really early for the Breakfast Television show tomorrow. That's all for now folks, this is JFri signing off.
Over and Out!
When I arrive they had delicious breakfast treats set out, and my friend Emma Parkinsons greeted me as I entered the Timms Centre (which is the main theatre on U of A campus) Emma and I met in Montreal this past January when I went to visit my dear friend Rebecca Woodmass.
It was nice to see a familiar face, and she was kind enough to introduce me to the people that she knew.
Next Kim hushed us all and began to dive into what NUOVA is all about. Frist off, she is a beautiful person, inside and out (Amazing hair) and she is firecracker of positivity just ready to go off. Her energy is completely contageous and you can't help but smile while she is talking.
This year's theme is "Embracing Change!" Wow, how ironic, probably the one thing that is going on most consitently in my life right now...CHANGE! As soon as she said that, I was like, "landed." (Another word I've picked up from Kim. Used when in a teaching situation you understand what the teacher is saying and are ready to move forward. Quite brilliant when you think about it) I landed right on the word change and it was scary how much I knew I needed to wrap my arms around this word and embrance it! She challenged us to reframe everything, take another look and try to figure out if there is a better way to do it. We are never done learning and in the performance world, you have never fully learned a role, or never fully understand a song, there is always more word to be done; and that is the fun of it all. The process is always changing, which at times can be unsettling, but in change comes growth. Furthermore, she explained that when you give graciously, you will always receive back 10 fold. All these things sound great, but putting them into practice is not so easy. Kim's understanding is that how you do/attempt/accomplish on thing/task, is pretty much how you will do everything (does that make sense) The way you decide which kind of cheese to buy is a prime example of the way you probably make most decisions in your life. We live in patterns, big and small. No matter how important the decision is, you will probably come a conclusion in the same way you would choose your cheese at Safeway. We are comfortable in our patterns. When we try to change the pattern we feel completely on edge, and out of control. And that is the exact place I want to be in during this NUOVA experience. I want to feel uncomfortable, and try to do things differently.
We had to pick 4 words to the acrinome (spelling?) PACE that would help you grow through our 6 weeks at NUOVA. It was completely ironic how much I could analyse about myself even by the way I chose those 4 words. I didn't want to follow my instincts because i was afraid of my words, it was so stupid. Finally I just went back to what first came into my mind.
PASSION
ATITUDE
CHANGE
EXTREME
And then we had to make a goal for the program, a personal goal. Here it is, for all to read, now keep me accountable, because the more people you tell, the more likely you are to actually follow through.
"My Goal is to accept MY voice/sound, and just play and have fun on stage!"
So there you go. That's my goal. I don't really know what it all means yet, but that's what my heart wanted to write!
The rest of the day was a confusing puzzle of understand the strange schedule and also becoming familiar with my surroundings at U of A. I feel much better about where things are now. But in the midst of the day I was a little bit of a mess. I mean, I pretty much just accepted that it was my FOD (Feak Out Day) It had to happen. I was so scared to sing in the sing through, and since we are double cast in Beatrice and Benedict, I said the other dude (Alfred) could sing it. [Justin, come on, seriously, what a little chicken poop] I know, I know, it's time to just suck it up and do it. Throw myself out there and give it a go, even though falling on my face is a very possible consiquence. I'm feelin like it's time for some mud in my face.
Well it's super late, and I could write a ton of stuff about today, and I'm sure everyday, but I have to get up really early for the Breakfast Television show tomorrow. That's all for now folks, this is JFri signing off.
Over and Out!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
It all starts...NOW!!!
Well hello blogging world. This is a first for Justin Gerhard Klassen Friesen. (and I want to apologise up front and centre for all the spelling mistakes that will take place throughout my blogging life) Justin and spelling have a love/hate relationship.
[funny side note, I already noticed that I spelled learns as lears in the title of my blog. Simply ironic, but typcial me]
I wanted to write a blog so that A. I can look back on this experience in Edmonton and remember the things that happened day to day. B. so that my family and friends can try and figure out the very strange world of opera (if they are at all interested) and C. becasue I've always wanted to get better at writing, and I figure there is only one way to do that...Just DO IT!
Here I am, sitting in Menno and Lee's computer room, in a house on an lot outside the city. I woke up this morning feeling scared and excited all in the same heartbeat. I can't believe this NUOVA thing is actually here. After Auditioning in November, it's kind of just been sitting on the back burning in my mind all year. And now it has finally arrived. It all starts...NOW!!!
I did a little test drive into the city today to see how long the commute will be. My guess is that the morning trip will be about 30 minutes, and I will give myself a good 45, and then the trip home, because it's later at night, will probably be doable in 25 minutes! I've decided that the commute will be my alone time. The time I need to unwind and just process what all unfolded in my brain that day! Driving is quite therepudic, and because I haven't really used a car consitently since commuting to RJC in high school, it feels great to be back behind the wheel.
I got my starter package today at the early registration. There were to gentlemen, simon and JD (I think it was JD, J something) who greeted me. Then I chose a locker, and that was it. Wow, simple. Almost too simple. I feel as though tomorrow they are just going to hit us hard and then we will all freak out about everything. That's kind of the artist thing to do. Be chill, and then totally freak out. I always need a good freak out day (FOD). Tomorrow just might be my FOD. I'll let you know if it is.
When I got home after the registration, Menno, Lee and I laughed and chatted our way through a delicious supper on the deck! I am just tickled pink that I get the opportunity to get to live with them for the next 6 weeks. And having there son and daughter-in-law (Justin and Devo) and their Grandchild Maklin around is going to be a blast as well. They were all here this morning for brunch, which is apparently a sunday tradition. I hope I have time to make a regular appearance at that.
Well, (as my character from the Bale Scene would say) I guess it's time for bed. It's going to be a full day tomorrow, and I need a good sleep in order to be able to take it all in. (who am I kidding, nothing could prepare me for tomorrow, this is going to be nuts, absolutely freakin nuts, peanuts even, walnuts, chestnuts, heck why not even some cashews, just because i love them.
Wish me luck!
Thats all for now folks, this is JFri signing off.
Over and out!
[funny side note, I already noticed that I spelled learns as lears in the title of my blog. Simply ironic, but typcial me]
I wanted to write a blog so that A. I can look back on this experience in Edmonton and remember the things that happened day to day. B. so that my family and friends can try and figure out the very strange world of opera (if they are at all interested) and C. becasue I've always wanted to get better at writing, and I figure there is only one way to do that...Just DO IT!
Here I am, sitting in Menno and Lee's computer room, in a house on an lot outside the city. I woke up this morning feeling scared and excited all in the same heartbeat. I can't believe this NUOVA thing is actually here. After Auditioning in November, it's kind of just been sitting on the back burning in my mind all year. And now it has finally arrived. It all starts...NOW!!!
I did a little test drive into the city today to see how long the commute will be. My guess is that the morning trip will be about 30 minutes, and I will give myself a good 45, and then the trip home, because it's later at night, will probably be doable in 25 minutes! I've decided that the commute will be my alone time. The time I need to unwind and just process what all unfolded in my brain that day! Driving is quite therepudic, and because I haven't really used a car consitently since commuting to RJC in high school, it feels great to be back behind the wheel.
I got my starter package today at the early registration. There were to gentlemen, simon and JD (I think it was JD, J something) who greeted me. Then I chose a locker, and that was it. Wow, simple. Almost too simple. I feel as though tomorrow they are just going to hit us hard and then we will all freak out about everything. That's kind of the artist thing to do. Be chill, and then totally freak out. I always need a good freak out day (FOD). Tomorrow just might be my FOD. I'll let you know if it is.
When I got home after the registration, Menno, Lee and I laughed and chatted our way through a delicious supper on the deck! I am just tickled pink that I get the opportunity to get to live with them for the next 6 weeks. And having there son and daughter-in-law (Justin and Devo) and their Grandchild Maklin around is going to be a blast as well. They were all here this morning for brunch, which is apparently a sunday tradition. I hope I have time to make a regular appearance at that.
Well, (as my character from the Bale Scene would say) I guess it's time for bed. It's going to be a full day tomorrow, and I need a good sleep in order to be able to take it all in. (who am I kidding, nothing could prepare me for tomorrow, this is going to be nuts, absolutely freakin nuts, peanuts even, walnuts, chestnuts, heck why not even some cashews, just because i love them.
Wish me luck!
Thats all for now folks, this is JFri signing off.
Over and out!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
