W4D2 - The art of Connection

There were a few different themes of the day! In morning inspiration we talked about being as efficient as possible. A lot of times we are just wasting time, on Facebook, looking into the mirror (checking outselves out for way to long - I know we all do this) I have spoken about this before, but I truely believe that when we follow our instincts, and don't try and think so much about what we should do next, we wouldn't waste so much time deciding what to do. When you have specific goals, and you just do them, things get done, but you must be efficient.

My first class this morning was acting with Michael. What I love about Michael is that we only talk for approx. 5 minutes and the beginning and then it's right into the activity we are doing. No beating around the bush, we just get right down to business. Today was all about connetion. This is perhaps one of the most important things to know about being a performer. Your number one priority is the audience. We often forget that. That is not to say the person you are on stage with isn't important - they are incredibly important - however, if the audience doesn't understand what is going on, if what we are doing on stage isn't reading right, that it's all lost. This miscommunication happens all the time in real life too. We aren't always very good listeners. It's not your line that's important, what's important is if the audience recieved the information and were able to process it. It sounds semi technical, but it's all very natural. So many times the performer is so into themselves that they are telling the audience what they are, instead of speaking to the audience and letting them drink it in and absorb it.

I care way to much about myself when I perform. I wouldn't say I am a cocky self-centered performer, that's not really what I mean. Rather, I mean that I don't listen to my fellow stage members enough, or do i make sure the audience is reading what i'm doing correctly. It's when you start caring about the audience more than yourself that memorable moments are witnessed.

So, today we did an exercise in which we partnered up and one person had to lead, and the other follow. The leader had to talk about a certain subject. (lets say fruit) So the leader speaks, and the followers plays copy cat, but without any delay. The follower has to say the words as they are coming out of the leaders mouth. It was an incredibly out of body experience, in which, when I was the follower, I had to let go of my left brain and just follow Michaels mouth and thoughts. It was awesome, and when I was leading, I really noticed how much I don't think at all about the fact that half of what i say, I say to fast. Which means that half of what I say doesn't land one anyone, know one is recieving it. It's not really about slowing down to a snails pace, it's more about looking at your scene partner, or audience, and making sure they are recieving what you are giving. This is the same for an audition panel. Your job is to make sure they recieved what you sent out. NO MATTER what happens vocally, you will have impressed them with your confiedence and groundedness. It was a great lesson to learn today. I have noticed that one of my greatest attributes is also the very thing that holds me back. My energy is usually rockin up in the clouds, and although it's all positive, I still get in my own way with the fact that I want IT so bad.

P A T I E N C E (is all I have to say)

Next i had a masterclass with Kim, and I will admit, I went in not really expecting anything. NOt becuase it was Kim, but more becuase i was tired and didn't feel like I could sing. SO many negative thoughts in one sentense. I got up to sing and it wasn't very fun. Kim then gave me the permission to try anything and it doesn't matter what happens. Her little trick/trigger, is to thinking of drinking the sound. Like a coffee with Bailey's (Grandma, are you still lovin the Bailey's!!) Thinking about this, also gives my left brain something to do, rather then analyse myself. My left brain engine is over heated everyday, and that's not the way life should be lived.

I have a few things that I have noticed so far this week:

1. I have to get out of my own way, I don't have to have the same big sound as all the other opera singers around me.

2. I have to accept my own voice

3. I must care more about the audience and them recieving what I am giving out.

4. breathing happens in the lungs, and your tummy and back move too.

5. Everything starts with the breath, all the intention is behind the breath

6. Sub text is a really effective way to develop each moment further.

7. Drink the notes, and forget about what the sound sounds like to you, just start singing by feel.

There are proabably other things too, but my eyes are starting to droop.

The rest of the day was kinda blahhhh. Romeo and Juliet was fun, and then we had a Beatrice and Benedict musical runthrough. The orchestra is brilliant, this is another reason I could never leave the opera world, I have to be able to perform with a orchestra.

Gotta get to bed, Cheers!

Over and out:)