5 Essential Steps to Ace a Voice Audition
FEBRUARY 18, 2019 ADRIA FIRESTONE Do you think I’m going to tell you about a magic elixir? No, but I am going to give you a few valuable suggestions I know can make a huge difference in your audition experience. STEP 1: YOUR FIRM FOUNDATION Make sure your foundation – your rhythm – is part of…
8 Tips for a Dynamite Head Shot
Do you realize that your headshot is like the logo of a business? You already know corporations spend from thousands to millions of dollars on a logo, right? So, given the importance of a headshot – were you thinking of snapping a selfie? Don’t. What makes a good headshot different from a beautiful picture? You…
What I Did for Love
Over 30 years ago I stepped onstage as a dazzled ten year old, eager for my first sprinkling of stardust. Years later I was teary eyed and choking on the glitter that rained to beautiful visual effect on Act IV of Carmen in the Canary Islands. How remarkable that although I know full well that…
How to Create a Character, part 2
Continuing to use Carmen as an example, we now ask what does the music say about your character. Who is this character in their music? Now, look at the rhythm of each character and realize that every character has their unique rhythmic tattoo. Even with Carmen, at her very first entrance before she sings the…
How to Create a Character, Part 1
The other day I was teaching a class I loved at the University exploring the roles of the well-known opera Carmen. What do we as actors have to do with a character from the late 19th century? Actually, a lot. Other than the occasional alien I’ve met, most of us are human, dealing with the…
The Carmen of 70 Meters
Una ‘Carmen de setenta metros Yesterday at a press conference here in Ávila, Spain, a 15th century walled city, I was asked did I get anything out of being in these ancient walls. There are a couple of paths to take with a question like that – be diplomatic and give a “Come visit Ávila”…
Sensuality On Stage
Classical Singer, Vol 13 No.1, January 2000 How do I project sensuality on stage … and feel good about it? In response to a recent letter, Adria Firestone, a mezzo specializing in the role of Carmen, detailed her in-depth approach to role study. Dear Miss Firestone: I have been having some difficulties with Carmen, for…
Singing & Acting: Lovers or Enemies?
. . . But then, if you really want to embody a character onstage, isn’t it part of your discipline and responsibility to look like that character as well? Aren’t singers Olympic athletes? Aren’t we a performance package?
How to Build a Character: for Voice Actors
. . . Actors, take note! Acting is acting whether you are miming silently, speaking into a microphone, or on the operatic stage.
Whenever people hear a beautiful speaking voice, they say, “Oh, you should get into voice overs — it’s easy!” Think again. Voice acting, because that is what it is, is far from easy. You don’t have scenery, fabulous lighting,