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 Singer’s Addiction Part 6: It’s All About You
As published in Classical Singer Magazine, Feb 2009 This series of articles has addressed the imbalance of defining yourself by the elusive chimera of operatic stardom. I hope I have offered different points of view, glimpses of other paths, and tools for insight and healing. We can incorporate the singing we love into our lives…
The Singer’s Addiction Part 5: Learn to Forgive Yourself
As published in Classical Singer Magazine January 2009 I’m in the dressing room of my mind, and I’m trying on phrases: “I stopped singing five years ago.” “I used to be an opera singer.” “Oh yes, I still sing, just not opera anymore.” Why all the waffling? I’m a retired opera singer. Ouch, that sounds…
The Singer’s Addiction Part 4: Finding a New Elixir of Love
As published in Classical Singer Magazine, December 2008 So here we are, back at the question I asked in my first article, “After singing, what else is there?” A friend and colleague told me that all she could do in this life was sing lead roles or teach singing. That may be true, and indeed…
The Addiction of Singing Pt. 3: I Will Never Be Hungry Again
As published in Classical Singer Magazine, November 2008 No matter how lovable you are, you can’t make someone love you. You can fascinate them for a few minutes but you can’t make anyone love you or your voice. So why do we try so hard? Why is it a failure, in our own eyes and…
The Singer’s Addiction Part 2: Rhett, Where Will I Go, What Will I Do?
As published in Classical Singer Magazine, October 2008 I asked the exquisite Cuban soprano Teresita Pons how she dealt with the pain of not singing anymore. Her reply was achingly honest. “Singing is an addiction,” she said. “You cannot separate yourself from it. You do whatever you need to do to continue. The fact that…
The Singers Addiction: How Do You Stop Singing?
As published in Classical Singer, September 2008 Much like that wonderful line from The Princess Bride, “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die,” I warn you. As we begin the discussion of retiring from professional singing, prepare to be wounded. It is achingly difficult to think of giving up…
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?