CLASSES
Virtual or In-Person Classes Accessible to All
For years, I have developed lessons for various programs across the United States based on subjects I find impactful to leaders, performers, and audiences alike. These have recently been adapted to be able to be produced virtually as well, and are often excellent initial steps for ensembles to begin the performance journey.
ORGANIC ACTING - DON'T ACT: REACT.
"Acting" is a misnomer for so many people. To act as someone else would, divorced from your own feelings and emotions, is the death of any convincing connection to an audience. We discuss the techniques used to move away from "acting" and begin "real living in imaginary circumstances." By focusing on our own experience, we can take our planned performance and make it organic, real, and relatable. This connection can truly electrify an audience.
PERFORMING WITH NERVES
If you aren't nervous, then you aren't doing it right! But how can we take our nerves, control them, and channel them into delivering a performance of a lifetime? We discuss strategies to channel nervousness into a useful resource - giving us the edge we need to overcome its grip.
EMOTION THROUGH MUSIC
For musical performances, often people believe they must choose between being an "actor" or a "singer." The balance between the two is often hard to define, and even harder to pursue. Through specific examples, we can learn how engaging both sides of this coin has advantages we might miss otherwise.
A STANDING OVATION, BEFORE WE START
Often, an event can be made-or-broke before the first performer steps on the stage. With years of stage production management, I have seen shows dead on arrival. In this lesson, we examine the specific examples improve your audiences reception before they even sit in their seat. From advertising to facilities to comfort, focusing on impressing our audience has to start in planning. Only then can we truly hope for a standing ovation every time.
HOW TO IMPRESS THE PERFORMANCE JUDGE
We develop strategies to constantly impact your performance judge! Established in 1938, the Barbershop Harmony Society has a long history of creating memorable musical performances. Together we explore the history of Barbershop judging related to performance, acting, presentation, and choreography - seeing how, in the last 70 years, it has evolved and changed to be what we know today - and how to use that to our advantage.
