A couple of weeks ago, I was fortunate to be invited to audition for multiple roles in two major feature films within just a few days of each other.
For the first audition, I was more than pleased to be able to wield my foreign language and accent dexterity in creating some comedic moments. Evaluating the other auditionees, it became clear the casting director was reading all types and varieties–male and female–in order to provide production with a depth of potential talent from which to select. I left feeling confident with my read and my character, having no sense about what the outcome might be.
At the second audition, upon arrival I knew something unusual was up. It was evident that my interpretation of the primary character differed greatly from that of the others seated in the room, even by evaluation of clothing choices. After a period of silence in which one could hear the low murmur of lines in rehearsal, the casting director came out and spiritedly announced, “Okay! So you’re gonna read … Read more »
A couple of weeks ago I was called to audition for a new web series. The concept was interesting and I was immediately engaged by the script and the character–she and the scene simply sprang to life in my mind. It took no time for me to assemble her wardrobe and and characteristics. The morning of the audition, I ran through my mental checklist.
Headshot and resume? Check.
Sides? Check.
Wardrobe to change into? Check.
Address? Check.
Pen? Check.
I was ready. As I always try to do, I arrived early. I took a quick two minutes to change into the wardrobe I had prepared, powdered my nose and returned to the waiting room to review my lines. Soon thereafter I was called into an office by the casting director wherein sat a handful of people. After my first read, I was given some direction and asked to read again. I set down my sides (they were inhibiting my acting) and read … Read more »
I was socializing at a dinner party the other night when someone inquired what I do for a living. I stated that I am an actress and musician.
“What do you play?”
“I’m a soprano,” I replied smilingly.
“Oh, you’re a singer…,” came the lackluster response.
Ugh. I’m sure my eyes rolled.
What is it that causes people to classify singers in an order separate from instrumentalists?! Whenever a person hears the term “musician”, s/he immediately–and only–thinks “instrumentalist”. The consistent dissociation of “singer” from the superset of “musician” is baffling to me. As singers, do we not read music? Do we not interpret what the composer has set upon on the page? Do we not use an instrument to produce sound? True, our instruments are embedded within our bodies, but this makes it no less of an instrument. In fact, studies have shown that the act of singing engages more regions of the brain than does the playing of any instrument. Perhaps we, as singers, are the superior musician.
For those curious readers out … Read more »
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