Blog 7

As a performer, I would say my strengths are acting in character, a natural feel for singing, and I think I am capable of portraying many different types of characters. I am not the best dancer, although I do not think I would be involved in a type of performance that requires that skill. I can definitely work on my singing, and connecting with the audience. I have a decent grasp on what it takes to sing, but my lack of practice and experience prohibits me from reaching my full potential. That being said, I think with practice I can become a lot better. When I sing, it is hard not to close my eyes at some times. That can break the connection you have with your audience, so I need to work on staying engaged. They want to see that you are speaking to them, because that keeps the flow of the story going.
I think the piece I chose to perform the perfect combination of challenging myself, as well as showcasing my abilities. Because I do not have a lot of experience signing, this piece itself is a challenge. But being able to pick it up naturally showcases my potential as a singer, as well as portraying the character singing the song. If I can stay connected with the audience, and perform the right gestures and acts of emotion while signing the song, I will be able to demonstrate my strengths as a performer. This is a good audition piece because it showcases my abilities in more ways than one. I am signing, acting, and trying to connect with the audience all at the same time. It is definitely a challenge as well as a good depiction of my talents.
The piece I chose, Ill Make A Man Out of You from Mulan, is a classic disney song that requires acting strength as well as vocal strength. Although I do like disney, I probably would not consider that type of performing to be my forte. That is more for theatrical actors that really need to embellish their emotions on stage to a large crowd. I would say that on camera/ movie acting is more of my style, but this piece can show my range as an actor. This piece shows a director that I have a broad versatility, and can perform what is asked of me. I can assume many roles which is something I think a director needs in order to have confidence in my ability as a performer. To convince a director to take a chance on me in casting, my audition definitely needs to be flawless in that every note is hit, as well as a consistency in character. I need to really connect with who is ever listening, and make sure they feel the story the song is representing. It is not just enough to sing, good acting while singing is what will separate me from other contestants because performing two aspects of a piece well at the same time is hard to do. My introduction before I even start also needs to be on point with what he is looking for. A first impression can sometimes be the only piece of assurance a director needs when casting.

Broadway or Bust Blog

Jake Moss

Ms. Guarino

Acting 101

From watching Broadway or Bust, I learned that the broadway industry is no walk in the park. Those in charge of the performance are highly skeptical, and almost brutally harsh at times. It seems like everyone just wants to make a point to make themselves heard. I also learned how difficult preparation for these type of performances can be. They had about 5 days to prepare a couple of numbers to perform. Even though they have been singing all week, they still have to save their best performance for last, even if it kills them.

Im not sure if I identify with any of the people in the film. I enjoyed watching their talents at work, and there were probably some things I could relate with, but not enough to identify with any of them.

What I will probably incorporate into my piece that I observed from the film is making a big effort to stay in character. I think making your audience feel something is the most important part of the performance. Because in the end, that is why you are performing; to entertain an audience. 

Broadway or Bust Notes

Notes on Broadway or Bust

• Actors that want to be on broadway have a different type of charisma
• They are energetic and generally happy, although very competitive
• The choreography is difficult to learn, especially in the time given
• Theatre acting requires a new level of emotion and emphasis
• It is a very competitive market for trying to find broadway actors, limited roles
• Critics are especially tough on the young actors, even excessively at times
• there is no room for error in the competition they are apart of
• kids go from being the best locally, to just another number in this competition because everyone else is as good as they are. You really need to prove yourself in order to stand out amongst the other contestants
• Performances must be as fundamentally sound as possible. It must be thoroughly perfect, even through the introducing of themselves to the judges
• Everything and every action made is being judge by one of the judges

Scenework

The overall performance of the scene-work was successful. Although not too long, we learned how to stretch a scene with dramatic pauses and extended annunciation. Friends, a sitcom classic, is notorious for having characters play off each other to add more comedic value. In order to make this scene work, John and I had to understand each other well enough to play off each others emotions to really make it funny.

I learned that it is easy for me to play off others in comedic scenes like this one. I understood John and the emphasis he was implementing, helping me follow with an appropriate reaction. I like working with john because his emotions are clear and loud making them quite entertaining. He is very funny and quick witted, making comedy scenes and easy piece to perform. I also learned that spacing when filming is key. It looks different on camera opposed to what is feels like in person. You never want to have your back to the audience (camera), so the positioning of conversations is more open, rather than face to face. 

It is important to know the backstory of a scene performing. Because without context, it is hard to react accordingly. John and I both know Friends pretty well, so this scene was easily identifiable because we knew the emotions and personalities of the characters we were trying to portray. Memorization was easy because I could picture Chandler, the character I was playing, saying the lines in my head so I acted what I knew. I think John used the same technique in order to play Joey.

I loved doing this scene because Friends is a comedic sitcom classic. The two characters we acted out are beloved for how funny they are. John and I were funny acting as a duo, and we generally work well together. We delivered the lines matched with the correct tone. This means everything when trying to show the backstory for a little bit of context.