Saturday, 28 May 2011

In Noreni Per-i-Pe...

... In noreni co-ra

Don't ask me what that means, don't even ask me what language it is. I don't know. I asked and was told "Pseudo-Latin? Who knows. It just sounds good." I didn't complain because boy does it sound good! Everyone sounds amazing altogether, it is such a haunting song, made even more so by the fact that it is going to be staged in complete darkness as the opening number for the Christchurch relief concert I am involved with.

We're also performing "Heal the World," "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," "Do you Hear the People Sing?" (my personal fave), and the one quoted above which is called "1492 Songs of Conquest." I believe the latter is affiliated to Christchurch in some way, I heard someone mentioning the Canterbury Rugby team, but that may have been coincidental. I wouldn't know. I have no attention or interest for rugby.

I do have a burning interest for performing though, and every spare moment I have I find myself thinking about the stage. It has become somewhat of an obsession, buoyed only by the recent success and involvement. I can not wait for Joesph rehearsals to begin. But, right now, I have my hands full with these rehearsals!

We have a 5 hour rehearsal tomorrow. It's extra cool because we will finally be blocking the show! Horray! We're required to know all our words tomorrow - strictly no music allowed! I know it's only four songs but as a resolute and remorseful procrastinator I, of course, haven't learned any of the words...

Oh well... looks like the one hour train ride will be put to good use after all...

Tuesday, 17 May 2011

A Little Bit Suck...

Last week I received an email. It was a "Sorry to inform you" email.

Unfortunately the theater company I had just been accepted into was unable to cast enough men to play the brothers. They decided to postpone the production until 2012. I was horrified! It was so upsetting because I had worked so hard, and I was really, really excited about doing a musical. My flatmate assured me that there would be something better coming along. I agreed, because I do believe in positive thinking, but needless to say, I wasn't feeling very optimistic.

BUT! A few days later I had another audition. And it was for Joseph. Again! Buoyed by my earlier success, I had little fear of auditioning this time around. Not only did I get in, (I will be playing Asher's wife, and I am part of the female chorus) but I have also been cast as the Baker because the girl supposed to be playing him (her?) pulled out. PLUS, this theater is CLOSER to my house... as in walking distance. The other theater was a 45 minute, $13.80, bus ride away.

But the good news doesn't stop there, no sire. Harlequin Theater (the first, postponed, company) has joined forces with Papakura Theater Company, Puketoe Theater Company and the Auckland Wind Orchestra to produce the "All In This Together" benefit concert to aid the Christchurch relief fund - all proceeds will be donated to helping out Christchurch after the recent earthquakes!

Not only is this a great cause, but I was born in Christchurch, so I feel an extra connection with the people suffering there. When I was asked if I would be interested, of course I said "Heck yes!"
Rehearsals began this past weekend, it was great fun! It feels AMAZING to be back amongst performers. The concert is being performed next month, and the session ends before rehearsals for Pitt Street Theater even begin, so I will have no clashing timetables!

Isn't it funny how things really do turn out for the best... :)

Friday, 29 April 2011

Saturday, 16 April 2011

Joseph Auditions - First Audition in 5 Years!

I've gone and done something crazy. I have scheduled an audition. For tomorrow. I don't know what's gotten into me, I'm being spontaneous and brave! (Actually, the reason for my madness is THIS new blog www.75-Things.blogspot.com I decided it would be fun. It doesn't seem like such a good idea when I'm 24 hours away from my FIRST Musical Theatre audition in 5 years though...)

If I hadn't already promised myself that I would go, I would probably by concocting excuses to tell my family and friends by now. But, thankfully, I've finally realised that denying my dream is only hurting me. I want to audition, I've been dreaming of getting a role in a Musical for so very long. So, pending any catastrophe that prohibits me going, I will be at that audition on Sunday 17th. Eeeek!!!

I probably won't be allowed to tape my actual audition for you guys, so I'm going to sing my two songs for you now. Wish me luck! :)

Monday, 14 March 2011

Second Lesson and Update

After all my gusto in the aftermath of my first lesson I am disappointed and rather sheepish to admit that I have not sung since then.

I went some way towards remedying myself today though. I practiced for almost 90 minutes and found my breath work to already be greatly improving. Not only is my breath silent and full but I have increased my hold from 12 seconds to 18 seconds. (Goal is 25 seconds.)

He was very impressed with my improvement and revealed he considers me a fast learner with a beautiful voice. My newly inflated ego was blown, however, when he commented on the lack of power in my voice. We worked on projecting and my homework this week is to add gradual volume and power to my singing.

Monday, 7 March 2011

First Lesson!

I am so pleased with my first singing lesson today. We went very in-depth about breath work and the science of singing. I'm not going to go into depth about it myself because I have no idea where to start, I'll just end up boring you and sounding like a lunatic. One of those "Sounds good when he said it, had to be there" type scenarios.

I am so very, very glad that I am finally singing again! It's like a tremendous burden has been lifted. :)