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Master Class and Intensive: Don’t Just Sing, Say Something!
By billalpert | Events
A Six Week Musical Theater Workshop Presented by The Alpert Studio for ages 13-25
November 1 – December 6, 2010
Six Monday nights from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
What’s the magic ingredient that will unlock your talent, rivet your audience and get you the part?
Acting is now the single most important factor in booking jobs in musical theater.
In the past, performers could book jobs based on sheer vocal quality, but those times have come to an end. In the contemporary theater world, the interpretation of the song comes first and foremost. To succeed in today, you must not only be believable, but able to act and communicate your song in a way that is clear, and specific, yet layered.
Participation is limited – Enroll Now to Reserve Your Spot.
This class is open to the general public, as well as friends and families of the Alpert Studio, so tell your friends!
Tuition: $150 per student, $100 per additional student (siblings)
Who Should Attend:
This intensive is aimed at the serious student, who is looking to be a part of the competitive, but rewarding world of musical theater. It will prepare you for your musical theater audition, and give you all the tools (and songs) you need to book the job.
We will explore the world of song interpretation in depth, with a strong focus on the fundamentals of acting a song.
We are honored to feature Broadway star Danny Gurwin who will lead a dual session master class. Performers will have the opportunity to work at every session with pianist and accompanist Janet Noll.
Finding your song (by Brandon Alpert)
The shortest path to successfully acting a song, is finding the right material. In fact, you must have an audition songbook, with multiple pieces of varying styles, to winningly showcase your talent.
Before I understood this process, I often fell into the trap (as many young singers do) of choosing songs that simply sounded pretty. Songs that simply showed off my voice. I wasn’t getting the results I desired at auditions. I eventually learned, from people like Danny Gurwin, how to find songs that not only showed off my voice, but also told a personal story. I learned that the right material naturally builds a connection between singer, song and audience.
Once I built up my new collection of songs, people took notice and I began to book more jobs than ever before. All I needed was some guidance, feedback and a bit of inspiration. That’s exactly what you’ll get here.
“Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.â€
– Meryl Streep
There is no specific set of rules to successfully acting a song, but to truly understand and communicate your material, you must start with the lyrics. By performing your song as a monologue, you’ll better comprehend the writer’s intentions, and begin the journey toward creating an authentic experience. Therefore, you aren’t just singing, you’re saying something. And here, we’ll work hard to discover what that actually means.
The class is called “Don’t Just Sing, Say Something†because as a performer without a message, the audience (or your audition panel) will tune you right out.
How many times have you seen a performer who simply bored you? Find out why… exactly what was missing, and the most common pitfalls to avoid.
To be a great acting singer, (and that’s our goal for the class) you must be able to fully comprehend (for every song you sing) who you are, what you are singing about, and most importantly, WHY you are singing. This class will make you reach deeper within yourself every time you step on stage.
Biographies:
Brandon Alpert
Award winning actor and singer, Brandon Alpert is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Brandon is a busy performer and teacher, working all over Southern California. Â He has appeared in over 20 productions including most recently, acclaimed productions of “RENT”, and “Urinetown”. He recently signed with Buchwald Talent Group, one of the finest agencies in the entertainment business. This past summer, he attended the “MAKING IT ON BROADWAY” Intensive, and was a part of National Teachers of Singing Conference in Salt Lake City.
“ Brandon, brings life and love to his character and also has a truly beautiful voice†– Darcie Flanburg
Danny Gurwin
A Broadway veteran for the last 12 years, learn from one of New York’s best! With shows such as Little Women, Urinetown, The Full Monty, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Kismet, A Little Night Music, Forbidden Broadway, A New Brain, and The Thing About Men to name a few, Danny Gurwin has hands-on experience working with some of the New York Theatre’s most accomplished directors, choreographers, designers, and actors.
“Danny manages to push you to places with your talent you never thought possible, in a completely safe and always encouraging environment. Ultimately, he focuses on bringing back an honesty to Musical Theatre, digging for truth in a character with every song a journey of self-realization. To put it simply, after working with Danny, I feel as if I could do anything without any restrictions or fear. I could conquer any obstacle or challenge the business has to offer.”
– Kelly McCormack
Janet Noll, accompanist
Janet Noll has earned degrees from the University of Kentucky (Bachelor of Music and Master of Library Science) and the University of Montana (Master of Music). Ms. Noll’s accompanying and coaching experience spans thirty-five years, and includes work in the areas of chamber music, solo, vocal and instrumental duo work, choral ensembles, musical theatre and opera productions. She is a solo and duo pianist, harpsichordist, fortepianist, and chamber musician.