Music. How can I start being involved in music? I’ve been asked this in some form or another from time to time. There will always be more than one path to follow, I promise. So, perhaps the real question is, how can I start following my path?
I first started dancing when I was 15 years old. That age can be difficult for any young man, but was particularly a challenging moment in my family’s history. At the time, I was living in a homeless shelter with my mom and siblings. Yet amidst all of this I managed to set foot in a dance studio for the first time.
So, for those of us in the musical theatre realm we know just how important the accompanist can be to have a successful audition. However, I find that so many performers don’t know how to prepare to work with a live accompanist nowadays.
As musical theatre performers, we are sometimes required to do it all – sing, dance, act, build sets, market shows, etc. At least when it comes your voice, being a “jack of trades” – belting and singing legit- brings greater vocal freedom, power and health.
Whether you are performing in summer stock theater, working a vocally demanding Shakespeare festival or keeping up with a busy audition schedule, your voice is the center of your craft. Your voice must be in top shape or you run the risk of losing a job or even more concerning – vocal injury.
I know this is hard. I know you have your heart set on a particular role.
You aren’t the only one.
This business is crazy. It isn’t fair. Most of the choices are not in your control.
Get used to this. It is the way of our world.
So what should you do? Focus on what you can control.
Steph Parry has spent the last five years as part of the ensemble in a number of West End productions and is now leading the cast of MAMMA MIA! on board Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. I caught up with her in her sunny cabin in the Caribbean over an English cuppa, surrounded by her books and a mirror full of positivity quotes….
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