Online acting/singing lessons for novice thespian?

June 24, 2017 9:41 AM

I have been halfway talked into auditioning for my local community theater in the fall.

I have never acted, always staying backstage, and that not recently. Never had any formal instruction in singing.

I need some recommendations for online acting/singing tips and lessons - I don't know where to start.

Tips would also be welcome.

If it matters, I am a woman, and an alto.

posted by Archipelago to Media & Arts (2 answers total)

My first tip: contact the community theater you want to work with, and ask them for recommendations for local voice teachers and/or acting classes. If these resources exist anywhere nearby, they will probably know. If there's really nothing available in-person in your area, then there are some other options.

VOICE:
I'm no expert on voice lessons, but I can tell you that, because voice lessons are typically taught one-on-one, online options do exist. Just by Googling, I found a ton. There are also tons of introductory vocal technique videos on Youtube, so you could try that, too. Search Youtube for "voice lessons," "vocal warmup," etc.

ACTING:
I have at times done audition or acting coaching over video chat for actors who already have at least some experience. However, acting is by its nature a skill that requires you to interact with people -- both other actors and the audience -- and so it's best learned in a room with other people. It can certainly be interesting and thought-provoking to watch videos or read books about acting, but the only way to get better at acting is to practice with other humans.

If there aren't any acting classes for adults in your area, you can still learn by being in a production. To do that, you'll need to audition -- and the attitude with which you come into the audition will make a big difference, especially in community theater. For example...

Goofus: "Hi, I'm Goofus and I've never acted before, but I've always been told I'm a natural and I expect you to cast me as the lead. I may grudgingly agree to do something other than play the lead, but I will consider it beneath my dignity and I'll give you a ton of attitude about it."

Gallant: "Hi, I'm Gallant and this is my first-ever audition. I'm hoping for a small part -- for instance, I'd be thrilled to be in the chorus -- and I'm willing to contribute to the production in any way I can, including offering my skills/experience with set-building, lights, and/or anything else you need. Most of all, I want to learn and I'm willing to work hard. If you're not able to cast me in this show, I'd still be happy to help with the backstage stuff, and if you ever offer acting classes, I'd love to take them."

As a director, I will pass on Goofus every time, but I'll happily put Gallant in a small role if I can. Over time, if Gallant keeps showing up and working hard, she will gain experience and get better at acting, and I will grow to regard her as someone who can be counted on -- and in subsequent productions, I'll cast her again.
posted by ourobouros at 9:03 AM on June 25, 2017

A friend of mine told me today that you can look on takelessons.com for acting/voice teachers that work online.
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:41 PM on June 25, 2017 [1 favorite]