Allison Surratt, Voice Instructor, Charlotte Academy of Music
On Thursday, September 18th Charlotte Academy of Music hosted a very prestigious visitor. Tony award nominee and Broadway star, Adam Pascal, taught a master class for musical theater hopefuls in the area.
Adam has been conducting master classes as part of the Straight from New York workshop and concert series. This series brings big name Broadway performers to cities around the US so that new talent can benefit from their knowledge and experience. Master classes are a great way for students to get performance feedback from professionals and most students walk away having learned invaluable information about performing and the theater business.
Straight From New York’s artistic director, Tyce Green, approached us to see if we were interested in having Adam come after Tyce met one of my students, Ava Furr, his workshop earlier this summer in Texas. He was impressed with Ava’s performance and wondered if there would be more students in Charlotte who would be interested in taking the class. He contacted the Charlotte Academy of Music and the rest is history! We believe this is the beginning of a great relationship with Straight from New York bringing Broadway stars to our doorstep.
All participants performed 32 bars of music from a song of their choice. Adam then worked through the songs with them by giving suggestions, having them perform the song again a different way, and using their songs as examples for what to do in auditions. For young students hoping to make it on Broadway, this was a great way to get an insider’s view on what is expected in a professional audition.
Adam also shared anecdotes from his life and gave advice based on his own experiences. He emphasized the importance of practicing, studying with good teachers and always being prepared fully for auditions. Adam said to not assume because the director knows you and you are normally a good performer that you are a shoo-in for the part you want. An actor’s attitude is very important in auditions. Adam shared so much wonderful information with us on T that it would be impossible for you to get the same benefit without actually attending one of his workshops. Nevertheless, here are some things that are great to remember while performing:
- Always choose age and character appropriate music.
- Don’t choose music with incredibly hard accompaniments or strange atonal, dissonant qualities.
- Take as much time as you need showing the accompanist important parts of your music, giving your tempo, and highlighting any surprises there may be in the music. Your accompanist wants to help you succeed, but they are usually sight reading your music, so make it as easy as possible on them.
- It’s OK to just stand there and sing. You don’t need to make huge movements unless you feel it’s absolutely necessary to convey the meaning and emotion of the piece. It’s fine to move if you want to, but in an audition setting it really isn’t necessary.
During the Q&A portion of the night many questions regarding schooling, moving to New York, and hiring agents were addressed. Adam’s advice is that our students are doing exactly what they need to be doing right now. Take private lessons, perform in local shows, finish high school, go to college, hone your craft, and most importantly: PRACTICE! He stressed the importance of practicing as if it were your job so that you can truly progress in your abilities. As far as life advice for performers, Adam stated that you must have hobbies or ways to feel your self worth outside of the theater. The performing arts is a tough business and if you only judge your self worth based on what parts you get and how you are reviewed as a performer, then you will be miserable.
It was an amazing night getting to hear Adam Pascal speak about his experiences, sing and give advice to our students. Be on the lookout for other master classes coming to Charlotte Academy of Music. We plan to host more Broadway stars and musicians later this school year!