Acting Auditions 101

Lesson 1: VOCAL PREPARATION: MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

The Daily Voice Workout Applied: Part One.

In the previous section, you learned a very specific, hands-on relaxation exercise. You need to practice this daily to enjoy the same success my drama coach enjoyed, even without the brick wall! She applied practical knowledge (a skill) with daily discipline and reaped the rewards.

You, too, will experience greater success as you practice daily relaxation exercises, whether mine or those of others. Whichever ones you use, use them daily to move a step closer to the disciplined practice of successful "practical knowledge."

This first lesson thrusts you immediately into hands-on activities so that by the end of the fourth lesson, you will be well on your way to making these habits of disciplined practical knowledge part of your success story!

You are now ready to begin Chuck's Daily Voice Workout. He teaches a practical knowledge of powerful vocal exercises to help your voice resonate with clarity (both physiologically and emotionally) during auditions.

During this section of Lesson One, pay close attention to Chuck's definition of “subtext” and its importance during a vocal workout – for therein lies the secret to success. Be ready to make notes as you study, for without extending yourself how can you hope to improve?

READ CHAPTER 8 in Make Your Voice Heard.

Finished Chapter 8? That means you are ready to start working. List in your notebook the three reasons why “subtext” is important (hint: the first two are listed on page 93 and the third one is found on page 94 in the paragraph which begins with “Having a subtext is a crucial . . .”).

Once Chuck has explained the importance of subtext, he then encourages finding a daily workout in a manner which will consistently work for you. He gives some suggestions on how to choose a successful place: “where the strange and sometimes loud sounds you will be making don’t inhibit you. Remember it’s only for ten minutes.”

I can’t stress enough the importance of what he states here. The full effect of his exercises can only be felt if you throw yourself fully into the experience. No holding back! Thus you need to find a place where ridicule or incredulous glances will not find their way into your consciousness.

He recommends doing your workout in the morning. These are words to be heeded. Your vocal chords have had quite a night's worth of rest. Not only is your body inherently more relaxed in the morning, but working through Chuck’s vocal exercises is a gentle way to wake up those delicate chords of yours.

Finally, a word of caution. Do not do his exercises out of sequence. He spent much time developing these and the order of them is deliberate and important.

Ready to go? Chomping at the bit? What’s taking us so long? So glad you asked. Enthusiasm makes for success, if carried through to the end by doing it with (any guesses?) discipline.

To get started, record the following in your notebook(and fill in the blank):

I will daily perform my relaxation technique at ______ a.m. (or p.m.).

I will daily perform Chuck Jones' Daily Vocal Workout at ______ a.m. (or p.m.).

Good. Now it's time to study those exercises. Read Chapter 8 and then come back to join me. I’ll be waiting!

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Back so soon? Did you really read the chapter? Just kidding. I'm glad you did. Reading it thoroughly shows you are invested in your personal career.

Chuck has included an abbreviated list of the exercises at the end of the chapter, but do not start using this list until you have worked through his exercises at least three or four times.

So it's time to begin your vocal work. Carefully work through the exercises at least one time through before continuing with this portion of Lesson One.

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Finished? By taking these steps seriously, you will make a difference in your career (or hobby) as an actor. The largest difference in your auditions will now come because you are adding practical knowledge and discipline to your life in your talents.

Make sure to follow Chuck’s instructions precisely. Do not vary the order or any of his suggestions. Trust his expertise. Remember the introduction? There was a reason we read that before we began this. You can trust Chuck and his program. It works. I know, because I’ve tried it and continue to use it.

Now that you've worked through Chuck's exercises at least once, let's move on to the Applied Vocal Workout, Part Two.

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