Bringing the Belt Down to a Sensible Mix
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Bringing the Belt Down to a Sensible Mix

How to be a Musical Theatre Type in a Reality Show World

10
Bringing the Belt Down to a Sensible Mix
People.com

In a world fixated on Calvin Klein, the Mannequin Challenge, popular sports teams, and Greys Anatomy, it is not exactly difficult to feel misplaced and estranged as a participant of the musical theatre (or theater if you're feeling particularly patriotic) lifestyle.

Even if you're not a musical theatre major, actor in the industry, or general arts enthusiast, this article may help to spread the message that WE ARE DOING OUR BEST. We apologize for those of us who make our kind appear intolerable, and if you think you may be in danger of being one of those types, please read on to my 8 easy tips for how to bring your full on belt down to a sensible mix when necessary.

1. Refrain from singing more than 8 bars in public.

We all know that thrilling sensation when someone unknowingly (or perhaps fully consciously) makes a reference to one of the beloved headliners of the Great White Way. However, when this burning and itching initiates deep within our systems at the time in which you are riding the metro with dozens of your closest new friends who just boarded, please do not exceed 8 bars maximum. If the reference is going to be realized, at that point it will be. Even if they don't get it, you've basically just had a solid cattle call style audition, so anything further could and will be considered vocal orgasm, i.e. loving the sound of your own voice.

2. No time steps in public for free. Regardless of complexity.


Skills pay bills. Save them for someone who can write you a check.

3. Do real people things


You can't be a real person onstage if you don't have real people experience. Of course it's difficult to make time for less staged experiences what with rehearsal schedules, voice lessons, dance classes, working out, etc, but it simply must be worked into the routine. Go for a bike ride, go out to a party, or maybe even go to a baseball game.This way not only will you have more experience to draw from as an artist, but then you'll be able to have sustainable conversations with people outside of the Norbert Leo Butz fan club.

4. Don't use your resume as your newest monologue


There is absolutely nothing wrong with being proud of your accomplishments and your craft! We live in a world where artists young and old need to be reminded of this constantly. However, it's difficult to make conversation with someone who relates every exam to their latest starring role. "Oh gosh, that test was almost as hard as the third time I played Eponine!" *she said in impeccably projected and enunciated voice*

5. Make "normie" friends

Of course the people we end up getting close to are those we spend most of our time with, such as in work and school. But it's important to branch out and be friends with people with other interests, hence opening yourself up to other interests and perspectives.

6. Listen to radio stations that you can't find on Sirius XM

Yes, you should listen to things other than the Broadway channel. Not only to keep up with pop culture, but also because what's on the radio today will be on the stage tomorrow. But also you don't want to be that person on the road trip whose phone is banned from the aux chord. Been there.

7. Watch the news

Self explanatory. Just know what people are talking about so you don't look uneducated when words other than "LaDuca" and "Billy Porter" are being used.


8. NEVER BE ASHAMED OF WHAT YOU DO

We as artists work to make change, and we can't do that unless we do what we do with pride. So make sure people know that you're an artist, you're proud, and you're damn good at what you do! Just try to keep the belting in Starbucks to a minimum.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51640
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33146
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956112
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181038
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments