Ive been interested in acting for the longest time. Its always been a dream of mine. As of recently, Ive started taken acting classes; I guess I was tired of waiting around for my dreams to come true, I had to do it myself. The problem is is that I am new to this biz. I honestly, know close to nothing about acting, theater, scripts, stages, or any other jazz that has much to do with acting. I wish I had someone to ask this about, but none of my friends are into acting, and my family is just as clueless in this area. If you know any tips, or suggestions that might help me out, it would be greeaaaatlyy appreciated. Thanks.
-faborgirl

Hello, Faborgirl!

I have been in over 40 musical theater productions, either on stage as an actor or in the orchestra for the shows. If you would like to ask questions, now might be a good time to ask them, if you would like.

What are some questions that you might have, please?

Okay, it is obvious you have a lot of background with theater, so I believe you can help me. If I wanted to get seriously into acting, (other than my classes), how else might I get involed? Is there anything I can do, or just wait for some luck to come my way.

If you don't mind my asking, how did you get involved with theater?

Please hold. Am working on answers. Thanks!

To answer your second question first, I play a number of musical instruments. Most of the instruments that I play are those that would be used in the orchestras for musicals. That was my first experience with getting involved with the theater.

How I became involved as an actor, was because I also sing. Because one of the instruments that I play is the piano, I had many opportunities to accompany singers who were in shows. I was invited by some of the singers whom I accompanied, to be in shows. That is how I first got into acting, outside of school. When I was in college, one of the musical groups that I was in was the choir. I tried out for acting parts as a result of being in the choir.

Okay, it is obvious you have alot of background with theater, so I believe you can help me. If I wanted to get seriously into acting, (other than my classes), how else might I get involed? Is there anything I can do, or just wait for some luck to come my way.

If you dont mind my asking, how did you get involved with theater?

Community musical theater or community theaters that just do plays are a great way to first get involved in musicals and plays.

Are you currently in school?

Yes, Im in grade 11.
I've never realized how strongly music can tie into theater. I am very involved with music-I play 3 instruments, (oboe, clarinet, and piano). I am most serious with the piano.

Yes, music ties directly into theater. The fact that you already play the piano is a plus.

Do you play oboe and clarinet in band?

Sorry, if you view something and then I edit it. Some ideas come later. But, I will try to keep things consistent.

Its quite all right, I can be the same way.
I played both clarinet and oboe in band. I played the clarinet for four years in band, but my band teacher wanted to challenge me with a more difficult instrument, and offered me the oboe. This is my second year with the oboe. The piano however Ive been playing since I was seven years old.

Now I can see that you are back on. I was worried that you had left for the night.

Its quite alright, I can be the same way.
I played both clarinet and oboe in band. I played the clarinet for four years in band, but my band teacher wanted to challenge me with a more difficult instrument, and offered me the oboe. This is my second year with the oboe. The piano however Ive been playing since I was seven years old.

Do you realize that playing the oboe can be your "ticket" into college?

Sorry, I had to restart my computer.
What do you mean my "ticket"?

That's okay.

What I mean is, that schools that have concert bands, and also band directors in general, are always on the lookout for good oboe players, as they are so hard to find. They also look for bassonists, French Horn and tuba players.

If you play one of those instruments, it can be very helpful to you getting a scholarship into college if you are going to play in the band. That's what I meant by "ticket." They will want you to come to their school because you play one of those instruments.

Do you live in the U.S.

Well that's exciting! What's also working on my side is the fact that I'm the only oboe player in my band.
No, no I don't live in the U.S.

Well thats exciting! Whats also working on my side is the fact that im the only oboe player in my band.
No, no I dont live in the U.S.

Ah, I was hoping that you didn't live in the U.S. because it's 1:50 a.m. in the morning here. And, if you had to get up to go to school tomorrow, this would be really too late for you!

Do you sing in the chorus or choir at school? If so, what part?

I have to ask a bunch of questions, by-the-way, in order to know more about what you know and to help you with how you will get into and be successful at acting.

Just for your information, the oboe is the only instrument in the band that adds the 7th harmonic to the music. It is a very important instrument. Without it, the music can sound rather dull.

Thanks for the concern. Actually, where I live is just north of you, in Canada, and it is 1:00here. No worries though, for I do not have school tomorrow due to report card interviews. I am getting a bit sleepy however, I might have to pack it in soon.

Unfortunately, I can not song, or at least I have had no personal training with my voice, so needless to say, I am not in choir.

I don't mind these questions. If anything, I feel honored that your taking such an interest in helping me.

Well, I really would like to help you! :) I rarely find people on this site who are into the same things that I am. What you have posted about, is exactly up my alley!

We can continue later if you would like. I am going to be gone Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the later evening, because I am playing a gig in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

I will be back on here later Sunday night. Maybe we could coordinate a time?

Are you in Western Canada?

All right, sounds good. Im busy in the early evening on Sunday, but I will be free from around 7:00 on. Yes, I do live in Western Canada, and my computer tells me that you live in Illinois. Do you know the time difference by any chance?

I think it is great that we met. Its excited that someone so experienced is helping me out. It... well, it gives me hope:)

I can see that you are already figuring out how to use the little gadgets on this site in order to enhance things. :) A safe time for me, given that I am going to be needing to do some long-distance travelling, would be about 9:00 p.m. your time. I think that we are about an hour apart in time based upon what you said earlier as far as the time.

It is interesting, the book that is unfolding, page-by-page of who you are musically. Sounds like you have a lot going for you already! I'm sure that you won't have any trouble getting into acting! :)

I do have a couple of last questions for you, though. Are you into the visual arts, such as painting, drawing, etc. Or, maybe into writing of some kind, like stories or poems?

Unfortunately, I think this will be my last post. 9:00pm is good for me, and I look forward to talking to you again!

Do you really think so? That I have potential with acting? Wow that's great news!

Im not as much into the visual arts. I do enjoy painting, but I have taken no classes or courses with the visual arts, and I probably have little to no talent with it. As far as writing is concerned, I love it. I have always enjoyed writing stories and creating new adventures. People have told me I am quite creative with my writing, and I think that is the major reason why I'm in English AP at school (Advanced Placement). Poems? No, Im not a huge fan of writing poems. I still write them, but only when I have to.

I look forward to talking to you Sunday, and good luck with your gig!
-Faborgirl

I was just checking. Since you are involved with the arts of whatever kind, I will be inviting you over to a thread where you will be meeting some wonderful, incredible people! The thread might blow you away at first because it is so large and intense. But, don't worry, you will receive a warm welcome there! The thread is very warm and friendly, and also a good read at that! :)

Thanks for wishing me well with the gig!

Until later then...

Goodnight and sweet dreams to you!

Do you really think so? That i have potential with acting? wow thats great news!
-Faborgirl

p.s. Yes, I do know that you have potential with acting. I can tell it by the way that you write! :D

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

I am here, Faborgirl. I apologize that I am late! :)

Not to worry, Clough
God knows Im late enough! Haha!
So how did the gig go?

It went fine! :) Although unfortunately, that is probably the last time that we will be playing there. :( The management of the hotel has changed and they are really sticking it to our director concerning the money. This, after 14 years of excellent service by our group to the place. I haven't been with the group that long. I just know that it has been going on that long as far as playing there.

Please tell me about your piano playing. That can have much to do with acting. Thank you!

Well Im happy that it went all right, but its unfortunate that you won't be playing at that hotel anymore:(

I love playing the piano. It has gotten me through a lot of hard times in my life. Its because of my piano playing that I got involved with the clarinet, and later the oboe. This is my ninth year playing, and I'm still in love with it

What sort of music do you play on the piano? Pieces? Styles? Composers? Nine years is a long time to have been playing. Have you also taken lessons for that same amount of time? Just trying to find out more things concerning your skills in order to give you better ideas and direction.

I also do know about playing a keyboard instrument such as a piano or an organ and using it to help get myself through some hard times in life. When I was about your age and younger, living in my parent's home, I used to close whatever doors I could to where our electronic organ was located and just wail away with improvising on melodies and chords that I would make up. I would make myself cry in the process. It was a great stress reliever!

I sometimes do something similar now, although I don't go shutting the doors! :)

Yes, Ive been taking lessons this entire time, but I had to stop last year, for my Oboe took priority. I play just about anything. Mostly, I hear a piece of music, fall in love with it, and Ill have to find that piece. Ill practice it until my fingers bleed and until I get it perfect. It feels amazing when I do eventually get it perfect though:) I love Mozart, that man just seems to fascinate me!

Yes, can music ever be a stress reliever! After my mother died, it felt like music suddenly became my life. If I wasn't playing it, I was listening to it. I think that's how I got so attached to music.

I can really identify with music also helping me to work through the death of someone to whom I was close. I had two different, although certain classical pieces on the piano I would play that would just seem to fit perfectly with how I felt about the period leading up to each of my parent's deaths and also how it felt after each one of them had died.

Have you played any Chopin?

Yes, and I quite enjoyed his Ballade No 1. Other than that however, Im not a huge fan of his. Why do you ask?

I'm trying to get an idea as to how advanced you are. Have you played any later Beethoven sonatas or any pieces by Liszt?

Do you know chords and can you improvise?

Yes, Ive been taking lessons this entire time, but I had to stop last year, for my Oboe took priority. I play just about anything. Mostly, I hear a piece of music, fall in love with it, and Ill have to find that piece. Ill practice it until my fingers bleed and until I get it perfect. It feels amazing when I do eventually get it perfect though:) I love Mozart, that man just seems to fascinate me!

I know exactly what you mean about hearing a piece of music and then just having to have to play it until you get it perfect!

From what you have written concerning what and how you like to play a piece on the piano, it is safe to assume, I think, that you know that it's not just practice that makes perfect, but perfect practice that makes perfect! :) There are many ways in which to practice something incorrectly. There are methodologies to practicing any skill in order to get something just right.

Yes, Ive played Liszt Consolation No. 3, but no Beethoven, none that I can remember at least.
Yes, I can improvise, but usually just to make the piece a bit easier

Yes, Ive heard that there are methodologies to practicing. I use to hate practicing the piano. I would always think of it as a chore, rather than as entertainment. However, as years passed, I guess I realized that I have real talent at music, and that alone encouraged me to pursue it!

Hey, that's great that you can improvise, because most musicians can't! :) Then, is it safe for me to assume that you know about the chords of the scale as related to I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi and vii? Or, do you just know how to mess around with some chords because you know the notes that make up those certain chords as they are related to the pieces that you are playing?

Yes, Ive heard that there are methodologies to practicing. I use to hate practicing the piano. I would always think of it as a chore, rather than as entertainment. However, as years passed, I guess I realized that I have real talent at music, and that alone encouraged me to pursue it!

I am referring to a methodology as being that which is developed by the person who is doing the practicing through the method of discovering what will work best in order to achieve the desired goal for playing the music based upon what will work and what won't.

So, are you saying that you decided to continue pursuing it, even though you know that it is going to be somewhat of a chore in order to achieve the desired result by how you practice? I just want to make sure that we are on the same page here.

When I practice, it is most certainly a chore. But, it is something that I like to do because I realize the "cookie" that will come at the end, when I have truly done everything that I need to do in order to make a piece as perfect and as enjoyable as possible. I also enjoy doing the "chore" because of the discoveries of what I can do in order to facilitate the desired outcome.

It is the same with any discipline in the arts concerning practicing. At least it is for me, anyway.

Wellll, usually I just mess around on the piano until I come up with something I enjoy more then the original part of the piece. I have heard of chords related to I, ii, and iii. I've never leanred them, and I didn't know that there were more Chords, and Im intrigued to learn more about them!

Yes, I can Agree with the fact of practicing being a chore, but it is only some of the time with me. I occasionally am learning a piece I just love, and it is so much fun playing it, again and again! Most of the time, however it is a chore, a painful chore at that. But as you said, the reward is so worth the labor

You are speaking with a maturity that goes beyond the usual for someone your age. I am thoroughly impressed! I am currently working on an answer for another one of your posts. Will be done shortly. Thank you!

Wellll, usually I just mess around on the piano until I come up with something I enjoy more then the original part of the piece. I have heard of chords related to I, ii, and iii. I've never leanred them, and I didnt know that there were more Chords, and Im intrigued to learn more about them!

Then it certainly sounds like you have an excellent ear! This being because you are able to figure things out on your own as to what you want to here. That is how I began. I can certainly help you with learning more about chords and their functions, if you would like. And, I would be glad to do that!

But, this thread is concerning acting. Everything that I have been asking and discussing with you, is being geared in that direction.

Have you had any singing experience at all?

Yes, couldn't agree more! So can you tell me anything about my acting yet? Any route you think I should try to pursue?

Singing? My voice isn't the best, but I still love to sing! Ive had no training however, so I guess that might be why Im not the best at it.

Wellll, usually I just mess around on the piano until I come up with something I enjoy more then the original part of the piece. I have heard of chords related to I, ii, and iii. I've never leanred them, and I didnt know that there were more Chords, and Im intrigued to learn more about them!

Just so you know, the group that I played with this weekend - I have to make up my entire part on the piano. All I have are chord symbols. Occasionally, I might have a melody line written in that I can follow when improvising on the chords. But, most of the time, that is not the case. I must listen and be alert at all times as to what is happening in the music, so that I can voice and arrange the notes in the chords that I am playing so that they fit the music the most ideal way. I feel that you are someone who is ripe for doing something like that someday. The piano is the backbone to the entire group.

Yes, couldnt agree more! So can you tell me anything about my acting yet? Any route you think I should try to pursue?

Does your school put on musicals and/or plays?

Singing? My voice isnt the best, but I still love to sing! Ive had no training however, so I guess that might be why Im not the best at it.

We can all sing. It's just that we haven't been all born with a Stradivarius for an instrument. Also, if we can walk, we can dance. If we can talk, we can sing.

Your singing voice, even if you were to have had proper training in the utilization of it for singing, won't reach it's maturity for many years from now. Although, I did hear on the radio tonight, an 18-year-old girl who attends the Interlochen Academy for the Arts who is a mezzo-soprano who sang a solo, and who sounded like she could have been 35.

I'm sure that you would do well at singing. But, it would be another discipline at which you would have to endeavor to be good.

In order to get into acting and to be in musicals, you don't have to have that great of a singing voice in order to start by being in choruses. Being able to sing, at least some, is going to broaden out your possibilities that you will have concerning acting.

Wow, that's amazing that you could improvise like that! My school usually puts on a play every other year. This is the year, and auditions start beginning of January

Wow, thats amazing that you could improvise like that! My school usually puts on a play every other year. This is the year, and auditions start beginning of January

Thank you for the compliment! I have gone through the "chores" of knowing how to do what I do. But, it has been worth it!

Is it a musical? Or, a play without music that your school will be doing?

I never thought of singing in that way. I always thought that either you had the talent, or you didn't. It makes my happy though when you say anybody can sing, for Ive always wanted to have that skill

A play without music.

I never thought of singing in that way. I always thought that either you had the talent, or you didnt. It makes my happy though when you say anybody can sing, for Ive always wanted to have that skill

And, you can! You already do have the skill... I have taught literally hundreds of singers. You just have to try. And, also find the right person who believes in you and realizes that everyone is born with a voice and thus the ability to also sing. :)

A play without music.

Rats! I was hoping that it would be a musical. But, you know what? Please try out for it. Will it be open for anyone who wants to to try out if they want?

I just wanted to add that, if it had been a musical, then there would be more opportunities for people to try out and also to have parts. In a spoken play, you don't normally have choruses of people, unless it is some sort of Greek play that is of very ancient origin.

Yes, open Auditions. This would be my first audtion. Ever. The thought, its exciting, but slightly nerve-racking

Why do Greek plays that is of very ancient origin sometimes have choruses?

Why do Greek plays that is of very ancient origin sometimes have choruses?

They usually have spoken choruses of people. A chorus doesn't have to always involve singing.

Yes, open Auditions. This would be my first audtion. Ever. The thought, its exciting, but slightly nerve-racking

Is it listed yet as to what the requirements are for the auditions? Believe me, I do know how nerve-racking auditions can be!

No, but I don't think there are any. There hasn't been any in previous years, for a close friend of mine is quite involved in theater, and she tells me about past productions our school has put on. Actually, she is one of the reasons Im so interested in acting.

No, but I dont think there are any. There hasnt been any in previous years, for a close friend of mine is quite involved in theater, and she tells me about past productions our school has put on. Actually, she is one of the reasons why Im so interested in acting.

Then I would suggest finding out everything that you can about the auditions, not just to find out what you need to do, but also to show your interest in being in the play. If you show an interest, then you are more likely to get a part.

Would you mind telling me a little bit about the subjects and how you like to paint, please?

Well usually I like to slop a lot of colours together, and keep adding more colours until I have a wild mess of patterns that look... well... half decent. Im sorry, but what do you mean by the subjects?

Well usually I like to slop a lot of colours together, and keep adding more colours until I have a wild mess of patterns that look... well... half decent. Im sorry, but what do you mean by the subjects?

Now, we are getting into another area of you, as an artist. You are already an artist at the things that you do musically.

What I am asking about is, do you have a subject in mind when you are doing your painting. It doesn't have to be a person. But, could be just some inanimate object or objects. Or, none at all, for that matter. Just looking to possibly define your art, in painting here.

Well my painting usually depicts the mood I am in. If I am angry, or frustrated, the colours will usually be dark, and cold. If Im excited, cheerful, or simply happy, the colours will be bright, sunny and warm. If I'm sad or disappointed, the colours will usually be shades of grey, or black

Are your paintings something that you might like to display so that others can see what you have done?

Never really thought of it.
Yes, it is a possibility

I have already alerted some other like-minded people to your post here. There are some others on this site who are definitely into the arts in various forms. Would you be willing to share some of what you have done with your painting with them? You will only receive support and admiration from the people on that thread.

I am also a contributor to the thread to which I am referring concerning painting and other arts. Concerning the music and acting side of things, I look forward to further dialogue with you. I believe that we have much to share and also learn from one another in that regard.

I quite agree, and as far as introducing my to others of this site... as long as it drives me to learn and to teach others, I'm fine with it. Here it is 1:30pm, and Im super tired so I think I'm going to head off to bed soon here

Goodnight, and thanks for doing this for me!
If I ever do make it big, I know who Ill be thanking!:)

I do enjoy conversing with you. It is very late here also.

So, maybe it is best to say "Good Night."

Sweet dreams!

I am usually on about the same time every night.

I do so hope that you will come back! I will be back on here tonight at about 10:00 p.m. your time. Have a rehearsal until 9:00 p.m. your time that is some distance away.

Not a worry. Im trying to get over a terrible cold right now, so I've been getting to bed early for the past few nights, but I definitely want to talk to you again. Im usually on the computer anytime between 8:00pm-10:00pm. Have a wicked rehearsal, and Ill talk to you later!

I am home now from rehearsal. I hope that you get over the cold, real soon!

I hope that you are better! I look forward to continued dialogue with you! :)

Just letting you know that I had a gig out-of-town yesterday and didn't get back until very early in the morning today. I know that you logged on late on Friday night. I will be on tonight at about 9:00 p.m. your time if you would like to continue. Thank you!

All right, well I am obviously online right now, and I can't wait to talk to you!

Hello, Faborgirl!

I am online right now also. I got here late because I was working on a piano in someone's home and some things just had to get completed tonight. I apologize for being late!

Are you over your cold yet?

Yes, thankfully! How was your week?

Sorry for being slow. Was just reviewing what we have already discussed.

My week was fine! I'm glad that you are over your cold!

Did you enjoy playing Ballade No 1? Obviously, you must be quite advanced in order to play that. I can play that, as well as the other three. Playing Chopin is one of my specialties.

Have you played in recitals?

Yes, my piano teacher would have one every year

Yes, my piano teacher would have one every year

I have two grand pianos in my living room. I have had most of my student's recitals in my home. Sometimes also in a music store or at churches where I have been the music person. I can seat over 50 people.

Did you enjoy playing the Ballade? Please tell me why you did or why you didn't.

Yes, it was of course challenging, but that only made it more rewarding when I did eventually get it perfect! My piano teacher suggested it

So what is it about Chopin that might not be appealing to you? Or, am I making an incorrect assumption?

The challenge mostly

The challenge mostly

Ah, I see! But, you do like challenges, correct? Getting into acting and playing things that are more difficult are going to be challenges. There are some pieces by Liszt that I play that have taken me over three years to get the hang of. Even then, they aren't truly as finshed as the way that I want them to be. It will take a number of years until they really "settle in." I mean, I play them well enough now to perform them in public. But, they still aren't exactly to my satisfaction. I am sure that you have felt a similar way about some pieces that you have played.

When you here professionals play Chopin do you love what you are hearing? Do you aspire to be playing the same pieces, that is, if you do really like or love the pieces?

Yes, I do quite enjoy playing classical, but I wouldn't say it is my favorite style of music with the piano. I apologize for the delay, I got a phone call, and time got away from me.

Thank you for coming back! So, what is your favorite style of music if you have a favorite style?

I'm going to need to leave here for just a little bit. But, I will be back. I hope that you are still here. If not, then we can continue another time.

Some additional questions for you that are important concerning your getting into acting:

Have you played any show tunes from musicals?

If you have played any show tunes, do you know how to improvise on them in such a way that you can basically play them instantly without having to learn absolutely every single note that is in the music on the pages?

Have you ever sang and played at the same time?

Since you play the piano so well, have you ever accompanied people for singing?

Have you ever played for a musical on any of the instruments that you play?

I have so many answers for you, but I think I'm too tired to answer them all!
Would it be all right if I went to bed, and reply tomorrow?
Maybe we can pick up from here, then
Thanks so much!
-Fabor

I have so many answers for you, but I think im too tired to answer them all!
Would it be alright if I went to bed, and reply tomorrow?
Maybe we can pick up from here, then
Thanks so much!
-Fabor

Yes. Of course we can! Replying tomorrow is fine. I will look forward to it! Also, I appreciate you being so sensible to go to bed at decent hours. You could teach me a thing or two about that, I am sure! :)

I hope that you will return to here and that you are okay, Fabor! :)