The night before auditions, graduate student Heather Keith sets out a blue dress and black high-heeled shoes. She may eat an apple if her throat is feeling dry.
Even though this is her second year auditioning (she made the cut for the Ohio University Opera Theater ensemble last year), Keith is nervous for today's audition, which determines entry into the Opera Theater course and casting for its fall and spring performances. Wearing her best formal attire and acting as natural as possible are vital contributors to a successful audition.
For me
it's proving to them (faculty) my growth as an actress said Keith, a voice performance student and graduate assistant for the opera theater ensemble.
Performing opera takes more than musicality ' it requires stage presence and acting ability in addition to voice quality, said Richard Crist, director of Opera Theater.
When it comes to casting someone it really has a lot to do as a vocal performer in whether they have something called 'it
' Crist said. It's just the spark
the presence
to be real and alive onstage.
Unlike the Opera Theater class, which is necessary to perform in the ensemble, acting classes are not a requirement but can be an added asset for an opera student, Keith said.
During the audition, students perform an aria, which usually is an excerpt from a full-length or one act opera, Keith said, adding that studying its background and reading the text like a script add depth to the acting.
The really good opera singers are the ones who can go beat for beat with the aria G? and use the music
use the words
Keith said. If you ignore the text
you're still going to look boring.
Although the ensemble translates many of its productions into English, it does perform pieces in Italian, Crist said.
Students are required to take three Italian language classes to develop pronunciation skills and basic comprehension, said Katie McGonagle, a junior music education major. -
because you have to fill a large house and you have to have the breath support G? and you have to be loud enough for people to hear you
she said.
Proper posture and alignment also contribute to voice range and quality, McGonagle said, adding that slouching or incorrect breathing can strain the vocal cords.
Avoiding excess strain on the voice also can prevent injury or hoarseness. After 6 p.m., Keith tries to go on vocal rest, avoiding talking or singing while she is at home.
Although Keith has been taking voice lessons since her sophomore year in high school, the female voice does not fully mature until the early 30s and is the ultimate determinant of future performance roles.
From the day that I started voice lessons until now
