Overtures - The Actor Auditions

Mitchell Hebert helps students adjust the pacing
and rhythm of their monologues. 

The Overtures students were back in action with acting professor Mitchell Hebert this past week to further explore the monologues they have been working and adjusting. In one of the most recent sessions, Mitchell helped the students visualize and find better and easier ways to get into and out of their monologues. (Physically, mentally, and emotionally.) This was quite difficult for some students, especially for those whose monologue topics were less than "light and fluffy". 

Mitchell Hebert gives students
the lowdown on auditions.

Visualization is meant to ground an actor in the world of their monologue. Exploring it as an exercise is meant to provide a good, solid base from which the actor can do good work and be truthful. As Mitchell walked the students through exercises, they explored their own imagined spaces where they felt real. They were to visualize a location where they could see, smell, head, taste, and touch all that they needed in regard to the world of their monologue. As Mitch stated, visualizing your environment provides you with "a basket to place yourself in during auditions".

As human beings, we cannot help but constantly think of "things" throughout the day. The same can be said when it comes to performing a monologue. A performer cannot walk into an audition completely empty and free of thoughts and opinions. This is fine. No one can think of nothing. Instead of attempting to think of completely nothing during an audition, performers need to acknowledge the thoughts and impulses they have and perform "little dances inside of themselves" as they go on to perform. What this boils down to is an acknowledgement of thoughts and feelings and a welcome acceptance of them as they course throughout ones self. The feelings should This honesty and awareness lead to much better performances and people overall in the grand dramatic scheme of things.

The Overtures class looks on as Mitchell Hebert offers suggestions to students in regards to monologue preparation. 

 We are fast approaching the final days of Overtures here at Signature and would love for you to see the talented students of ours in action. Please join us on June 28th at 11 AM in the MAX Theatre for a free student showcase of all of the talent Overtures has to offer. This collection of brilliant solos, duets and group songs by the talented Overtures class will no doubt leave you in awe. We hope to see you there.

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Overtures - Acting Out

Lawrence listens as Eitan describes
how an acting exercise made him feel.

By Matt Strote, Education Intern

With the first day of Overtures under our belts, it was time to really dive into the work with our second day of the program. I can only describe our second day as a whirlwind of activity. The Overtures students ran through nearly every type of class and workshop one might imagine in a musical theatre intensive in just one day. (It was a busy and varied day to say the least.) 

Starting off the day, bright and early, with a few intense hours of dance instruction with the talented Karma Camp, the students danced, shimmied and jumped their way around the room. Not even an hour later the students split up into their teams. With the rest of their team in tow, the students participated in group voice lessons with Tracy Lynn Olivera and their first acting intensive with Mitchell Hebert.  

Michell Hebert gives direction
to an Overtures student during
the first acting class.

Mitchell has long been a DC area performer and director. He was the 2014 Helen Hayes Award recipient for Outstanding Director of a Resident Production, as well as Outstanding Ensemble of a Resident Production for his work on Round House Theatre's Glengarry Glen Ross. Mitchell also received the 2012 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in After the Fall at Theatre J. Overtures is lucky enough to have Mitchell join us on several occasions throughout these two weeks.

The first session with Mitchell featured a slew of insightful experiences, exercises and helpful advice. What started out as a simple session on the nature of auditions, eventually turned into a discussion on actors being "actors", and how to best prepare and adjust oneself for an audition. (How to get in the proper mindset and physical state before you enter that big scary audition room.) I don't want to give away any secrets that might have been discussed in the room, but let's just say that there are more than a few secrets when it comes to relaxing and being audition ready. The students are very excited to have Mitch back soon to work monologues and additional actor readiness techniques.

Wrapping up an already busy day were individual musical coaching sessions with Signature provided accompanists as well as sessions on The Business of Show Business with Associate Artistic Director, Matt Gardiner. As we keep going through this exciting two week period with you via this blog we hope to excite you and interest you in joining us on the June 28th, when the Overtures students will take the stage in the Max Theatre at 11 am. The students will perform in a free final showcase, highlighting and showing off all of the work they have done over the past two weeks and that you have heard about here on the blog!

Mitchell and others watches as students present one minute introductions of themselves to the class.

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