Acting for Singers

Are there any methods dealing with acting for singers?

For example, when you are on stage and need to block out all distractions.

I've heard of Alexander Technique, which I know a lot of drama/theater/acting students study. Also, I know actors usually study a lot of psychology because they have to be masters at manipulating the audience's train of thought.

Is there a similar method for singers?

Thanks.

Practicing out on the street in the presence of strangers helps me in lots of ways.

Acting for singers...I don't know if acting would REALLY help singers THAT much unless you are required to act (like broadway musicals and such)...

But yeah...singing live...it'd be best just to desensitise yourself to any nerves. The more you do it, the easier and more natural it'll feel.

If you did want to acquire some techniques though, I guess you could go to those classes for actors, public speakers, and general voice people who work in that industry. Or just go to a drama workshop. They have various fun "games" that help you overcome self consciousness and nerves.

In terms of distractions, again it's just a case of becoming used to having a lot of external stimuli around you when singing and performing. It is very different to singing alone in your room or studio obviously. But if you know the song inside out and have confidence in your voice and performance, it'll be fine.

This is an interesting topic. When I gig, I more or less assume the roll of my rockstar alter ego, lol. It is almost like playing a character, I usually just pick the most flamboyant frontman...usually Scott Weiland, and "play the part". I do 90s covers, so it usually goes over pretty well.

Interesting, when performing live, what do you consider a distraction? It would be a serious mistake performance-wise IMO to block out *all* distractions

Especialy those beer bottles thrown at the stage....lol

I was in drama classes at an early age. I'm not stage shy at all.

However, something cool that happened to me :

A few months back I had a vocal audition - I was feeling pretty distraught as I'd just failed a songwriting audition but was asked to come back. I was concentrating really hard and didn't really know what to expect. The singing coach also asked me to come back but I assume she was only being polite. I failed.

I worked on my songwriting way more than my voice - I did work on my voice but I basically forgot the song I was gonna sing. My audition was today and I got into the songwriting course. My vocal audition was afterwards. I didn't think I'd get into the vocal course and was gonna bunk it off but figured I love to perform and feedback from a vocal coach is always valuable. I didn't give two {censored}s, I just enjoyed the performance. I did concentrate on melody but wasn't trying too hard. I was familiar with the environment and wasn't afraid to walk over to the mixing desk to turn myself up.. wasn't too worried about the outcome. I was also pretty casual with the lady having met her before.

I, in her word, 'nailed it' and got compared to Freddy Mercury. I now have to decide whether to do a vocal or songwriting course but that's neither here nor there.

Point is:

Act like an arrogant cock, know your environment. I always felt it helps to walk around the stage/venue before hand.

When you say "acting" are you talking about stage presence or developing a character or persona on stage or are you more interested in musical theatre. They are all very different concepts. So I would say that is the first thing you need to decide. In any event however the first thing you need to do is be able and ready to make a fool out of yourself and shed any lack of self confidence issues. Allow yourself to be free to be what ever you want to be in front of total strangers.

I see the topic rather interesting. I went into the Final Round Audition for a Local/International TV Program, and believe I failed it because of lacking of stage presence. I have been a guitarist for 4 to 5 years now. I'm developing as a singer little by little, but my question is.... how do you develop into that ''solo'' or lead singer frontman? I really would like to know.

I'm not quite sure how to answer that. I am Jake in a Bluez Brotherz Tribute Band and have a lot of theater background as well as music background. When I cross the line from off stage to on stage I leave Me behind and only Jake walks on stage. Putting on the costume is also part of getting into character. I had a choir teacher who liked to use the term "reckless abandon" when it came to singing. Don't be afraid of making mistakes, don't worry about being in front of a lot of strangers. Be confident and don't be afraid to experiment. Find things to do on stage that work for you and step out of your comfort zone. Think about the music you sing and about who you envision yourself to be on stage make your movements large and decisive. If you want to move to the other side of the stage DO IT BOLDLY. Like the saying goes "Go Big or Go Home" When you're on stage your larger than life so your actions have to convey that.

Anything to help you get over yourself on stage probably helps....if you have time I say go for it....

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