The following are representative examples of the material covered in David’s Master Classes as well as suggested topics that can be addressed during Workshops. Classes and Workshops are always tailored to individual and curricular needs.
Master Classes
Integration of Acting Technique in Classical Vocal Repertory and Operatic Role Preparation
Topics covered:
- Personalization: finding your truth and grounding yourself in it
- Specificity of choices
- Challenges of applying acting techniques while singing
- Simplified acting technique for singers with little background in acting
- Arias as monologues
- Getting beyond language barriers
Integration of Acting Technique in Musical Theater Repertory, and Role Preparation
Topics covered:
- Greater integrated acting work for singers who already have acting background
- Finding the right vocal style for the material
- The transforming nature of specific choices
- Remaining truthful in the context of the broad style of musical theater
- Which is more important – language or music?
- Pigeonholing yourself as primarily a legit or pop singer
Workshops
Marketing for Singers and Actors
Topics covered:
- Pictures and resumes: basics and beyond
- Managers and agents
- Managing your career as you would manage a business
- Union affiliations: advantages and disadvantages
- New York City vs. Los Angeles (for actors)
- New York City vs. anywhere else (for singers)
- The importance of following up
For Future Educators: Applying Integrated Singing/Acting Technique
Topics covered:
- Teaching integration of singing/acting techniques to classical and musical theater-oriented voice students
- Making this work meaningful at all levels
- Prioritizing your approach
- Student and community operatic/theatrical productions
- Adhering to professional standards and achieving professional results in non-professional situations
Career Development for Performers
Topics covered:
- Focusing your determination and persistence
- College – apprenticeship programs/summer stock – then what?
- Professional singing opportunities you might not have thought about
- Taking off the blinders and getting rid of the tunnel vision: modifying your path and expanding your marketability
- Survival skills
- Continuing education
- Parallel careers
- When things aren’t going well….
Auditions
Topics covered:
- Audition etiquette – dos and don’ts
- Selection of appropriate material
- Leading with your strong suit
- Dealing with nervousness
- How to avoid giving too much status to the auditors
- How to combat self-consciousness by placing your focus on acting values
- What they’re really looking for: how opera and theater are cast
Sample Schedules
1-Day or 2-Day Residency
Day 1
- Master Class in Integrating Acting Technique (Opera, Musical Theater or both) – 3 hours
- Marketing Workshop for Performers OR Teaching Techniques for Future Educators – 2 hours
- Q & A – 1 hour
Day 2 (if desired)
- Continuation of Master Class from previous day or Master Class with change of emphasis – 3 hours
- Audition Workshop – 2 hours
- Q & A – 2 hours
5-Day Residency
Day 1
- Master Class in Integrating Acting Technique (Opera, Musical Theater or both) – 3 hours
- Work on ongoing projects – productions, recitals – 3 – 6 hours
Day 2
- Continuation of Master Class from previous day or Master Class with change of emphasis – 3 hours
- Continue work on ongoing projects – 3 – 6 hours
Day 3
- Continue work on ongoing projects
- Marketing Workshop for Performers OR Teaching Techniques for Future Educators – 2 hours
- Q & A – 1 hour
Day 4
- Continue work on ongoing projects
- Audition Workshop – 3 hours
- Q & A – 2 hours
Day 5
- Presentation and evaluation of ongoing projects (if the focus is a production in mid-rehearsal, presentation will be designed to sum up work done during the previous 5 days and set goals for the rest of the rehearsal process)
- Career Development Workshop – 2 hours
- Final Q & A – 2 hours
Contact David Ronis for more information.