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What You See is What You Get! 

7/30/2012

5 Comments

 

"This above all: to thine own self be true" ~ Shakespeare

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This past weekend(July 28 & 29)  I attended a prestigious business course in New York City specifically designed for entertainers and entertainment companies.  This course has been taught all over the country to some of the most hip and hottest actors, singers, musicians, and talent agencies in the industry.  Just being a part of this program was overwhelming and humbling.  It teaches you how to be your genuine self as an actor/singer/musician and market yourself as a business.  I attended the program both as an actor/singer and an entertainment company.  I want to figure out where I fit in the 'biz' as a performer and the REASON, PURPOSE, and STRATEGY for my company: Star of the Day Event Productions.

The first thing we had to do was get up in front of the class, state our name, and stand there...for 45 seconds...without saying a word.  I bet you are wondering what the rest of the class was doing.  They were judging me based on my first impression.  I'm proud to say the way the class perceived me was, for the most part, the way I want to be perceived.  Sunny, happy, silly, fun, cute, and someone they could call a friend.  Now someone also called me a bitch and a gnome so I think I may contact Travelocity and see if they have room for a new spokesperson. I'll be the traveling bitchy gnome. Make several thousand dollars and go on vacations.  Or will I?  No! I won't...because I'm not bitchy or a gnome.  (Snide comments about my 5' frame inserted here).  I AM, however, sunny, happy, silly, fun, cute, and someone you CAN call a friend.  

We also talked a lot about core values, and how our core values, even though they are internal and hidden, can come across upon first impressions.  I try to live my life with faith and love.  I believe having faith in God and in yourself brings about love. And I truly believe love DOES make the world go 'round.  And getting feedback from strangers reinforced that for me.

What does this have to do with being real and genuine? EVERYTHING!

We spend so much time trying to fit the image of what others want us to be. We try to be the round peg attempting to fit into a square hole.  We cannot do it. It's impossible. I'm guilty of it. We all are to some extent.  And it's ok. Because YOU are in control of YOU.  And you can change you at anytime.  So what are your core values? Who do you want the world to see? Figure it out and be that person 100% of the time.  And guess what? Some people won't like you and it's ok. That just means they are not your people.  FIND YOUR PEOPLE! 

Our support system is the most important thing in our lives.  They believe in you, respect your core values, and accept you for who you are in life. They don't want you to be anyone else. THOSE ARE YOUR PEOPLE!

The instructors in the course talked a lot about the book: PURPLE COW (I'll be purchasing it this week.) It's all about finding out how your REMARKABLE fits in the world.  Why look like every other cow when you can be the purple cow.  The one that stands out.  The one that is remarkable.

We are all remarkable and we need to stop our inner voices along with outsiders who know nothing about our core values or us from letting us think any differently.  Embrace yourself. Love who you are. Be genuine. Be real. Walk into a room and let everyone know that WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET? 


It's then that magic happens.  It's then when your visual dreams become reality. It's then when you can fully live the life you should be living. 

The Savvy Actor MBA Crash Course.

5 Comments

How DARE you?

7/12/2012

3 Comments

 
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We've all been in the audience when the lights start to dim and you hear the announcement come over the sound system to please turn off your cell phones and pagers and the taking of videos and flash photographs is strictly prohibited.

Now, I like to think I'm a professional and can act accordingly if I'm faced with rude, inconsiderate audience members. And trust me, there are times when I wanted to do exactly what Broadway diva Patti LuPone did during her biggest moment in Gypsy - "Rose's Turn." (watch the video below)

They don't play those announcements for shits and giggles.  There are copyright laws, union rules, and most importantly the safety of the actors onstage.  You may not understand this if you've never been onstage but stage lights and spotlights are already blinding enough.  It's hard to see the stage's edge and the clearance in the wings when rushing off after a scene. It's dangerous.  But I'm sure you've all been at an event where you get caught in the flash photo extravaganza and you walk away seeing spots from all the flashes going off.  Now couple that with the intensity of the stage lights. Not easy at all. And scary.  

Performers strive to do their best for the audience every time.  We know the audience is paying good money to see us up there. No matter the ticket price it does NOT give you the right to take pictures or video footage, answer your phone, text message, READ THE NEWSPAPER (I've seen it done), sleep, or any other rude gesture that sends the message to those working hard onstage that you don't care!

HOW DARE YOU!?!

I still get dolled up when I go to the theater. A night at the theater for me isn't just 'something to do' it's an experience. There is etiquette to be followed.  

  • No cell phones. And I'm not talking turning it on vibrate. I'm talking TURN IT OFF.  It's not just the sound of the ringtone or the turning of heads when there is an echo of a vibrating phone.  It actually interferes with the sound systems and lighting systems in the theater that help the show run smoothly. There is usually an intermission. Check your phone then. If you went through the trouble of paying a lot of money for a show ticket, give yourself the night off and enjoy the show.  
  • DO NOT TALK!  The actors do not want to compete with your ever so important conversation you are having so rudely in the middle of a show.  Not only does it annoy the actors but you will quickly piss off the other 500 patrons in the audience.  
  • Loud candy/food packaging? Have it unwrapped or open before the show starts. And do us all a favor...for the love of God...rethink the crunchy potato chip choice.  Again...LOUD! Stick with hard candies or gummy candies.  
  • Oh and a live theatre is not a movie theater. Put your damn feet down.  I worked in a 1920s RKO Historical Vaudeville House for 8 1/2 years.  I can tell you that it's expensive to restore theater seats.  Leave your feet on the floor.  Cross your legs. ANYTHING just not on the seat in front of you.  Not only will you be saving these old historical theater furnishings but you'll also avoid a lawsuit from kicking the person in front of you.  
  • And the other thing I think that has gotten way out of control is the way people dress.  To me, going to the theater is classy. I'm not saying you have to wear an evening gown and your finest jewels, but can the ripped jeans take a night off? I never wear jeans or T-shirts to the theater.  Recently I treated my nephew to a performance of Avenue Q in NYC.  I mean it's a play with foul language and Muppet like characters.  NO JEANS ALLOWED no matter how casual the subject matter.  Have fun with the experience.  Get a little dolled up!  It won't kill you. I promise!
  • And please please please CLAP!  No one is asking for a standing 'O', to throw flowers, shout encore, or do the Arsenio Hall.  Clapping says you appreciate the actors even if you didn't like the story line.  You are not applauding a storyline. You are applauding the hard work.  It's about respect. 

Would you want someone coming into your house and putting their grubby feet and fingers all over your furniture?  What about feeding a houseful of people and not having one person say 'Thank You' for your efforts?  How would you feel if you were telling a story at dinner and someone just rudely answered their phone and had a conversation while you are trying to entertain your guests? How about someone coming to your charity mixer in a midriff and ripped jeans? 

So, the next time you attend a live performance at a theater stop and look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are putting your best foot forward.  The actors always do. And they do it for YOU.

Enjoy the show! 

3 Comments

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

7/8/2012

4 Comments

 
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I can’t count how many times people say “how do you get up there and sing in front of all those people?”

It’s not easy.  Believe it or not, most entertainers suffer from severe stage fright and social anxiety disorders.  Look at Babs. Barbra Streisand took a 27 year concert hiatus because of one lyric snafoo at a live concert.  She put aside her singing career just because she forgot a few words. So what?

I’m no Barbra Streisand but there is a palpable stress that comes along with live entertainment.  People expect perfection.  Everytime.  I can tell you I am the worst at memorizing lyrics.  I make myself sick over it. And you know what? I forget lyrics all the time.  I came to accept my imperfections.  Sometimes I forget words not because I don’t know them but because I’m so in the moment I totally forget where I am and what comes next.  And, then again, sometimes I forget them because I am just a dork and forgot the words.  Then my stomach sinks and I think ‘oh crap, oh crap, oh crap’ and then I just pull myself up by the bootstraps and say to myself ‘sing something, silly, SING!’ And everything is ok.  And all of that happens in a millisecond.

How does one get over stage fright? Well there is no easy answer and some people (me) will always get sick before a performance.  One sure fire way to reduce the stress of performing live is to practice, practice, PRACTICE!  The more energy and time you put into your performance the better. During the ‘oh crap’ moments you have more of a chance to climb up out of the hole you just started to dig for yourself. Another way to practice is being quick on your feet. I’m the queen of alternate lyrics.  They may not make one bit of sense, and sometimes will be offensive, but they always rhyme and fit into the rhythm of the song.  And if you can do it with confidence  the audience is none the wiser.  

I would say the biggest way to get over stage fright is getting used to people hearing you sing or act or play an instrument or see you dance.  If you love it…do it! Our job as entertainers is to make others fall in love with our songs and dances and plays.  Just like a chef wants his diners to leave dreaming of the next time they will have that meal again, an entertainer wants his audience to walk away whistling, humming, and smiling from ear to ear.  So, if you’ve ever found yourself saying ‘I love to sing but I could never get up on that stage’, come on out to one of our open mic events and give it a shot.   What’s the worst that can happen?

“Our fate lies within us. We just have to be brave enough to see it.” ~Merida (Brave)


4 Comments

Selling Pure Joy

7/1/2012

5 Comments

 
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About a month ago I wondered if there was a need for singing telegrams.  Do people even do such a thing anymore?  Would people pay for such a service?  

The answer, my friends, is YES!

While on vacation with my darling hubby I was contacted by a local Realtor about delivering a singing telegram to one of their recent clients as a way to say THANK YOU.  They wanted me to surprise the couple at their housewarming party at their new home since the realtor and her husband were going to be out of the country.  

After giving the project some thought I decided...what the heck?  Why not? I started my entertainment company a little over a year ago and it's my duty to provide professional quality entertainment to my clients.  I met with the Realtors and gathered information on their clients.  What sort of music do they like? What was the message they wanted to get across.  And all the other pertinent information needed for a successful delivery! I was very nervous.  It was my first ever singing telegram and these new homeowners were very special clients to the Realtors.  This gift was well thought out and very heartfelt.  I knew that I had to do a wonderful job.

As I researched the job I kept coming back to this question:  What are you afraid of?

And then it all came flooding out.  The song, how I would chang the lyrics, the special message, how I would deliver it and how I could stand out from other singing telegram companies and truly make a lasting impression.  

When I perform it comes from a very spiritual place.  Somewhere deep within my soul, God planted something in me.  A responsibility to spread joy through music.  I take it quite seriously.  I always looked at myself as quite ordinary and still do.  But he graced me with the voice I have. And one day something clicked in me.  This is truly what I was put on earth to do.  I have tried EVERYTHING!  McDonalds, Cleaner, Barnes & Noble, Sous Chef, Postal Worker, Medical Coder, Retail Fashion, Non Profit Management and Fundraising, and so much more.  I always dreaded waking up and going to work and I even cried behind closed doors in my former jobs.  Not because they are not good jobs but because I knew deep down in my heart they weren't the jobs for me.  Now, when I cry it's because of the sheer joy I get from looking out from the stage and seeing the smiling faces looking back.  It's that moment...I know I'm doing my job and I'm where I belong.

That's how I felt the other day when I delivered my first singing telegram.  There I am standing in the backyard of complete strangers.  There are about 20 people - family & friends of the homeowners - staring at me wondering what the heck is this chic doing???  I placed the homeowners in front of me and started the telegram.  Seeing how overwhelmed they were by the generosity of their Realtors as a direct result of the service I was delivering I became overwhelmed with emotions, reminding myself again that I am right where I'm supposed to be.

I'm blessed to own my own business that allows me to make a few bucks doing what I love and was born to do.  How many people can truly wake up every morning and shout to heavens I LOVE MY JOB?????

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SINGING TELEGRAMS


 We have every event covered! employee of the month, birthdays, holidays, secretary's day, administrative and executive assistant appreciation day, marriage proposals, weddings, baby showers,  rehearsal dinners, bachelorette parties, wedding receptions, graduations, congratulations, new baby, get well, mother's day and father's day, sweet sixteen, bar & bat mitzvahs, thank you, forgive me, I love you, off to college, corporate events, romantic songs, teacher & coach appreciation message, anniversary messages, family reunions, block parties, and anything else you can think of! 
We will work with you to send the perfect singing telegram. 
You can also choose from an array of special gifts to accompany our professional singers: Flowers, Fudge, Cupcakes, Fruit Basket, Balloons, Jewelry, and more.

 
Our singing telegrams are classy and professional, fun and exciting. 
We capture the moment on film and offer a DVD memento as an added bonus.


FOR PRICING AND AVAILABILITY CALL US TODAY!  484-809-9228

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    Star of the Day Event Productions

    Contributing bloggers:
    Kirsten Rani Almeida
    Vanessa Ruggiero

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