The Triple Threat - Singer Dancer Actor

As a musicals vocal and performance coach I work with performers known as the "Triple Threat" - the singer/dancer/actor. There are always musicals that require the triple threat artists, able to work to a high level in all three disciplines. But even these performers usually favor one aspect of their abilities, the one they find the most "natural". And that's what I focus on.

I like to find out what my clients do that is so easy they don't even think about it, and help them transfer those innate skills into their other work areas. In the case of the triple threat, there is usually one mode of communication that is deeper, more unconscious than the others. So I will switch my coaching language to fit that mode.

Say your first language is dance - I might choose to describe my technical instructions in terms of movement, physical energy or the use of muscles. Supposing your easiest mode is acting. You might understand my vocal technique suggestions if you heard them couched in terms of characterisation, emotions, descriptive keywords or plot devices. And if you are a singer first and foremost, I might talk about acting in terms of phrase shape, colour or rhythm.

Once you discover what your own main language is, you can actually use it to understand what other people want from you, what they actually mean. Translating what a director has asked for into your own "language" helps you to understand the instructions on a much deeper level. And that will produce a much more authentic performance. You're happy because you successfully understood the director's instructions, and the director's happy because you did what he asked you to do, and you knew what he was talking about. And if the director thinks you understand him and where he's coming from (and assuming you can actually do what he wants), he's much more likely to hire you.

In the particular case of the triple threat, because all three disciplines need work, practice and focus, it's easy to become overloaded with classes, instructions, tasks. Once you know what your main strength is, not only will you ease up on yourself in that area, you'll be able to apply the skills and strengths of that area in the other, more challenging areas. My early training was exclusively as a musician, and music is my first language. But I've been able to transfer my musical disciplines and skills into understanding and working with actors and dancers, and I now work with a wide variety of theatre performers and recording artists.

It's human nature to dismiss something that we're REALLY good at, precisely BECAUSE we're naturally good at it. It's when you see other people unable to do something that you can do, and it really puzzles you. "But that's so easy" you might say. "Anyone could do that". But anyone can't - you have a special resonance that makes that thing feel incredibly easy to do. The more you do that is second nature to you, the more you "resonate" with your own talents, gifts and physicality. And when you "resonate" well, people are naturally attracted to you. How cool is that?

When you discover that people want you to do the thing you do easiest and best, life becomes a lot more fun - and you get paid for it. My belief is that we are here to do what we do well. And applying what we do well to other areas of our life can make the difference between a hard life and a happy life.

So what's your main strength?

Article Source: http://www.rightbiz.com

Jeremy Fisher is a performance coach for actors singers and dancers. His company Vocal Process is "revolutionising the way singing is taught" (LINK magazine) Sign up for Jeremy's free newsletter containing original interviews and pre-release offers, and receive your BONUS free copy of "86 things you never hear a singer say" at www.vocalprocess.co.uk

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