Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/39968
"And she sang three or four lines of that and I knew we had our Mercedes." It's a lesson that actors need to present themselves in a way that fits their talents. That's one of the specialties of Sheri Sanders, an actor and singer who has carved out a niche coaching actors who want to get cast in rock musicals. Three of her students have gone on to perform in the Broadway production of Rock of Ages, and six are in the upcoming film. Her workshops, Rock the Audition (she also has an advanced class), teaches actors to interpret various styles of rock songs, whether it's a punk tune or something from rock 'n' roll's early years. In an audition, the purpose of the music is to magnify the actor's personality, to demonstrate in a few minutes why he or she is perfect for the part. Sanders recommends doing research. If you are performing a song from the 1960s, for instance, find out what was going on at the time and what people were talking about. Create a character based upon yourself that reflects how you might have embodied the attitudes of the time. "People will never know who you are unless you bring yourself into the story. [They] won't hire you if they don't have a sense of you," Sanders said. "It's an inside job, not an outside job. Don't tell me how you feel, don't show me how you feel, feel it." It's what Kristina Seleshanko, author of Singing Secrets described when she wrote, "Good acting is vital to good singing." Casting director Marcia Ross made a parallel observation while RESOURCES • SAG Stunt, Singers, Dancers & Safety Department – (323) 549-6864 (or contact your local Branch office) Provides assistance with SAG contract interpretation and enforcement for work in films, television, commercials, industrials, new media and music videos. Assists singers and dancers with developing working condition proposals for contract negotiations. • Career Transition for Dancers (CTFD) – careertransition.org Provides career counseling and other resources for dancers who are looking to explore career opportunities. • Professional Dancers Society – professionaldancerssociety.org Partners with The Actors Fund to serve the needs of professional dancers. • Society of Singers – singers.org Dedicated to the health and welfare of professional vocalists. • SAG Foundation – sagfoundation.org Provides resources such as seminars and classes to help performers further their careers, as well as engaging in a variety of other philanthropic endeavors. • The Actors Fund – actorsfund.org Provides a safety net for performers in need, offering services such as emergency grants, senior and disabled care, mental health care and a variety of other programs. 26 SCREEN ACTOR - Summer 2011 SAG.org Harry Shum Jr. shows off his dance moves on Glee. The cast of Glee working on The Muppets, which is due for release in November. The production was seeking someone to play the villain, Tex Richman, who didn't fit expectations for a singer or dancer. The idea was to find someone like Christopher Walken, who did a memorable turn as Tracy's father Wilbur in the musical film Hairspray, and wowed audiences with his funky moves when he tapped his early dance training in Fatboy Slim's Weapon of Choice music video. The producers were thrilled to end up with Chris Cooper, who proved to be a man of many talents. Although Cooper is better known for his serious roles in movies like The Bourne Identity and The Company Men, he gets a chance to get his hip-hop on in The Muppets. Though Cooper didn't have to audition for the part, Ross got to hear him sing and was impressed with his abilities. Song and dance provide additional avenues for expression, she said. "Great actors when they sing and dance, there's even greater interpretation," Ross said. Regardless of the role, whether it involves singing, dancing, acting or a combination of the three, the essence of the performance comes from the same place. If you have done your homework and put in the hard work required, project confidence, even if you're in unfamiliar territory. That's the philosophy of Glee's Criss. "Whatever you do, no matter how bad you think it is, embrace Continues on page 43 Chris Cooper in The Muppets with Uncle Deadly and Bobo the Bear Adam Rose/FOX Adam Rose/FOX Scott Garfield/Disney