Our Podcast Episodes
Artistic Director Barbra French offers community theatre artists tips, tricks and stories to help them prepare for theatre re-openings and raise the bar on their knowledge and performance skills. These 5-10 minute weekly podcasts will cover a wide range of topics, such as tips on voice production, character building, taking (or giving) notes, script analysis, speaking the actors’ language (for directors) and so much more. Join us, theatre lovers!
UPDATE: 2020 has been a sad year for many performing artists, and considering that Barbra doesn’t see live theatre returning for quite some time, she has decided to suspend her weekly podcasts for now. We shall see what 2021 brings. She hopes you all have a peaceful fall and happy holiday season.
EP #12: 12 Tips for Learning Your Lines
Actors of all ages struggle with learning their lines. It’s just part of the job that we have to get through until things start to gel. But there are ways of making it easier and more effective. The trick is to find out which ways you learn best, and then use a combination of those.
EP #11: Move It or Lose It
Moving around the stage is more than just what we think of as ‘blocking’, and today, I’m going to talk about some of the things that actors should and shouldn’t do when when it comes to movement and stage business.
EP #10 The Problem with Innovation
I love creativity and out of the box thinking, especially when it comes to art. But when I look at all the technological innovation happening with theatrical performance today, I have to ask: is it really theatre?
EP #9 Ten Vocal Hacks to Get Your Lines to the Back Row
Can I just say, the phrase “vocal hacks” makes me cringe a bit?
Actors: If you’ve ever heard your director say, “I can’t hear you!” and directors: if you can’t seem to get your actor to project to the back, or even the middle row, then this week’s podcast is for you. Here are my top 10 vocal…hmmm…hacks.
ACT EP #8: What Kind of Community Theatre Actor Are You? (The Muppet Test)
Today’s offer is a fun and interesting take on an acting self-evaluation, as we look at what some of our favourite foam and fleece characters can tell us about ourselves. Bork bork bork!
Your feedback is always welcome!
Email: info@vitatheatre.ca
Website: vitatheatre.ca
EP #7: Talking to Actors
This week I’ll be looking at how directors can communicate with their actors more effectively. (Actors, you’ll want to eavesdrop on this one!)
Email: info@vitatheatre.ca
Website: vitatheatre.ca
EP #6: 3 Steps to Better Monologues
Monologues. We love to hate to love them. But why? What’s the problem, exactly, with speaking solo on stage? Well, I’m glad you asked! Here are 3 steps to stronger, more engaging monologues.
EP #5 How to Read a Script
What does every actor do the moment they get their script? Be honest, now. You highlight your lines, don’t you? This week I’ll explain why you shouldn’t (at least not right away).
EP #4 The Day I Stopped Dreading Auditions By Being a Director
Auditions can strike fear into the heart of even the most experienced community theatre actor. But it doesn’t have to be that way, and Barbra shares a story of how she overcame her dread of auditions by taking a walk on the director’s side.