My Creative and Theatrical Fitness Plan
helping her with homework
back in the beginning of
quarantine this March.
Ah, the holidays. Every year come late November, we BFA college students enter a sedentary period known as: winter break. Speaking for myself, at least. I morph from active, driven student almost instantly to couch potato. I’ve made it a goal of mine this year for that not to be the case. As opposed to sitting and watching Hallmark Christmas movies all day (though, trust me, I will absolutely be finding time to do this!), I’ve decided to make a fitness plan for myself to follow. But not just any fitness plan, no! This fitness plan is for working my creative and theatrical muscles while away from school… and I suppose I should exercise my physical muscles, as well. Keeping in mind, though, that this is called “winter break” for a reason, I will strive to achieve balance and not overwork myself.
Maybe it’s just me and my relationship with my family, but every time I come home, I feel as though I am being demanded to perform: “Sing us a song, Cassie! C’mon we sent you off to school to do this; can’t you just sing a little for us right now, pleeeease?!” It’s constant. Naturally, I tell them no, and I am met with displeasure. (Don’t worry! They won’t be shocked that I’m writing this; I’ve confronted them about it plenty of times. I think (and hope) by now they know that I won’t do tricks on command like a circus animal.) Anyways, ever since beginning my training in college, I have found it difficult to exercise my voice whilst at home. In fact, whenever I do just shut my door and sing, I’ll often open my door afterward to see my dad sitting there listening (very cute and supportive, I know, but no privacy!). I caught my mother and sister doing this today actually! How timely! Thankfully, I’ve sort of gotten used to that feeling due to recent circumstances. Because of the pandemic, all of my voice lessons, and my those of my roommates, were moved online, so I’ve grown accustomed to singing in my room and hearing them right outside my door. They, however, are Musical Theatre majors like me, so if I crack or fudge something, then I know that they understand. Judging from their commentary while watching American Idol, I’m not sure that my family understands quite the same… That’s what always makes me nervous. Despite this, though, I will sing this break! Here is my vocal exercise plan:
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Daily: Vocal functions before bed.
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Weekly: Follow a recorded lesson. Do vocalese and revisit a song.
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Whenever possible: Sing in the car sans plan or judgement.
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Whenever I remember: Releasing my jaw and tongue while not singing. And practicing raspberries for releasing tongue tension!
Acting gets trickier to practice at home, as well. After all, it’s not like I can just give myself an acting class. Thinking