At the end of the week, each of us will perform a ten-minute solo segment consisting of three songs and connecting patter. To prepare for Summer School, we're asked to put together a list of 6-10 possible songs. I've scoured my books and assembled my list.
I love it when the New Year actually brings something new. It's the third week of January - high summer in Australia. I'm taking the whole week off to take part in this intensive cabaret course.
It's Sunday night and we're at La Boheme for our "meet and greet". Last time I was here was New Year's Eve. It was a French-themed party with cocktails, champagne and a very entertaining three-hour cabaret show by Catherine, Matthew and Sidonie (a professional singer who regularly performs at Cabaret Live, and has occasionally hosted the event).
The place feels very different now, with the the stage in darkness, the chairs packed away and a small group of people standing around in ordinary clothes.
Introductions are made. Everyone seems to have a background of singing, dancing or acting (or all of these). I meet a group of drama students. Suddenly a small tide of panic rises inside me, filling me with self-doubt. Am I in the wrong place? I've looked forward to this program for weeks, but I've never done any acting. I've always avoided it, ever since I was fourteen years old when a classmate ridiculed my performance in drama class. I know this is pathetic, but now I'm feeling inferior and insecure.
I mention to Matthew that I have zero acting experience. He says "That should not matter". I relax a bit, and enjoy a glass of wine with the group. "Housekeeping" matters are dealt with - where to find the venue, where to park, what to bring and what we're going to do tomorrow. Each of us will sing a song of our choice in front of the group.
The wait is over. I've been happily telling anyone who will listen that I'm doing this program. Now it's finally here. Time to deliver. Time to stop talking and start working.
The place feels very different now, with the the stage in darkness, the chairs packed away and a small group of people standing around in ordinary clothes.
Introductions are made. Everyone seems to have a background of singing, dancing or acting (or all of these). I meet a group of drama students. Suddenly a small tide of panic rises inside me, filling me with self-doubt. Am I in the wrong place? I've looked forward to this program for weeks, but I've never done any acting. I've always avoided it, ever since I was fourteen years old when a classmate ridiculed my performance in drama class. I know this is pathetic, but now I'm feeling inferior and insecure.
I mention to Matthew that I have zero acting experience. He says "That should not matter". I relax a bit, and enjoy a glass of wine with the group. "Housekeeping" matters are dealt with - where to find the venue, where to park, what to bring and what we're going to do tomorrow. Each of us will sing a song of our choice in front of the group.
The wait is over. I've been happily telling anyone who will listen that I'm doing this program. Now it's finally here. Time to deliver. Time to stop talking and start working.
No comments:
Post a Comment