How to Be a Good Performer

A singer, dancer, actor becomes a good performer by executing a combination of tasks correctly. In order to perform well, they have to capture the audience's attention as well as their hearts. They do this by engaging the audience, connecting with the music, and overcoming stage fright and being skilled at their craft.

Overcoming stage fright is a big step in becoming a great performer. You can do this by knowing your music thoroughly. This helps you to remember all of your lyrics even when you're nervous. You can also breath slowly just before singing to slow down your heartbeat, which will relax you and release tension so that you can focus on your singing. Lastly, focus on giving the message. See yourself, the performer, as a messenger, a conduit of the music. You must embody he music to get the message across to your audience. The next step to being a good performer is to connect with the music.

A good performer will always connect with their music in some way. Consider it acting in some ways. Study the writer's perspective and allow yourself to become that character when singing. To do that, you should study how the 'voice 'of the song thinks, feels, and acts. Empathize and embody that message when you sing. Allow that to affect your enunciation, stance, and vocal delivery. Lastly, a good performer knows how to engage their audience.

To be a good performer you should look comfortable on stage. This means no fidgeting, fixing of clothes, hair, or staring at walls or checking microphones. Make eye contact with you audience. Draw them into you by smiling or telling them what to do. Something as simple as 'clap your hands like this..' can engage your audience. Look excited to be there. If you're constantly looking to the band or to the sides of the stage and not your audience, they will begin to feel uncomfortable. Do not wait for your audience to be excited about you for you to get excited about them. You as the performer are responsible for the atmosphere.

In conclusion, being a good performer takes passion.. To be a good performer you must overcome fear and performance anxiety, connect with your music and engage your audience. Remember, the energy you give you may or may not receive from your audience. But it's your job to always do your best.

Use Your Art Materials Skills To Enter Competitions

Experts at using art materials may like to test their talents by entering local and national competitions.

Entering any kind of competition for the first time can be like navigating a minefield as you will not be sure what to expect which can be off-putting to some but exciting to others.

The main thing to consider when selecting a piece of art to be judged is to always choose a work that truly reflects your abilities and demonstrates how far your artistic talents have developed.

Try not to predict what you think the competition judges would prefer to see and just enter what you believe is your best artwork because second guessing someone's opinions is often a dangerous game to play.

Some competitions request more than one example of work so in this instance it is wise to choose a diverse selection of pieces which show a history of your versatile use of art materials.

If you cannot enter your art in person, then you will have to learn how to photograph your entry in a way that fully displays the time and effort that went into creating it in the first place.

Any photograph of your art will have to be high quality as this is what the image a judge will base his decisions on when they come to judge your art so it needs to be an accurate representation.

Ensure that the conditions are right for an excellent photograph by choosing the correct light as digital cameras can give pictures an orange tint, while fluorescent light can give a green glow and outside shots can turn pictures a shade of blue.

Always read the competition requirements to make certain that your entry fits the required format and is not discarded for being inapplicable as soon as the judges receive it.

As soon as you know which one of your pieces to submit, then you must consider how you will frame it because it is the whole presentation of your art that will ultimately affects the judge's final decision.

Even the best example of art can be devalued by being surrounded by a cheap-looking, scruffy frame, which demonstrates a lack of care and overall awareness of the artist in question.

Using non-reflective glass in your frame is also likely to give you an edge over fellow competitors because it will give your art a professional feel that can only usually be found in exhibitions and galleries.

8 Fun Things to Do This Weekend

Have a Harry Potter Marathon and then go watch the last one in the theater. What's more fun than a movie marathon and then a night out on the town? A movie marathon and night out on the town AND Harry Potter. Get caught up on all of the HP movies and then brave the crazy fans with lightning bolts drawn and their foreheads to see the final movie in the theater.

Plan a barbeque in the park. Enjoy the summer weather with your friends and plan a get together in the park. Bring your bocce ball set, hot dogs and hamburgers, a juicy watermelon and chocolate chip cookies and you'll have the perfect afternoon!

Go garage sale hopping. With nice weather in full swing, people are holding garage sales left and right. Get up early (early bird gets the worm!) and find some treasures! Check your local newspaper for garage sale listings, although keep your eye out for others as not everyone posts their garage sale in the paper.

Speaking of garage sales, have one! It's the perfect excuse to go through your closets, attic, garage and cupboards to clean out and get rid of things you don't use anymore. If you don't have enough for a full-blown sale, have your neighbors join in on the fun and hold a joint garage sale! You'll clean out your house and maybe make a little money too!

Buy a new outfit. Nothing says a great weekend like a new outfit. If you're in need of something new and don't want to bust your budget hit up your local Goodwill, thrift shops and consignment stores for some great finds for cheap!

Go antique shopping. Whether or not you are looking for something in particular, browsing your local antique shops is a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Who knows, you may find something you just can't live without!

Buy a lotto ticket. The quickest way to make a buck is to spend one on a lottery ticket and cross your fingers for a win! Play lottery this weekend and, if you win, it will definitely be one you will never forget!

Explore a new town near where you live. You know that tiny town you always pass through, but have no idea what might be there? Go there! Explore. Shopping, eating and walking around the streets of a new place can be fun!

How to Prepare For Acting Auditions For Disney Channel?

Disney channel holds quite a number of auditions for people of all ages, and you can attend some of them so that you start on your acting career. For starters, you need to find as much information about these acting auditions for Disney channel as possible so that you start preparations well advance. The information will be provided in a number of websites including the Disney Channel official website.

Send headshot and Resume

Most of these auditions will require that you include the headshot and resume. The headshot should be professional and must be in color. Avoid using glamour shots or school photos or the photos taken by non-professional photographers because they will jeopardize your chances of landing the part you are auditioning for. You must also make sure that the photo represents the real you, updating it as you change your style and look. When it comes to the resume, provide the essential details, including your personal details such as name, birth date and your physical attributes. Besides that, include your objectives, experience, training and special talents.

Create the best First Impression

During the auditions, you need to create the best first impression. For starters, arrive at the venue in time and have your resume and headshot in hand to avoid wasting time. Try creating your own space so that you can focus on the auditions. Carry out relaxation exercises so that you relieve the tension and anxiety around you.

The next important thing about the free auditions for Disney channel is confidence. It is important to be confident because the casting directors will have an opinion of you the moment you step into the room and introduce yourself. Smiling is a great way of relaxing not only yourself but also the audience. Do not look away: eye contact is an indication of your confidence. Try to find a comfortable position to stand, and avoid crossing your hands or fidgeting as this shows you are uncomfortable.

Don'ts when auditioning

There are some don'ts that you must remember when auditioning. Do not rush, as this will seem like you are talking at the casting directors. Do not take too much of the judges time- no one wants to be behind schedule because of one person. Avoid making excuses before you start your monologue and do not make up questions just because the judges asked if you have any. The most important of all, do not call or personally visit the casting directors at Disney because this shows a high level of unprofessionalism and you will be totally inconsiderate of their time.

There are a number of acting auditions for Disney channel, and you can check them out and send your headshot and resume. Keep in mind that they are free auditions for Disney channel; therefore avoid the people who ask for any form of payment.

Ways of Getting Auditions for Kids on Disney Channel

Disney is renowned for its numerous films and television shows of production at any given time duration. This has in turn offered many opportunities for kids to get tested to have a production in the medium. Auditions for kids on Disney channel which involve theatrical productions as well as TV shows are very competitive. It needs for an individual together with the kid to be prepared, be patient and up for hard work which will make it possible to get a trial in this medium. Having said this, here are the ways you can use in getting your kids auditions for Disney channel.

• Things Needed: First and foremost, there are things that are required in order to facilitate the process of getting these trials easier. These include; a talent agent, acting & voice lessons and lastly headshot & resume.

• Casting Calls: Secondly, check out if there are open casting calls. There are several websites that have dedicated themselves to open casting calls. This is simply a schedule of trails open to the general public. You can get a trial for your kid by checking the up coming casting calls where a name and address of the casting director is provided for easy reach.

• Headshots: Get the required headshots. Most casting directors will require you to produce a photo that has specified measurements backed with a resume at the back. On the resume, you can simply include the general performance of your kid in terms of skills especially if he or she has had no past acting experience.

• Submissions: Once you have all the above on hand, simply make the submissions to the casting director that is listed on the open casting call. Make sure the documents are not submitted to any other person other than the casting director on the listing. This will ensure that the resume and headshots of your kids reach their respectful place and not in the trash.

• Getting a Talent Agent: A talent agent is very important as he or she can simply get your kid a trail even though it is closed. This simply means that he is supposed to take the initiative of finding your kids another acting work which will in turn help your kid gain experience. With this, your kid will have better chances of landing a good role with Disney channel.

• Helping your Kid to Practice: Take time to help your kid in her performing skills. Professional voice as well as acting instructions you give your kid will help her to be full prepared for trials.

Most auditions for kids on Disney channel can result in rejection which can be quite emotional and difficult experience which makes it important for a child to fully understand kids auditions for Disney channel has more talented children than them.

Tips for Finding Movie Auditions for Disneyland

When it comes to entertainment, Disney is the largest company in this sector globally. In addition, it has Disney channel as its TV outlet. Breaking into the process of performing acts with this medium can be quite challenging. However, finding yourself auditions on Disney channel is a perfect way of landing a performing job. Aspiring actors have the chance for auditioning for various roles at the media's theme parks which will help them to commence their careers. Prior to attempt trial for the productions linked with this medium, it is highly advisable to be well prepared vocally as well as in performing skills. Read on and learn the steps you ought to follow to find movie auditions for Disney channel in the best way possible.

• Agent: Make sure you find yourself an agent who will help you in locating trials. However, it is important for you to be a prospective client in order to pass through the agency's trials. Remember, an agent will help in your promotion and expect a certain percentage from your earnings in case you sail through. The agent should also be alert in knowing when the tests are available for you. Oddly enough, seek the profession of a lawyer before hiring and signing a contract with an agent.

• Creating an Account: You will be prompted to have an account created with talent resource websites. This will in turn help you in maintaining a list of coming trials that you can easily sort them out. Before you make any attendance to movie trials, it is imperative to consult an agent whom you can trust. This is because; the agent will simply protect you from any frauds or scams.

• Research: Make sure during your free time, you take a certain period of time to visit websites that are aimed at promoting open casting for any extras as well as movie productions. There are sites that will give you an opportunity to mail in your photos as well as resumes directly in your effort to land a test for new shows and movies as well. While this is the case, make sure that all your photos stand out to increase the chances of you being selected.

• Resume Submission: Remember, when you send your resume directly to the open casting websites, you can end up working as an extra in a movie. To you, it will be a good way of earning additional money, building up your work history as well as potentially getting bigger roles later on.

If you are a minor seeking for movie auditions for Disney channel, it is imperative to bring an adult or an agent with you to any auditions on Disney channel.

Reviewed: Captain America: The First Avenger [2011]

12A - 125mins - Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi - 29th July 2011

With the summer season now in full blast we get our latest and final all action comic book hero for the year in the guise of Captain America- yet another character that I am unfamiliar with. Have I missed out on a childhood filled with comic books? It would seem so.

Set during World War II, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) a poorly yet determined man has only one goal- to join the army so that he can serve and protect his country. Due to his illnesses and diminished stature though he is rejected and turned away by every recruitment station he visits. A chance encounter with Dr. Erksine (Stanley Tucci) changes his fortunes and leads him to be accepted onto a secret project codename Project Rebirth where his honour and integrity gain him the chance to become a super soldier. He undergoes the transformation and becomes capable of near superhuman acts.

Meanwhile in Germany, Johann Schmidt aka the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), head of the Nazi exploratory research department HYDRA is building and army and technology that threatens to not only usurp Hitler but destroy the world. Captain America is tasked with stopping Schmitt and bringing the war to a premature end.

I was looking forward to seeing Evans in his role as Captain America as I'd wanted to see if he had what it takes to be the leading star in a film rather than the supporting roles he's more used to. He passed with flying colours making the character his own from a skinny nobody to the patriotic propaganda spinning Captain America. The rest of the cast also performed well with Weaving a convincing bad guy (despite me wanting him to say Mr. Anderson) and Tommy Lee Jones adding his unique charisma to the hard as nails Colonel. I was less convinced with Hayley Atwell playing the love interest Peggy Carter as the chemistry wasn't there and she never really extracted any emotions from me good or bad.

The action taken as a whole was good but I'm not sure that there was enough from Captain America. Sure he swung his shield and sent the opposition flying but I never felt that he was getting down and dirty for his cause. Some of the fighting scenes felt rushed and tended to be over before they had even begun. Also I understand Captain America's improved metabolism/regeneration properties cover up the fact he always looks like he's just walked out from make-up room #1 but I would still have liked to see him a bit beaten up and then recover for the next scene rather than looking as if he's just going for a stroll through the park. He never felt in peril which instantly removes any suspense that I should have been feeling for him.

The story of his origins seemed to take president over the action and to a certain degree that's understandable- there is no movie without a plot, but I would have liked a smidge more action and a tad less talking. Luckily the film didn't give off that all American vibe that I thought it might with the patriotism healthily present rather than all engulfing. Likewise, the comedy flowed at a decent level with many short (as in height) jokes and other such one liners hitting their mark. Although for me, I found Red Skull to be the funniest merely for his appearance- he was not scary and just looked like he'd forgotten to lather himself in suntan lotion before a trip to the beach one day.

The ending certainly adds its clout to The Avengers film due out next year. (You may want to hang around at the end for another post credit scene and a teaser trailer for said film). So where does this go in my list of Summer comic book heroes? I think it slots in nicely behind X-Men, just pipping Thor into second and is comfortably ahead of the Green Lantern.

Review: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2

Like most adults, I came across Harry Potter when book 3 was released, about two years before the first movie. Kids had been aware of the books since day one. They were an immediate hit, selling millions of copies. However, most adults hadn't heard about them. It was only when a TV station in the US was doing a little research for a small article on kid's reading habits that they realised that these books were outselling videogames and movies without any huge publicity or advertising campaigns. It all boiled down to word of mouth. That, of course, changed almost overnight. Suddenly there was a two month waiting period for the books in the US. An American friend of mine was so stunned that he was able to buy all books (four at the time) in a bookshop in Dublin without any problems that he bought four copies of each and sent them home. He was the best uncle in the world that Christmas.
 
Anyway, as I said, I came across the books at book 3 and have read them all as they came out. The books, cleverly, grew up at the same rate as the characters and readers; Starting off as a book for kids with magic sweets and happy, fluffy magic. But there was still real danger and excitement in the book and the author never talked down or patronised the readers. As the books went on the books got larger, the characters grew up, the danger and excitement more extreme, favourite characters changed and even died. And the books grew more and more popular. The hysteria surrounding the release of a book would only be matched by the hysteria surrounding the next book.
 
And then the films came out. Everyone was concerned: How close to the book will they stay? Who will play the teachers? With a big American studio behind them and an American director and market will Harry suddenly become Troy? And who will play the kids? We need not have worried. The movies stuck VERY closely to the books (At times cutting out unnecessary plotlines that actually improves the story). The adult cast was fantastic. The late, great Richard Harris played headmaster Dumbledore (replaced with the equally great Michael Gambon after the death of Harris), Maggie Smith, John Cleese and Ian Hart all played their parts brilliantly. However Robbie Coltrane and Alan Rickman were BORN to play Hagrid and Snape. The kid actors were all pretty good also. Daniel Radcliffe a bit nervous and stilted as Harry (He's to be honest, not the best actor in the world) Rupert Grint as his best friend, Ron was funny and appealing and Emma Watson was perfect as their know-it-all friend Hermione. As the books went on and new characters were introduced the casting was uniformly excellent: Kenneth Brenagh, Ralph Feinnes, Brendan Gleeson, Gary Oldman etc.
 
So, at last, we get to the last movie. Was it worth the wait? Oh yes! As readers will know, Deathly Hallows Part One covered about more than three quarters of the last book. So Part two was going to be mainly the action packed finale. And it lives up to the challenge. Think the battle of Helms Deep in The Two Towers but with more wands. The action is thick and fast when it needs to be but knows when to calm down when it needs to also. After a five minute build up we are thrown into a daring bank heist with a dramatic and destructive escape. Another few minutes of tense calm and we start the battle of hogwarts. Once bumbling characters are suddenly turn into action heroes and we see other characters in a whole new light. Cool characters get even cooler. Well loved characters rise to the challenge or die without any OTT melodrama, they just die. Most of the actors return even if they don't have a single line of dialogue which is a testament to their respect for the films, books and fans.

The end may leave you wanting more but, sorry, that's it... Until Harry Potter And The Midlife Crises I suppose. It yet to be seen if these actors will be able top break out of their roles in Harry Potter and make a career for themselves in the Film and TV industry. Only times will tell on this really but one thing's for sure, they won't have to queue at the dole office for a while anyway!

Katie Holmes Emmy Nomination

The lack of a Katie Holmes Emmy nomination most certainly counts as a snub, for those who are not sure. Since the announcement of Emmy nominations last July 14, people have been talking about it. "The Kennedys" managed to claim ten nominations, with three of them for actors Greg Kinnear, Tom Wilkinson and Barry Pepper. However, for some reason, her acting efforts have not been recognized.

Award snubs are nothing new, especially for the Emmys. Bigger snubs have occurred than the Katie Holmes snub, such as when they snubbed "The Wire". Some snubs are intentional and welcome. "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", for example, was snubbed in favor of shows such as "Conan" and "The Colbert Report," possibly in response to how Leno was pushed back into the spotlight. Courtney Cox continues to be snubbed until today, from her run on "Friends" to her current role on "Cougar Town."

There are many reasons for a snub. Sometimes it is because there is an overabundance of splendid shows and actors and since there can be only one, someone must be disappointed. In other cases, it becomes a matter of internal politics. It sometimes even becomes about spite and malice.

Why is the Katie Holmes Emmy nomination controversial?

"The Kennedys Miniseries" is a television broadcast on the "Reelzchannel." It was originally slated to be shown on the History Channel, but it backed out of the deal. It is widely believed to be because the content of the show is inherently controversial. The fact is that the lack of a Katie Holmes nomination might be justified in this case, though it may not be in a way that is acceptable to the general public.

The fact is that the show has a hilarious number of historical inaccuracies. It is also incredibly unflattering. Ted Sorensen calls the show "character assassination." Of course, this is no reason not to nominate someone for their acting - the fact that three cast members were nominated is proof of that.

The fact is that there is no Katie Holmes Emmy nomination might be because she simply does not deserve one. She might actually not deserve a nomination. Her performance might simply not be robust enough. Her blank expressions are put up against Emmy Rossum, Katey Sagal and Anna Torv. The fact is that even with a weaker host of actresses, Katie Holmes might simply not deserve the honor. It is simply shocking because everyone else on the show was nominated. It looks awful, but it might be simply be a matter of not measuring up.

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