Stage Performance Workshop
June 28–30, 2013
ANNOUNCEMENT: Students who complete both programs, Vocal Summit June 24-27, and Stage Performance Workshop June 28-30, will receive a $100 discount.
What's the program like?
You may have heard about that elusive "X-Factor." Everyone has one–let's find yours. There are key elements that will help you stand out from the crowd when you audition for that competition, scholarship, part, or gig. Landing the gig is only half of it. Once you're in, living up to expectations means putting on a great performance each and every time. Do you know what it takes or what to do when you get up on stage?
The Stage Performance Workshop will give you insight into song selection, musicianship, your look, and how to present yourself, all of which will help set you apart from the competition. Get inside information on the dos and don'ts, and find out what audition judges, producers, and directors look for. Develop your auditioning and performance skills, and be on your way to success.
Classes, clinics, and forums on performance, musicianship, stage presence, and personal style will take place over the three-day workshop. You are expected to prepare and perform two or three selections that will best highlight your abilities.
For students who are also interested in enrolling at Berklee full-time, there are several benefits to attending Stage Performance:
- Find out what it takes to succeed in music and at Berklee.
- Study with Berklee faculty and special guest artists.
- Get a head start on your full-time studies.
- Get to know Boston, New England’s hub of culture and academia.
- Learn about admission, audition, and scholarship requirements.
Who are the instructors?
All instructors are renowned Berklee faculty members, including:
Livingston Taylor
- Composer and performer of Top 40 hit "I Will Be in Love with You"
- Author of Stage Performance Workshop and instructional DVD, Livingston's Excellent Guitar Lesson
- Recordings include There You Are Again, Livingston Taylor, Liv, Over the Rainbow, and Life Is Good; also City Lights, with James Taylor
- Composer of network television themes and nationally broadcast commercials
Nancy Morris
- Alumna, Berklee College of Music
- Singer/songwriter/jingle writer and pianist
- Performances with Lee Greenwood, Brenda Lee, and Radney Foster
- Appearances on TNN (Nashville, TN) Grand Ole Opry
- Vocalist for Songwriter demos-Warner/Chappell Publishing
- Songs published through Warner/Chappell Publishing
Jeff Ramsey
- B.M., Berklee College of Music
- Vocalist: performances with Al Jarreau, Al McKay (Earth, Wind & Fire), Maxwell, Tina Arena, Lalah Hathaway, Randy Crawford, Marcus Miller, Joe Sample, and Gerald Albright
- Recordings with Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Dianne Reeves, Whitney Houston, and Al Jarreau
Darcel Wilson
- A professional vocalist since the age of fifteen
- Has worked with George Duke, Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire), Branford Marsalis, Walter Beasley, Brad Delp (lead singer of the group Boston), Sheila E., Boney James, and others
- Extensive credentials as a session singer and vocal arranger for many off-Broadway theater productions
- Her credits include CVS, McDonald's, Jaguar, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Filene's Basement, the WB Network, Comcast Cable, Sprint, Eye World, Boston Herald, and many more
- Wilson's voice can be heard on a multitude of radio and television jingles
Ken Zambello
- B.M., Berklee College of Music
- Coordinator of the Yo Team, Berklee College of Music
- Active performer on bass and vocals
- Performances with the Coasters, the Belmonts, the Four Aces, and Frankie Ford, as well as various Legends shows
- Composer and arranger in pop, rock, and Broadway idioms
- Composer of, and producer for, various radio and television jingles and station identifications
Visiting Artists
Past clinics have featured Trina Hamlin, Lalah Hathaway, Adrianna Balic, and Debra Byrd (vocal coach for American Idol). This year's visiting artist is:
Kiki Haynes
Kiki Haynes, a native of New Jersey, is a talented actress who has graced the pages of national magazines, print ad campaigns, commercials and in the worlds of theatre, film and television. Haynes began her acting career in 2000 after landing a role in Spike Lee’s Bamboozled. Other film credits include Shaft (2000), directed by John Singleton, and Brown Sugar (2002), directed by Rick Famuyiwa. She then went on to book guest-starring roles on daytime TV’s As the World Turns (2002) and 100 Centre Street(2002). In 2003, Haynes made the decision to move to Los Angeles. Upon her arrival, she continued her success by immediately booking a role in the hilarious comedy Nora’s Hair Salon (2004), directed by Jerry Lamothe, and a guest-starring role on Strong Medicine. Other film credits include Tournament of Dreams (2007), starring Tony Todd;Restraining Order (2006), starring James Avery and N’Bushe Wright; Double Duty (2009), starring Tom Sizemore and Karen Black; My Girlfriend’s Back (2010), starring Malik Yoba and Oba Babatunde; and the romantic comedyCream Soda (2010). Haynes also starred in the hit stage play The Bachelorette Party, written and directed by Don B Welch, and co produced by Fred Thomas Jr. and Will Smith. The show completed a 10 city nation-wide tour in 2007 and closed in Los Angeles in 2008 with a record of 126 performances. Haynes has also appeared in national commercials for several international brands.
What's the schedule?
Stage Performance Workshop: All students will participate and perform in this class. You will learn various methods and techniques that will enhance your presence on stage as well as give you insight into effectively presenting yourself to your audience.
How to Present Yourself: This class will help you to select appropriate songs and material, choose the right key, pick out wardrobe/make-up, and manage everything you need to present yourself the best way possible.
Demos: You will learn the ins and outs of creating and distributing your demo—what the publishing companies, record companies, producers, and directors are looking for, how to best present and package your demo, and how to get it to the right people.
Auditioning: What are judges, producers, and directors looking for? This class will tell you. You'll also learn the tools and skills necessary to prepare for a successful audition and how to beat stage fright.
How to Work with a Band: This class will teach you how to perform with a band, effectively rehearse your songs, and develop strong relationships within a group. You'll also learn time management and song preparation, and discuss instrumentation and arranging.
Open Mic Night: Open to all students, parents, and friends.
Faculty Concert: Open to all students, parents, and friends.
Concerts: All participants will perform at the conclusion of the Stage Performance Workshop. Your parents and friends are welcome to attend these closing concerts.
Where will I eat and sleep?
Applicants will be sent information and an application for residence hall housing once accepted to the program. Most program participants elect to stay in the Berklee residence halls; however, space is limited. To optimize your chances for on-campus housing, you must return the housing application immediately upon receiving it.
To be eligible to live in the residence hall, you must be 15 years of age by the start of the program. If you apply to the program after mid-May, please call the Housing Office at 617 747-2292 to find out if residence hall space is still available.