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 insights 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. Past clinics have featured Trina Hamlin and Lalah Hathaway. You are expected to prepare and perform two or three selections that will best highlight your abilities.
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
Donna McElroy
- B.M., Fisk University
- Arranger/background vocalist on gold and platinum releases "Why Haven't I Heard From You?" by Reba McEntire, "We Shall Be Free" by Garth Brooks, "Addictive Love" by BeBe and CeCe Winans, and "House of Love" by Amy Grant
- Recipient of Grammy nomination for Bigger World (WB), Dove Award for Songs from the Loft (Reunion), 1993 Best Actress Award for the Circle Players' performance of Sister Mary Regina in Nunsense
- Television appearances include The Arsenio Hall Show, The Tonight Show, and Grammy Awards broadcasts
- Missionary with International Christian Artists Reaching the Earth, Ghana
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
What's the Schedule?
Stage Performance Workshop: All students will participate and perform in this class. The workshop is designed to help you present yourself on stage. 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. You will also participate in a daily movement seminar.
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.
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?
When we have processed your application, you will be sent information and an application for residence hall housing. Most program participants elect to stay in the Berklee residence halls. However, acceptance to the program does not guarantee a residence hall space. 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 are applying to the program after mid-May, call the Housing Office at 617 747-2292 to find out if residence hall space is still available.
