Stage yelling, growling, etc.

[beltingbaritone]

Posted: 1/26/09 at 9:33pm

I really need your guys' help. I'm currently in the a production of the Wizard of Oz as the Lion. There is a lot of growling, sobbing, etc. and I'm having a really hard time singing after I do it, because its not kind on the chords. How can I help this situation? Is it a matter of placement? I really need some advice, because I'm currently not at my strongest vocally, and I don't want it to go down hill.

[Madcap Maisie]

Posted: 1/27/09 at 1:43pm

You have to support ALL the sounds you make from your diaphragm. It really is about placement and practice...you are going to have to train your voice to be able to handle it in a show.

[beltingbaritone]

Posted: 1/27/09 at 3:47pm

And how do I go about doing that? Training my voice, that is.

[Madcap Maisie]

Posted: 1/27/09 at 3:50pm

When I had to do a lot of yelling in a show, my director worked with me, teaching me how to scream from my diaphragm and what not...he had me lay down on my back and sing and scream alot as well as do a lot of ab excersises.

[Necromancer07707]

Posted: 1/29/09 at 12:54am

Seeing as your name is "Beltingbaritone," I'd recommend placing most of your yelling, growling, etc sounds in the same place form which you "belt" while singing. Just a recommendation as another "belting baritone" who has played the role before.

[beltingbaritone]

Posted: 1/29/09 at 12:20pm

I've been working a lot with breathing and such, yet I'm still having troulbe with after the fact fact. I have to sing "If I Only Had the Nerve" and I have a lot of flem and nasty in the back of my throat after all that, which makes the song come across very weak. Eww.

[Necromancer07707]

Posted: 1/29/09 at 1:35pm

If you're using proper belting technique, you shouldn't have too much of a problem. If phlegm is getting in the way, I'd suggest keeping water with lemon on either side of the stage for when you come off. I used to keep a gatorade/water mixture on either side of the stage to keep from dehydrating in the costume.

Whatever you do, don't let the character voice get in the way of your vocal health. I'm thinking that might be your problem. Continue experimenting with the voice and finding something that works as well as maintains your health in the larynx.

[caitlinette]

Posted: 1/31/09 at 4:19am

Probably a dumb thing to say, but beltingbaritone, I assume you have access to a good vocal coach who can help you with this. (I hope! Gotta protect that voice)