Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?

[Unknown User]

Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#1

Posted: 3/7/09 at 6:19pm

Okay,My current dilemna is the fact I cannot re-start my private voice lessons until I lose 25-40 pounds.
According to my mother.
But,I don't feel I need to lose that much.

So,My Questions for you all
--How much does weight affect theatre auditons?
--How could I convince the set goal is too much [I'm still a size 5!]
--How can I help my voice while I'm dropping this weight?
--Does anyone know a good way to lose weight ...swiftly?


Thanks in advance.

[bwaylvsong]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#2

Posted: 3/7/09 at 6:33pm

-- It depends on what "type" you are. If you're a character actress, it's ok to be a little chubby.
-- That is definitely too much. Calculate your BMI and your goal BMI and tell your mom that doctors say your goal weight would make you unhealthily underweight.
-- Read REPUTABLE books about vocal technique. Vocalize as often as you can, but make sure to not sing unhealthily. If singing ever hurts in any way, shap or form, stop singing!
-- Sorry, I can't help you there. I'm trying to lose weight, too, but I can never stay on a diet for more than a day or two. I just love food too much!

[Unknown User]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#2

Posted: 3/7/09 at 7:49pm

Thanks!
I REALLY appreciate it

I donno about the BMI thing though,Since I'm really muscular and that's alot of weight...so,it could through it all off!

[supportivemom]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#3

Posted: 3/7/09 at 8:19pm

Wow Courtney- you're a size 5 and your mom wants you to lose weight! How tall are you? I don't really believe in the scale- it doesn't really show how fit you are. If your mom thinks you need to be in better shape- try doing more walking. That will also help your breathing. A well-balanced diet will of course help. I'm still a little disturbed about how much weight you say you have to lose. Are you trying to get down to a double zero? I guess you could spend more time on your vocal exercises so it will keep you away from the table! But really- a size 5- that's tiny! Good luck and stay healthy!

[Juliash]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#4

Posted: 3/7/09 at 8:45pm

Swimming is really good because it works every muscle in your body and it's great for your breath control.

And what works for me is cutting back on portion sizes, but not necessarily food I like...

[Juliash]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#5

Posted: 3/7/09 at 8:45pm

and I agree- that does seem like a ridiculous amount of weight. Unless you're like...2'7"...

[Unknown User]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#6

Posted: 3/7/09 at 8:59pm

Well,I weight a ton more than I look.
And,my pants are size 5,while my top remains just about borderline plus size,just for ONE asset.

But thanks!

[redheaded]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#7

Posted: 3/7/09 at 10:32pm

Weight loss shouldn't affect singing at all unless you stave yourself and then don't have enough energy to sing. Singing takes tons of energy and control from your entire body, it is really an athletic event. I do agree with swimming it will build your lung capacity. You do usually have to have a nice body for ingenue roles but you don't have to be super skinny, it's not like you're going into modeling. You know there are lots of big stars out there that are really big on top, I mean look a Dolly Parton (I am not comparing you to Dolly Parton!) You can just say "Mom there are tons of girls out there with a little extra on top and they're working it! I can too!"

[j'aime_le_theatre]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#8

Posted: 3/7/09 at 11:39pm

This is a topic near and dear to my heart, so I feel your pain on this.
1. You must figure out what your type is. Like some others have said, if you are a "best friend"/character actress you're fine being a little overweight. However if you are an ingenue or leading woman, the industry likes smaller girls. It's just a fact of the business as sad as that is.
2. If you decide that you do want to lose weight, come up with a realistic goal for yourself. A few years ago I had to figure out my type and from that I decided that I had to lose some weight. I did Adkins to lose the initial 40 lbs and then I started Weight Watcher and have been on that and maintaining my weight ever since. But you need to figure out what works best for YOU, not your mother.
3. I don't think that losing or gaining weight affects your voice dramatically, as long as you do it healthfully.
4. Have faith in yourself, you know what you need to do. If you like your body and have no problems with it...then stand your ground. There's nothing worse than being miserable on a diet.

PM me if you want to talk more!

[Necromancer07707]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#9

Posted: 3/8/09 at 3:14am

No matter if you need to lose weight or not, swimming and water weights are just about the best thing an actor or actress can do for their body. Good call, Juliash.

"I am ready to disclaim my opinion, even of yesterday, even of 10 minutes ago, because all opinions are relative. One lives in a field of influences, one is influenced by everyone one meets, everything is an exchange of influences, all opinions are derivative. Once you deal a new deck of cards, you've got a new deck of cards." — Peter Brook

[Juliash]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#10

Posted: 3/8/09 at 10:11am

So I also am a huge fan of yoga and pilates, which I wish I had mentioned before. Not only are they good for your breath, it's also just CRAZY RELAXING...speaking as someone who gets stressed out about the littlest things, and is addicted to caffeine.

Also, you said you had a lot of muscle? I think it's less important to look at the scale, and more important to look at your shape- especially if you're a dancer. I also weigh more than I look like I do- but its because I (probably like you) have a lot of muscle. And if you're hourglass shaped, you can kind of getting away with being a little heavier than you should be because you still look proportional.

All that being said, I honestly get the feeling your mom is making too big a deal out of this. You're young, just get regular exercise and make healthy choices.

[supportivemom]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#11

Posted: 3/8/09 at 10:31am

Also- evaluate the way you dress. There are ways of making you look smaller by the way you dress. If you're top heavy- which I can totally relate to, you can wear darker colors on top or you can go monochromatic! V-necks look better on top heavy people. All of the ideas you have received so far have been great. Your dilema will be finding the time- which I know is hard. You may have to get up earlier or make a commitment in the afternoon. It's all about balance! Again, good luck!

[Unknown User]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#12

Posted: 3/8/09 at 11:31am

Thanks guys~

I definately want to get away from the 'Funny roles' so,Maybe losing the weight is essential.
I hate Character roles,and I want to get away from that.

And,Unfortunately,I cannot wear darker colors because I'm REALLY pale.

[Juliash]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#13

Posted: 3/8/09 at 11:35am

NO DON'T SAY THAT.

I'm SO pale. I'm the germanest person ever, you just have to wear them right...go for one dark piece of clothing, and make sure you wear a modest amount of blush.

Also, if you're top heavy, make sure you're wearing the right bra, and also things that pull you in at the waist- right above your hip bone and below your ribcage. Avoid babydolls.

[SamanthaisFierce]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#14

Posted: 3/8/09 at 12:18pm

Girlfriend, as long as you can work that stage, it won't affect your college auditions at all

[somuchtodo]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#15

Posted: 3/8/09 at 1:14pm

Swimming is great for many reasons - but it is not an effective way to lose weight:
http://www.thefactsaboutfitness.com/research/swimming.htm

To lose weight, you want to raise your body temperature and actually sweat. Walking/jogging/running - whatever you can handle is best.

OF COURSE weight effects casting! And it's not the pounds - no one is going to have you step on a scale - it's the LOOK. Casting is looking for the image they want to fit the role. The breakdowns are usually very specific as to type - and they will (rarely) consider anyone who doesn't meet their "type" first - and that means before you ever open your mouth.

I don't know what level you are at, but when you get to the bigger leagues, the competition is fierce. You need to know your type and be the best at YOUR type. (The ingenue is rarely busty.)

All that being said - it sounds like your mom is holding the weight loss over your head. She may be doing this with good intentions. We mothers know a lot more about the real world and how tough it can be out there, I'm sure she feels that she is helping you get a better shot at your dreams.

Go to a doctor. Find out what your ideal, healthy weight should be. Work with your mom. Most women I know want to lose a few pounds - you could do this together. She will be a lot more supportive if you are doing the cooking.

Prevention.com has plenty of healthy ideas/diets.

Be your best. Good luck.

[faithzilla]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#16

Posted: 3/8/09 at 4:34pm

For me, it's not about what I look like, it's about what I can do. I've decided to get lean and fit because I want to be able to do whatever is asked of me onstage. Also, I don't want to worry about if my shirt is clinging or something when I should be focused on my scene. Acting is such a hard thing because it is more of a presentation of yourself than any other occupation. In acting, your body is a tool. So I'm buckling down and dieting and going jogging. I'm never gaining weight, so I just want to get rid of those few extra pounds so I can move on with my life.

[skb2010]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#17

Posted: 3/8/09 at 6:09pm

I'm trying to loose weight, because I'm defenately not a healthy weight, so I'm taking a lunch to school so I can know how many calories I am taking in(which also saves me money). I'm also on the track team as a thrower, so when I lift, I build muscle and burn fat. I've cut my calorie intake to about 1700 calories a day from god-only-knows-how-many calories a day, and I've already lost a few pounds. If you want to keep track, I use fitday.com. It's a food journal and exercise journal.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I? I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

[dg22894]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#18

Posted: 3/9/09 at 7:30am

Wieght Watchers is good. I lost 20 pounds and kept it off. It should not effect your singing.

[Tom's Cat]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#19

Posted: 3/12/09 at 11:56am

All of the above and DRINK WATER. When you don't think you can drink anymore, drink more anyway. A MINIMUM of 64 ounces a day. (Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, cola, don't count. Only plain water or water with Crystal light) You'll be stunned what it will do for you!

Meow!

[Robos89]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#20

Posted: 3/14/09 at 9:41am

Hey, you!

When I auditioned for programs I was definitely overweight. I auditioned for 11 schools and made it into 2. While I think my weight factored into my not getting into many schools, it wasn't the main factor. Yes, schools are looking for the full package, but they're also looking for people to mold. I was accepted into a really great school. During my freshman evaluation I was told to lose some weight and get more fit. So I came back to school for sophomore year 80lbs lighter with a haircut.

I hated the character type as well, I've always been a ingenue/chorus boy. And now I just look it more!

I think it's a bit ridiculous that you have to lose weight to continue lessons, but it'll show your mother how much you want it. I lost the 80lbs by basically only eating healthy greens, veggies. I cut out whites, and only ate when I was hungry. I didn't eat after 8PM and only drank water. I was also in a show 8 times a week which was physically engaged and then went to the gym everyday with a personal trainer. Now I dance 6 times a week and still go to the gym and while I don't eat AS healthy as this summer I've maintained my weight. Partly because my metabolism has improved.

Stay active, warm up everyday. Don't strain. Take dance classes, it'll only help your career and your body stay fit!

Best of luck, girl!

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Updated On: 3/14/09 at 09:41 AM

[bwayblonde]

re: Weight Loss and Theatre Auditions?#21

Posted: 3/16/09 at 3:29pm

i think that if you're going to lose weight for anyone other than yourself it might be hard HOWEVER i will say that maybe different material could help you at auditions in the mean time....but i love swimming...and i think that 25lbs is a lot for a tiny girl to lose...its awesome that you're muscular....
one question...are you looking to lose dress sizes or weight?