[Perform-talk] Physical aspects of performing?

[Masha Sten-Clanton]

Here in New England there's a weekly show, Community Auditions, which is 
a televised singing competition. The contestants are usually accompanied 
by a band while they sing. After each performance, three judges give the 
contestant feedback, along with a rating from 1 to 10.

Since I'd like to audition for the show, I've been paying particular 
attention to the judges' comments. A lot of them have to do with how the 
contestants come across visually. Besides their vocal technique, 
contestants are praised or criticized on their enthusiasm, how they 
move, and how they interact with the band.

As a totally blind person, I was constantly warned to be careful of 
untoward movements. I'd like to know from blind singers: How did you 
learn to look, and feel, comfortable with your body onstage? How do you 
stand in a position that looks natural? What do you do with your hands 
(if you're not playing an instrument)? How do you build movement into 
your performance? (In high school I wwas criticized for not 
incorporating hand gestures into a song.) And how do you interact with a 
band while performing? (I'm presuming that the only way would be to 
rehearse with them, and establish rapport, beforehand, so that hopefully 
that rapport will be apparent to the audience.)

I think there was a panel at the national convention about this topic 
last year, but I was unable to attend the convention. Is there a 
recording of it somewhere?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated -- I'd really like to try out 
for this show!

Thanks,

Masha