[Perform-talk] Physical aspects of performing?

Jordy Stringer jordystringer83 at gmail.com
Mon May 18 14:24:34 UTC 2015 

Unfortunately we did not record this particular seminar. However, two of the three panelists are involved in this conversation. Julie and Dennis have offered a little bit of what they presented last year. This seems to need to be an ongoing dialogue, so I hope you can get some of what you need from this conversation thread. 
Best,
Jordy D. Stringer, president, performing arts division, national Federation of the blind 
Sent from my iPhone

> On May 18, 2015, at 12:09 AM, Masha Sten-Clanton via Perform-talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I wish I could attend the convention -- unfortunately, money is tight this year!  I wish there was a recording of the presentation. Did anyone record it, by any chance?
> 
> 
>> On 5/17/2015 11:56 PM, Jordy Stringer via Perform-talk wrote:
>> Yes, you are correct. This was a seminar presented during the 2014 NFB convention. If there is still interest, I'd be happy to facilitate a short seminar this year as well. Individuals who might be interested feel free to respond to this email, or contact me off list at
>> jordystringer83 at gmail.com
>> 
>> Additionally, performers upon request will receive feedback during the talent competition this year as well.
>> 
>> Jordy D. Stringer, president, performing arts division, national Federation of the blind
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On May 17, 2015, at 10:32 PM, Dennis via Perform-talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I think this was a Performing Arts workshop at one of the conventions, but we should do another one.  This is an inportant topic.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Dennis R. Sumlin, Coach, Teacher, Speaker.
>>> Communication for the self
>>> WWW.LifeThroughStrenth.com
>>> 
>>> Sargent at Arms.
>>> Harlem Toastmasters Club
>>> 
>>> Starting a new website? Want your own domain? Siber Name can help! Get your dream name and hosting for dream prices.
>>> -----Original Message----- From: Julie McGinnity via Perform-talk
>>> Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2015 10:22 PM
>>> To: Performing Arts Division list
>>> Cc: Julie McGinnity
>>> Subject: Re: [Perform-talk] Physical aspects of performing?
>>> 
>>> The trouble is that sighted people imitate the body language of the
>>> other person.  It's how they (sighted people) make each other feel
>>> comfortable in a conversation.
>>> 
>>> Reading a book on body language might be interesting.  I try to make
>>> eye contact as I can, be assertive and clear with my body language,
>>> and use my facial expressions.
>>> 
>>> The trap you mentioned is the one I have been stuck in for several
>>> years.  You know you need to move, gesture, etc, but you're not quite
>>> sure how/when/where/why...  :)  I would recommend avoiding ensnaring
>>> yourself even further in this trap.  Being frozen but wanting to move
>>> is one of the worst feelings, and it shows.
>>> 
>>> Even sighted people are told that their motions look wrong or silly or
>>> need to be modified.  You should be treated no differently.  This is
>>> why I recommend asking someone you love who is honest to work with you
>>> first.  This way you can take the criticism of others as it comes and
>>> evaluate it on your own perceptions of yourself.  It will take some
>>> practice, but you may end up being more self aware than your sighted
>>> counterparts.
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On 5/17/15, Dennis via Perform-talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> Yes.  Your body is part of a speech.  I am working it out as I go along. I
>>>> 
>>>> am doing pretty well.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Dennis R. Sumlin, Coach, Teacher, Speaker.
>>>> Communication for the self
>>>> WWW.LifeThroughStrenth.com
>>>> 
>>>> Sargent at Arms.
>>>> Harlem Toastmasters Club
>>>> 
>>>> Starting a new website? Want your own domain? Siber Name can help! Get your
>>>> 
>>>> dream name and hosting for dream prices.
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: Masha Sten-Clanton via Perform-talk
>>>> Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2015 12:03 PM
>>>> To: Performing Arts Division list
>>>> Cc: Masha Sten-Clanton
>>>> Subject: Re: [Perform-talk] Physical aspects of performing?
>>>> 
>>>> When I was in Toastmasters, a lot of emphasis was placed on gestures.
>>>> Since I knew how important they are but didn't know what gestures would
>>>> be appropriate, it just made me more self-conscious about my speaking! I
>>>> wonder whether it would be useful to read books on body language and try
>>>> to incorporate their suggestions?
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>> On 5/17/2015 5:15 AM, Dennis via Perform-talk wrote:
>>>>> Julie.
>>>>> This was great advice.  As a public speaker, I have been facing some of
>>>>> the same chalenges.  I am working on it, and this is a help.
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Dennis R. Sumlin, Coach, Teacher, Speaker.
>>>>> Communication for the self
>>>>> WWW.LifeThroughStrenth.com
>>>>> 
>>>>> Sargent at Arms.
>>>>> Harlem Toastmasters Club
>>>>> 
>>>>> Starting a new website? Want your own domain? Siber Name can help! Get
>>>>> your dream name and hosting for dream prices.
>>>>> -----Original Message----- From: Julie McGinnity via Perform-talk
>>>>> Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2015 9:20 PM
>>>>> To: Performing Arts Division list
>>>>> Cc: Julie McGinnity
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Perform-talk] Physical aspects of performing?
>>>>> 
>>>>> Hi Masha,
>>>>> 
>>>>> This sounds really exciting!  I am going to write a bit about what
>>>>> I've learned over the years about gesturing, movement, and physical
>>>>> appearance as a blind singer.  I have been performing since I was
>>>>> about 11 years old in musicals, operas, in choirs, and as a soloist
>>>>> both at my church and as a part of my degree programs.  I got an
>>>>> undergraduate degree in vocal performance and am now working on my
>>>>> masters in the same.  None of this is to brag...  But so that you
>>>>> understand that I have been pondering and living with this topic for a
>>>>> long time.  I have heard lots of bad advice, have worked with teachers
>>>>> who have no idea how to get a blind person moving on stage, and have
>>>>> been through periods of time during which I was tricked into believing
>>>>> different things about my capabilities in terms of moving on stage.
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 1. You have the same expectations as the other singers.
>>>>> 
>>>>> This means that even if you don't move as much as they do, you need to
>>>>> look comfortable in your own skin, mean the movements you choose to
>>>>> do, and internalize the music.  If you are graded on physical
>>>>> appearance and movement, then find what works for you and what looks
>>>>> natural on you.  No less will be (or should be) expected of you
>>>>> because you are blind.  If you choose to get a good repor going with
>>>>> the band, then that is a great place to start.  And that leads me to:
>>>>> 
>>>>> 2. You are your own unique person; do not try to be anything else.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I once had a coach who would try to get me to make certain facial
>>>>> expressions.  She would attempt to force me into schooling my face
>>>>> into certain configurations so that it looked "normal."  Now let me
>>>>> tell you that I do not have an abnormal looking face, but my
>>>>> expressions are rather unique.  Most tell mme that this is good
>>>>> because I have a noticeable smile and very expressive faces.  :)  My
>>>>> point is that you should love being the unique person you are.  Feel
>>>>> natural in your own skin.  If the music moves you, and your face shows
>>>>> that, then it will come through to the audience.
>>>>> 
>>>>> So here are some things you can do to work on learning what feels
>>>>> natural and how to work those things in your performances.  Since we
>>>>> cannot simply watch videos of other performers or look in the mirror,
>>>>> we need to feel these things from the inside.  What kinds of gestures
>>>>> and expressions do you use in your everyday life?  Begin to focus on
>>>>> those things.  You can also get some honest friends (Be sure they are
>>>>> honest).  They can tell you what their perception of you is from a
>>>>> visual perspective.  Remember to take all opinions with a grain of
>>>>> salt.  Never ever do a gesture that feels uncomfortable or forced.
>>>>> That is the best way to look awkward.
>>>>> 
>>>>> If you have any other questions feel free to email me off list.  I am
>>>>> still learning about these things, but the more we discuss this the
>>>>> more we can learn from each other.
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>>> On 5/16/15, Rob Kaiser via Perform-talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>> I, when I'm singing in a choir, I make sure that the person next to me
>>>>>> makes
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> sure I'm facing the conductor.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Rob Kaiser
>>>>>> email;
>>>>>> rcubfank at sbcglobal.net
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: Marissa Tejeda via Perform-talk
>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2015 4:31 PM
>>>>>> To: Performing Arts Division list
>>>>>> Cc: Marissa Tejeda
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Perform-talk] Physical aspects of performing?
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I go to the California School for the Blind.  When I sing in Glee
>>>>>> Club, and on stage, as I did on Wednesday and Thursday in a
>>>>>> Spring concert, I stand straight with my hands at my sides.  I
>>>>>> face the audience and sing.  Occationally, I may sway slightly,
>>>>>> if I'm feeling the music.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>> From: Masha Sten-Clanton via Perform-talk
>>>>>> <perform-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To: Performing Arts Division list <perform-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> Date sent: Sat, 16 May 2015 18:54:17 -0400
>>>>>> Subject: [Perform-talk] Physical aspects of performing?
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 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
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> Perform-talk mailing list
>>>>>> Perform-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/perform-talk_nfbnet.org
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>>>>>> for Perform-talk:
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>>>>>> t789%40gmail.com
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
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>>>> 
>>>> 
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>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
>>> Julie McGinnity
>>> National Federation of the Blind of Missouri second vice president,
>>> National Federation of the Blind performing arts division secretary,
>>> Missouri Association of Guide dog Users President
>>> graduate, Guiding Eyes for the Blind 2008, 2014
>>> "For we walk by faith, not by sight"
>>> 2 Cor. 7
>>> 
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>>> 
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