New Acting Resource Just Released!

Fractured Fairy Tales for Student Actors: A Collection of Contemporary Fairy Tale Scenes

A New Book by Jan Peterson Ewen

Fractured Favorites!

Acting teachers are always looking for good new material to help their students move forward in their understanding of acting techniques and to have a great time doing so. I know that, as an acting teacher myself, I am always looking for workable resources. That’s what inspired me to write Fractured Fairy Tales for Student Actors: A Collection of Contemporary Fairy Tale Scenes This book has just been released by Meriwether Publishing, which is the leading source for the highest quality theatre textbooks, drama books, theater texts, drama textbooks, and theatre DVDs available today.

 What inspired Fractured Fairy Tales for Student Actors?

I have been directing and teaching acting for many years. I love working with both kids and adults in the acting process. In the past couple years, I was in need of short, appropriate scenes for my acting students, ages 8 – 16. Preferably comedy, because I simply love comedy and so do my students. So, I started writing scenes that would be fun to perform and teach basic acting principles at the same time. I was surprised to find that my adult acting class loved the fractured scenes as much as the kid’s classes did.

What makes this collection of acting scenes user-friendly and valuable?

• Familiar Characters. Most everyone has an idea what Miss Muffet would be like, or Bo Peep and Mary from “Little Lamb” fame. What about Peter, Peter the pumpkin eater or Jack and Edith Sprat who only eat lean or fat? We may not know a lot about them, but they are somehow familiar, none the less. That makes for easy access into character development.

• Scenes Based on the Original Stories – Pretty much. Contemporizing the original stories and expanding the conflict makes for some fun acting situations.  Students will quickly relate to the fractured scenes and throw themselves into the situations.

• Natural Dialogue. Creating dialogue that flows easily and sets up the motivations of each character helps the actors discover nuance and levels of emotion. Actors can easily get away from “reading” the script and become the characters.

• Built in Stage Technique Practice. Each scene in this collection has some theatrical device with which actors become familiar. Perhaps something has just happened offstage and the actors must respond accordingly throughout the scene. Perhaps there is an invisible element on stage that the actors experience as real. Maybe they will be faced with an unfolding mystery or have to cover up their true feelings. A variety of theatrical possibilities face each actor in these scenes.

• Just Good, Clean Fun. Aside from all the actors will learn from performing these scenes, they will definitely have a lot of fun - regardless of age!

So, I hope you'll take a look at my new book, Fractured Fairy Tales for Student Actors. I know it will be as valuable a resource for you as it has been for my students and me. Then share your experiences with us on the Sing-Naturally Blog. We'd love to hear from you!

Make sure you check out the Meriwether Publishing Website for more great drama resources.

How Young Is Too Young to Start Singing Lessons?

"My child shows a lot of musical talent. Should I start him on voice lessons?"

• First – all children are different. Of course, most parents think their child is exceptional for their age. I certainly thought my young children were musical geniuses. But that doesn’t mean your child is ready for actual private vocal instruction.

• Second – all children benefit from learning good singing habits from the beginning and most children love music and love to sing. This should be encouraged through many experiences.

• Third – formal instruction is probably not necessary for the majority of young children and can be a challenge for young attention spans, leading to discouragement. 

Let’s consider these points. Yes, your child is exceptional. Your child loves to sing and picks up songs so quickly that you are amazed. That is awesome! Most children take to music like ducks take to water. But, as a professional voice teacher, I tend to wince when an eight year old (or younger) is signed up for voice lessons with me. For most children, voice lessons are definitely overkill.

My primary focus with a young child is different than my focus with a youth or adult. With a young child, my goal is to open up a world of exciting possibilities that will last a lifetime, but formal voice lessons are not necessary for this step. There are many ways a child can discover the joy of music and performing.

FIRST THINGS FIRST. The very first thing a parent can do for their child is to take them to see and experience live performances. Let your child see the local ballet, concerts and theater. If you are budget-minded, local productions offer a great alternative to more expensive professional shows and your child will love them. Watch quality shows and performances on TV with your children. Introduce them to every Musical you can find (appropriate for kids, of course).

In other words, educate them in the Arts! Then when they begin to study privately, they will have a better idea what they are aiming for and know where our vast repertoire of music comes from.

Performing Arts are incredibly beneficial to children. Whether it’s acting, singing or dance, children

Welcome to the Sing-Naturally Blog!

One of the basic joys in life is to sing your heart out. I didn't realize that until, as a voice teacher, I spent time working with people who struggled to do so. Having grown up in a musical family, singing seemed as natural to me as talking. And it is unless, for some reason or other, you have become petrified to put your voice out there into the world. In that case, the process of singing becomes arduous and even painful.

Let's talk about singing and performing. Not in a way that only addresses the professional, but in a way that addresses and speaks to all of us. All of us who long to create beautiful music and be a part of the song. Everyone who has a heart for singing is welcome.

In this blog, I will talk about the many aspects of learning to sing, act and perform at your level. Knowing the basics will give you a world of confidence when it comes to your own, unique talent. Whether you are just getting up the courage to step onstage or you're looking to take that next step, I want to encourage you in your journey and help you sing your heart out!

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Visit Sing-Naturally.com for more information.