Tired...happy...here we go, Canada Sings...

So, Yes...I just pressed the replay button on "If" by David Gates and Bread...do you know it?

"If a picture paints a thousand words...then why can't I paint you?"

I little melancholy...I know...but I am feeling a bit...introspective....not retrospective...that is the wrong word, right? I am so tired it is hard to know the english language.
I just painted my toenails the colour "Summer Sky"...sigh...and I am waiting for them to dry...so, here we are.
And I also just woke up from a 3 hour nap...in my pants...and socks...and bra...this was NOT comfortable, people....
I wanted to hydrate and dry my toes...why not write something, yes?
It has been an amazing week.
Amazing...
This picture was taken.....

Insight did a Red Cam shoot (all slow motion fabulousness)...it was all VANITY FAIR...I sang the entire score of "Wicked"...sometimes I sing the pop songs...but I wanted a little musical theatre in my life...see....

"And if you dare to find me...." If you know it...you know what the rest is...LORDY!!! RIGHT!?!?!?
How AWESOME.
And, of course, I am bedecked in FASHION CRIMES!!
Again...who doesn't love a wind machine...huh....who???
And a tight sequined dress.
And hair extensions.
Who???
HUH???
Anyhow, CV and I went to the Bassett bright and early this morn and ran through 4 of our teams numbers....blocking...spacing...audio...costume parades...yes, they are called "look sees" in TV land but I know a costume parade when I sees one.
(A little different from the "Annie" costume parade in grade 11)
It was fabulous mayhem
I forget how wide the scope of this job is..."What do you think, Sharron?"...who? ME?
Well...and as you might imagine...I do have an opinion.
It is so effing amazing...yes, I use that word a lot...to see your vision realized...to the Nth degree...set...costume...track...singers!! Just the limit.
From my office in Stratford arranging the track...Macbook...RCA headphones...dog on the floor...track pants...braided hair...phone calls with Christian...with Orin (musical supervisor) ...with Erin (Supervising Producer)...with, more often than not, with George..."What do you think, baby?"
I remember walking the dogs in a snow storm talking to Christian in LA on the ole Bluetooth saying..."But do you like the drum part?"
Christian telling me what he thought he would do with the number...and the excitement building...to here...costumes...stage...have I mentioned that already?
The crew of Canada Sings is something else...so many familiar faces...it seemed like first day of school today...so many haircuts! So many smiling faces...so many PEOPLE!
And the teams...so excited and filled with hope. 
To see them walk onto this huge stage for the first time is a trip.
They (and I know you have heard this from me...but it bears...bares...I never know which one...it needs be said again...) they have worked their asses off...and learned things about their coworkers...made new friends...found old ones...changed their work places...changed their lives...and most of them say they have already won...that they won the day they started rehearsal.
They are singing and dancing with such joy.
Lord...it is just inspiring....
Kelly Konno, my arch nemesis, says it well when she says, "How is this our job?! HOW IS IT?" 
(Dear Kelly, I am sorry that I will have to steal victory from your hands...okay...not totally sorry. Signed, Sharron)
As I said, it was a whirlwind of a day...
I have had the good fortune to spend more time with Scott and Kelly...who have put an equal amount of heart and soul into their teams...they are great people...don't get me wrong...we are all competitive as shit and I want to WIN WIN WIN...but they are good peeps...formidable adversaries.
And then there is CV...what a partner...he is just something else...his vision and his dedication...he is one talented friend. He is just...well...he is just the best. He doesn't miss a trick...and the heart he puts into these pieces...well...he is a master...someone came by and asked if he was the Dance Master today...um...yah!
And tomorrow ( I just got butterflies in my tummy) we shoot our first show.
RCAF...the Air Force...so good...so dedicated....so awesome.
The show tomorrow night is full to capacity...in fact the WHOLE EFFING WEEK IS!!
So huge.
I will put on a fancy outfit...sit in the audience and crap my pants.
Fancy, huh?
So, excited.
Gotta wake up and start the day in 7 hours...to bed...and after my three hour nap...I still think that won't be a problem...

Yale Cabaret Conference Auditions THIS SATURDAY!

Hey ALL you cabaret people!!!

Whilst...yes, I said it...I was in Edinburgh the first year I had the great honour of meeting and spending time with Erv Raible who has been running the Yale Cabaret Conference for many many many years. The teachers include cabaret luminaries such as Tovah Feldshuh, Jason Graae, Julie Wilson and Sharon McKnight...it really is an amazing happening.

The Cabaret Conference is auditioning here for it's 2012 session in Toronto this weekend on the 17th at my fave place, Buddies in Bad Times!

Some Amazing Canadians have gone down and done the conference...and loved it...Shawn Hitchens, Teresa Tova and, the Edinburgh bound Michael Hughes.

So, if you want to explore cabaret seriously...this may be the thing for you...here is the info!!

Erv Raible’s

T H E  I N T E R N A T I O N A L

CABARET CONFERENCE

At Yale University

 

AUDITION NOW!

 

CELEBRATING OUR 10^TH ANNIVERSARY

JULY 27 – AUGUST 5, 2012

 

Erv Raible, Executive Director/Artistic Director, takes great pride in announcing the 10^TH Anniversary of the International Cabaret Conference at Yale University.  The International Cabaret Conference at Yale University is being developed in conjunction with the Yale School of Drama/Yale Repertory Theater.  Several conference sessions will be held in the facilities of the Yale School of Drama/Yale Repertory Theater, including the recently opened Iseman Theater.

Alexander C. Kafka of Washington DC’s national publication The Chronicle of Higher Education quotes Dean James Bundy of the Yale School of Drama, proclaiming the International Cabaret Conference at Yale University to be “consonant with our core work.”

The Tenth Annual International Cabaret Conference at Yale University will be held July 27 – August 5, 2012, and is an internationally focused, nine-day teaching program that offers an intensive look at the art of cabaret performance technique, and trains professionals for the live entertainment industry. The Great American Songbook will be addressed and promoted in its entirety, from its origins in the late 19^th century through the classic pop standards of the 1930s and 40s to today’s international contemporary cabaret, musical theater, jazz, pop and classical music. 

 

All classes are conducted in English.  Our students have come from across the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Ireland, Dubai, and the United Kingdom.

 

Our prestigious 2012 faculty currently includes: Tovah Feldshuh, Jason Graae, Carol Hall, George Hall, Laurel Massé, Sally Mayes, Amanda McBroom, Sharon McNight, Erv Raible, and Julie Wilson; piano faculty includes Tex Arnold, Shelly Markham and Alex Rybeck.  Pamela Tate is the Associate Director.

 

The conference consultants/lecturers include: Fred Voelpel (Image Consultant), Tex Arnold (Musical Directors), Matt Berman (Light and Sound Technician), George Hall (English Music Hall), David Finkle (reviewer for Bistro Awards.com, Huffington Post and The village Voice), Michael Kerker (ASCAP, Director of Musical Theater and Cabaret), Carol Hall (Songs) and Pamela Tate (History of Cabaret)..

The award-winning faculty, and renowned consultants, will guide thirty-six students in a collaborative process of critical refining and honing.  The conference will feature classes and lectures covering cabaret performance technique, acting for singers, lyric interpretation, focus and concentration, act structure, act writing, material research, and comedic development, to musical director and director relations, arranging, orchestration, composer/lyricist relations, and image consultation.  Examine the final stages of act presentation through club relations, marketing, press and public relations, to the technical language of light and sound, representation, booking, management and personal networking; with an emphasis on integration into the international live entertainment community.  

Public performances allow the students to observe first-hand the performance techniques of professionals in the industry, while continuing to study those of their peers on a daily performance basis.  At the Stars of Tomorrow Cabaret Conference Curtain Call the students will perform, demonstrating what they have accomplished in their nine days at the International Cabaret Conference at Yale University.

The Cabaret Conference is held on the historic Yale University campus in New Haven, Connecticut USA, renowned as one of the world’s finest educational facilities, and known for its spectacular architecture, world-class museums and libraries.

Housing for the International Cabaret Conference at Yale University is in Yale’s new Swing Dormitory, and breakfast, lunch and dinner will be taken in the baronial Tudor Dining Hall of Saybrook College or Calhoun College.

Auditions will be held in: New York, Boston, Cincinnati, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis - St. Paul, New Orleans, Seattle, Washington DC, Toronto, Canada, London, UK and Jerusalem, Israel.  Audition cities subject to change.  See attached.

To schedule an audition or for additional information contact Erv Raible, Executive Director/Artistic Director or Pamela Tate, Associate Director at 212-629-2000 or visit our website:

 

www.TheCabaretConferenceAtYale.com

 

Use Only This Number To Contact Us

 

212-629-2000

 

Auditions electronically or by email, video, cassette, CD or DVD, please include photo and resume, may be submitted to:

 

The International Cabaret Conference at Yale University

111 Morton Street

Suite 3A

New York, New York 10014

ERV RAIBLE’S

THE INTERNATIONAL CABARET CONFERENCE

AT YALE UNIVERSITY

2012 AUDITION SCHEDULE

Audition by Scheduled Appointment Only

212-629-2000 / New York / USA

 

NEW YORK

JANUARY 21 / FEBRUARY 4 / MARCH 31, 2012                   

Saturday / Saturday / Saturday

THE DUPLEX / 61 Christopher St / Greenwich Village / New York, NY

 

BOSTON

FEBRUARY 11, 2012 / Saturday                                                               

TBA

 

CHICAGO

FEBRUARY 18, 2012 / Saturday                                                   

PIANOFORTE STUDIO

Fine Arts Building / 408 S. Michigan Ave / Studio 825 / Chicago, IL

 

CINCINNATI

FEBRUARY 22, 2012 / Wednesday                                                          

THE SCHOOL FOR CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS

At the Erich Kunzel Center for Arts and Education

Room 05 / 108 West Central Parkway / Cincinnati, OH

 

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL

JANUARY 31, 2012 / Tuesday                                                                   

AT THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF ISRAEL

Bella & Harry Wexner Libraries of Music & Song

HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM / GIVAT RAM

 

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM              

JANUARY 27, 2012 / Friday                                                                        

THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC

Room 150 / Marylebone Road / Baker Street Underground Station / London UK

 

LOS ANGELES

MARCH 2, 2012 / Friday                                                                                

ASCAP / DIRECTOR’S GUILD BUILDING

Writer’s Room / 3^rd Floor / 7920 Sunset Blvd / Los Angeles, CA

 

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL

FEBRUARY 25, 2012 / Saturday                                                               

NAUTILUS MUSIC THEATRE

308 Prince St / St. Paul, MN

 

NEW ORLEANS

JANUARY 15, 2012 / Sunday                                                                     

MID CITY THEATRE

3540 Toulouse St / New Orleans, LA

 

SEATTLE

MARCH 10, 2012 / Saturday                                                                        

EGAN’S

11707 NW Market Street / Seattle, WA  

 

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA

MARCH 17, 2012 / Saturday                                                                        

BUDDIES IN BAD TIMES THEATRE-CABARET

12 Alexander Street / Toronto, Ontario, Canada

WASHINGTON, DC

MARCH 24, 2012 / Saturday                                                                        

THE ARTS CLUB
2017  I Street NW / Washington DC

 

CD / DVD or TAPE AUDITIONS

For Those Unable To Attend Live Auditions Submit CD / DVD, YouTube or Tape To:

 

THE INTERNATIONAL CABARET CONFERENCE AT YALE UNIVERSITY

111 Morton Street / Suite 3A / New York, NY 10014 / USA

thecabaretconferenceatyale.com

 

Conference Hotline 212-629-2000

Bravura Concert March 9th FREE!!!

Hey All!!!

Hope this day finds you well!

It is raining out here on the West Coast...but lovely...I hear it is freakishly warm in TO!! Can't wait to get back!!!

My last day out here in Vancouver ( I cannot call it Vangroovy...as some have suggested to me...I just can't...it is too classy for that :) )...I have loved the experience of working with Purdy's. They are really one of the hardest working teams we have ever had the pleasure to meet...go PURDY'S!! GO!!!

Now, the reason for this blog is that my dear husband, George Masswohl, has been working on his fabulous bartitone trio, Bravura for a while now and things are turning HOT HOT HOT!!

They are going into the studio later this month record their first album and before that they are heading up to the gorgeous Richmond Hill Centre to shoot a video of some of their show...and they thought, "What a nice thing it would be to offer it for free!"

And so they did....

On March 9th, George along with his band mates Curtis Sullivan and Lawrence Cotton and musical director Anthony Bastinon will grace that lovely in north TO!!

I know I am married to George and all...and you might think me biased...but these guys are amazing...and would love to have a packed house!! It is worth getting in a car and making the trip...really.

I have seen EVERYONE of their shows, and they are a crowd pleasing, handsome bunch of fabulous singers...So, here is the poster...the show is an hour long and is an afternoon concert, starting at 2:00pm....

COME ON UP!!!!

Canada Sings!! Our Teams SO FAR!!! Now I can finally SAY....

Well, not like you all are hanging on my life like it is an episode of the Y and R. (Orin.) But Global has told us we can tell who OUR TEAMS are for the second season of CANADA SINGS!!! Oh lord!!! So happy. It has been hard keeping a secret, you know how I am.

Right?!!
CV and I...pictured here...yes, it was a $4.00 photo shoot at Polo Park in Winnipeg on CV's Birthday...but it is my fave pic...

CV and I are traveling this great land of ours, working with fabulous people...who are strapping on their dancing shoes and exercising their shower voices for CHARITY!!! And what a group we have this year.
WHAT A GROUP!!!
We still have one more to meet...and to be fair...and I don't want to chat them up until I have had the honour to meet and work with them...but so FAR!!!....


In no particular order (For all of those naughty Glee Club members who are working with us right now OR going to work with us, you don't know how we do this...you don't know from here who you are up against!!!) 


The Ontario Science Centre!
Team Name: The OSCillations. (Love it.)
A great big team from Toronto...full of the love of science and learning and, now, a belted C note and a ball change dance step.

They are a dream to work with...and like to ask questions...like scientists...a lot of questions...Marko! What is a chausse? What is my harmony here? What is the cut off? (ALL GOOD QUESTIONS!!!) And they work their behinds off. What a great team...so full of heart and their charity...which intends to bring children who can't afford the Science Centre to them...at no cost...because learning should be affordable for ALL!!! LOVE!!!


THE Royal Canadian Air Force!!!
Team Name: Super Sonic
Yup, I said it...the ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE!!! We went to Winnipeg to meet your men and women in uniform and to teach them to dance and sing...at the same time! It is a fabulous challenge that they are up for! They were hard to crack at first...I was doing some of my best jokes and not getting a laugh...you guys know how that is for me...so finally I enlisted (yes, I said it) one of team to laugh at all my jokes...and then it all went well! These guys and gals worked everyday and night we weren't with them to perfect their number...I love them!!!
I love that Mike visualized himself into his choreo and harmony...you gotta respect that.
I do!
Somehow, I didn't get a picture of us and them...I know one was taken...so the group will be a surprise!!! BUT here is a picture of me and CV on a Hercules....

On the Tarmac....(it was -41 degrees by the way...)

And with some of our fabu production team....the English mover and shaker and question asker, Lyndon and the hardworking and awesome, Meghan!!!
"Super Sonic is representing the Support Our Soldiers Fund, which provides programs and encourages ill or injured Canadian Forces personnel to achieve and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle."


YAY, RCAF!!! Can't wait to see you again!!!


The Stampede Casino
Team Name: Deal With IT!!!
And they do...deal with it, that is! They are an interesting, amazing  and dedicated group of individuals who work it out at the Casino all day dealing the black jack, serving cocktails and the such...and then at night they came to us and learned to shake it and bake it, as it were. This is a group of people from all walks of life from small town Alberta to the big city of Calgary and all places in between...they are all very diverse and have come together for Plan Canada.
Dear Dani, you can sing it...I know you can..you too Sarah!
Here they are!!!

They have got some secret talents...I can't wait for you to see them!!
I learned a couple myself....

And they gave us hats...this is CV and myself with some of our amazing production team...the smiling, tall drink of water Kik...YES, KIK!!! and the fabulous goddess, Maureen!!!
WE GOT HATS!!!! 

The OPP
Team Name: OPP Project Glee

We went up to Orillia!!! Yup...the Ontario Provincial Police!!! Oh my lord!!! What a group of people...the same people who keep us safe...coming together for the Dave Mounsey Foundation. Dave Mounsey was a officer who touched all of these team member's lives and was killed while on duty..and now this group of friends and colleagues are honouring his memory by trying to win $10,000.00 for his foundation...which supports the families of officers killed in the line of duty. 
We have dispatchers, detectives and chiefs...oh my...we have it all! 
And even though their charity is a serious matter, we had a week filled with humour, hearty laughter and hard hard hard work.
Oh Val...the things you taught me...LORD!!!


Wait till you meet 'em.

Purdy's Chocolates 
Team Name: Sweet Day

And CV and I flew to Vancouver and I have NEVER eaten this much chocolate in my life...like..they bring more everyday...we have learned to make chocolate...toured the factory...basically all of mine and Christian's (who is a choco-holic) dreams have come true. These people rehearse 6 hours with us...and working...and rehearsing for hours on their own...I don't know when they are sleeping...I DO NOT!!!
And Gary, you are a master chocolate maker...but lyric learning and foot moving is a whole different thing!! I know you can do it!
They are competing for the MS Society of Canada!
But eating all this chocolate everyday...I am getting a belly...so a walk around the Sea Wall is in order.
Here they are!!!

And here are CV and I making Chocolate with Gary!!!

And, against my better judgement....this is what happens when you eat too much of your chocolate from the filling bag....

Yup...the truth hurts...but it was so good!!!

So, one more team...one more team...who will it be?

Canada Sings Season 2...what a journey...what sticky hands...what an amazing experience...and it is not OVER!!!