The Journey Is Worth It

I do apologize for my absence on this blog. I am back and want to discuss something very beautiful to me at the moment. And that is OUR journey.

In this wonderful art of ours we have an opportunity to bless lives and give to others in so many different ways. Let us not forget that there are many aspects to the the entertainment business and it is important that many of us have more than one purpose in it.

I am a performer, a producer, a teacher and most importantly a friend so as I teach across the country and here in NYC I want all of my students and stunning artists to know that my heart is in it for them. I get it...I understand their journey...as I still find myself in mine.

"There will be a BREAKDOWN before there is ever a BREAKTHROUGH" - Rance Wright

"You will FAIL and you will FAIL AGAIN, however, it is through FAILURE that you shall find success." - Rance Wright

This journey through finding your talent is a difficult one so it is important that you do not beat yourself up as you are traveling this crazy up and down road. I invite you to try everything at least once to find out what your taste is.

Create your opportunities as these opportunities will not always be given to you...and if an idea or opportunity that you create fails...at least you tried and continue to try.

Take risks in your auditions...as long as it is from the heart...we cannot deny you your honesty.

Thank everyone you come in contact with who has uplifted you and helped you on your way.

10 years ago I had a wonderful individual believe in me enough to inspire me to not give up and to set goals for the next 10 years of my life (I was 23 at the time). 10 years later almost every single one of those goals have come to fruition. Thank you Rich.

I invite you to surround yourself with people who can help you do that as well.

As your dreams and reality become one - I promise it is one of the most exciting moments that we are given in this life. I have had the beautiful pleasure to not only see it for myself...but see it in so many of my students as well.

Stay tuned for many more posts!

Kind regards,

Rance Wright

Wright Way Master Classes

http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com

Happy 4th of July America!

Dear Friends -

Happy 4th of July America! What a beautiful and amazing country this is, a land that is multi-cultural, expansive and beautiful. I am so grateful to those whom have died so that I may live free.

In an effort to respect those whom have gone before us...it is important that we do our part. With freedoms come responsibilities from each and every one of us. May we reach out to help and extend our kindness and love to others. As we help others...we begin to understand a little more about ourselves.

I invite everyone who reads this...to reach out and volunteer your time and efforts to make a true difference in this world.

Again, Happy 4th of July AMERICA! May we celebrate with light and kindness!

Rance

You Are Good Enough!

Why do we stop ourselves from reaching our potential? Why do we always feel that our potential is some other persons reality? I am going to ask you to stop now and say to yourself I am good enough to reach beyond my dreams.

If there is one thing that I feel I can offer my students...it is the security and reality that they are GOOD enough. It is a sad realization that our business gives us so many NO's...it is our job as performers to look beyond those NO's and to realize that YES's are right around the corner.

To realize this it sometimes takes hearing it from someone else. Someone whom you trust to help you find your particular greatness.

Do not allow the business to take control of your mood or personality. Hearing NO so often can dampen our spirits and move us to make stupid decisions.

We were each chosen to be in this field. You must realize the power that you not only offer to yourself...but more importantly how you bless others lives.

Enjoy who you are..love it..conquer it..thrive with it.

Look forward to your endeavors and opportunities and realize that you too can achieve your dreams.

Kind regards,

Rance Wright
Wright Way Master Classes
http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com

Wright Way Master Classes TESTIMONIAL by Samantha Goble (MOM)

After only meeting Rance at my daughter’s audition, we made the commitment to travel halfway across the country for his week long Broadway Casting Director seminar. Rance’s enthusiasm is electric and he backs it up by bringing together the best in the business. My daughter was challenged in an intense week of training which was never discouraging. The critiques offered were straightforward, on target, and delivered with sensitivity. I witnessed tremendous professional growth in my daughter that week and Wright Way training has proved to be a fantastic investment. She often refers back to all she learned in that transformational week in her preparation for auditions and has seen much more success in auditions, I believe, as a direct result of her Wright Way education.

--Samantha Goble

Always say the w"right" thing!

I was recently reminded of the value of always saying the right thing or doing the right thing in our profession.

Let me explain what I mean.

"When in doubt lose the sarcasm. When in doubt say the most positive thing you can. "

Regardless of how close you may feel to an industry professional saying something sarcastic in the wrong setting can make you look like a negative or unfriendly person. And after the positive impression of how talented you are why would you ever want to give anyone the impression that you aren't fun to work with or hang out with.

I was recently reminded that there are many ears out there who hear you. And in a conversation with a friend of mine I didn't realize that someone nearby me worked with a group of people that I was speaking light of, no harm in the conversation that I was sharing, but a gentleman friend of mine turned around and shared their feelings on the subject that I was looking to only touch on...then the conversation became a unnecessary five minute conversation and me back peddling. My behavior, though meant with kindness and caution, was taken out of place and I was made the fool. So lesson learned and now lesson to teach.

When in doubt...say kind words only...because you never know who is lurking nearby...who potentially your conversation could hurt or be taken incorrectly.

Just some words of advice!

Kind regards,

Rance Wright
Wright Way Master Classes
http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com

Upcoming NYC and National Wright Way Master Classes

Upcoming NYC and National Wright Way Master Classes - click on the picture above for more information about the seminar or go to http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com to sign up immediately.

Kind regards,

Rance Wright
Wright Way Master Classes
http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com

Wright Way Master Classes TESTIMONIAL by Jeffrey Stevens

If you have not been a believer of the Wright Way Master Classes NYC and NATIONAL seminars before this...well take a look at this testimonial by Jeffrey Stevens. Thank you Jeff!

Taking master classes through Rance is the BEST thing you can do for your career! In the economic situation, when even major actors with Broadway credits are having a hard time getting in front of casting directors, Rance's class afford's you that opportunity in the most invaluable way! He brings in the BEST and THE MOST influential casting directors in the industry. The platform for Rance's class allows you to get personal quality time with each casting director and build relationships with them in a way that will never happen in an EPA. Rance CARES about his students! He works SO hard to make the class beneficial to you as the actor. He even takes the time outside of class to meet with you and give feed back - on his own personal time! You won't find that ANY where else in the city. As a result of taking Rance's classes, I have snagged the attention of Tara Rubin's casting office, having been called in for Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, and Billy Elliot! I have also developed good relationships with casting directors from the Goodspeed, Pappermill, Binder Casting, Playwrights Horizen, NAMCO, and many more. Not to mention the bonus of getting to sing for MAJOR legit agents in the city! And for the price you pay, in comparison with The Network or One on One, it is a STEAL! You won't find a better price and its worth EVERY penny! For any actor looking to further their career and get feed back from the major industry professionals, there is absolutely NO better way hands down! Rance's classes pave the way for success!

Kind regards,

Rance Wright
Wright Way Master Classes
http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com

Dancers Broadway Seminar - May 10-13, 2010 or May 17-20, 2010

Poster for new Broadway Dancers Seminar offered through Wright Way Master Classes in NYC - sign up at - http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com/local_schedule.php

The Reality of Now

"It's very easy to let yourself be influenced by your past successes or failures, but neither one is significant, only the reality of the present matters." Oliver Gaag

What is the "Reality of Now"?

We have all seen the individual who stands in an audition room or in a class setting and are performing a piece of music or monologue and nothing is going on with their body or the eyes. And then observe an individual who's eyes are so honest that you believe where they are and what they're saying. The difference for me in those two different examples is that one individuals believed the reality of where and who they were talking to and the other individual either didn't care or didn't do their homework oooorrrrr threw everything out the window when they walked in the room.

The "Reality of Now" is walking into the space, owning it, believing and using the current situation as part of that reality and moving forward through song or monologue and exposing that reality. This reality also shows a vulnerability that is often not available or shown in many audition settings. (Vulnerability does not mean weakness...vulnerability to me is showing honesty and opening your heart). It allows those observing your work to be let into your current experience. This to me is part of the IT factor. This to me is beautiful.

Where are you when you walk into the room or before you are performing...Where are you at in your head...be present...find the reality of what is current for you....find "The Reality of Now" for you. If your performance feels rehearsed or stale...stop...find your reality...find what is real...and start again.

There is so much more that can be discussed on this subject...so much more...but for now my invitation to you...is to find "The Reality of Now".

Kind regards,

Rance Wright
Wright Way Master Classes
http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com

"Just Breathe"

"Breathe" by Faith Hill - sure it is one of the sappiest songs in American music - and sure you may find me secretly singing it in the shower every now and then - but boy the song has absolutely nothing to do with this message...however, the words - "JUST BREATHE" I find a message there for all of us.

More often then not I have found talented individuals in my classes not singing or sharing monologues with their true voice. What is that true voice? It is that voice that we naturally communicate with and the part of our voice that sits in our chest comfortably. A great way to find "that" voice is by humming in a low register before beginning any sentence (try it now). This allows us to be on the breath and begin our monologue or song within our most natural quality of voice.

To breathe or have breath in our audition pieces also means the moments we give ourselves in our scenes or songs. The moments that give these pieces their true joy and light. What is the breath within your pieces and are you breathing correctly in each moment that you share in your audition. Do your pieces breathe honesty?

In those words "Just Breathe" I love how it reminds us to just let the moment be...sit back..or forward...or sideways...but most important...JUST BREATHE in the current.

Life is not so important that you need to sweat this moment...and to be honest you will probably get a better response...if you relax and breathe.

Breathing is so important in this life (yes, I know this is obvious) but if we can apply this concept to everything we do. We will be more successful in everything we put out into this world. That goes for those friends of mine who happen to have a 9-5 job.

So I invite you to simply find your breath in your next audition and interview...and breathe with more ease when you deliver.

Kind regards,

Rance Wright

Wright Way Master Classes

http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com

The Devil Is In The Details.....

The devil is in the details.....I love this phrase!

A very dear friend of mine constantly uses this phrase when reminding me of the importance and value of knowing every detail when going in for a new job or business opportunity.

There is value in knowing everything and knowing everyone in whom you will possibly be connected to during your audition. We as performers can never be too prepared as we step into the audition room.

Such as:

1. Knowing who is behind the table. The director, choreographer, etc. and knowing even details about them, their work environment and location of which you are auditioning for.

2. Knowing the role you are auditioning for. The show, the age, the character, the background, the story that brought me to this point and what will lead me out.

3. Knowing your music. This includes style, rhythm and execution of.

4. Dressed appropriately. Time period, Age appropriate and are you comfortable.

5. Do you have two headshots and resumes with you?

6. Are we grounded and centered. I feel that no audition is ever successful if we do not find ourselves centered and grounded. This can be an easy breath exercise or stretch to relax the muscles and center our breath. Being grounded helps us find the character and reminds us that less is more.

The Devil Is In The Details can refer to so much more. Here you find some basic things to check right before you hit your next audition.

Best of luck in your next audition.

Kind regards,

Rance Wright

Wright Way Master Classes

http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com

Your Calling Card (Headshot)

Today I would like to discuss the value of your first impression and I am not talking about what you are wearing or how your hair looks. I would like to discuss the value of your headshot.

In New York City as well as across the country I am shocked at what is being considered appropriate for a headshot. My friends this is not anything that you can take lightly. Your headshot many times is your ticket or your calling card to get YOU in front of those who matter. A headshot does not only share who you are it states so much more.

A headshot answers the following questions:

1. Your Age Range

2. Your Maturity Level

3. Your Professionalism

4. Your Type

5. Your Sex

6. And Hopefully Your Personality

It is so important that you seek out a headshot photographer that you know can get the job done. You also want to find a headshot photographer that you feel represents you as an artist and can pull out of you your true personality and colors. It is not about just having a nice picture of you that you feel you look good in.

Things you want to shine your headshot:

1. Your eyes

2. Your personality

3. Your charming looks

4. Is your joy shining through (even in a serious shot)

5. Are you engaged in the picture

6. Would your headshot make those behind the table say: "Yes, we want to work with that person".

7. Your shot is clean, clear and crisp

8. Colors (try and stay clear of black or white shirts)

It is not OK for you just to have your parent, friend or neighbor take your shots - spend the money and make sure your headshots are quality.

By making sure your headshots are quality...Casting Directors, Choreographers, Directors, etc. will take another glance and perhaps bring you in...so be smart.

If you live across the country check out The Photography Train (http://www.thephotographytrain.com) for potential upcoming stops on their travels. It is a company that brings major headshot and fashion photographers to major cities to help students and professionals get quality headshots.

Hope this helps!

Kind regards,

Rance Wright

Wright Way Master Classes

http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com

Preparing The A-Z

Lets take a moment and discuss the importance of doing your homework for an audition. Many different educators will describe doing your homework as simply just having a story to go along with your piece, however, might I suggest a grocery list of things to observe before hitting that next audition.

Grocery List To Preparation:

1. Did you read the script? Sure there are those shows where a script is not available, but for the most part a script should always be available to read prior to your audition. If you are studying a musical, did you take the time to listen to every song as well as read the script. Know your material from A to Z it is your job to know.

2. Who are you talking to? Both in your personal story and in the original script you must know who it is that your character (you) is communicating with. You would be amazed at how often this necessary step is missed. What does the person you are talking to look like, react, eye color, hair color and height?

3. What is your moment before? Take time to figure out what just happened to you - your shock and secret.

4. Who are you at this moment and what is your personal story?

5. What is your conflict and where do you go from here?

Yes, there are more things I could mention here, however, this is a great start.

Auditioning and performing is our job and should be taken that seriously. If we do not do the homework necessary, we are committing performer suicide. By knowing your material you make smarter choices and give a more worthy performance.

You do not fail in auditioning if you did your work.

Do not ever allow anyone to say that you didn't do your job and come prepared!

Happy Auditioning!

Best,

Rance Wright

Wright Way Master Classes

http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com

Nurture Being That Fat Girl

Whether you are tall, short, fat, skinny, beautiful or ugly (whatever that is) ...all are welcome when it comes to the entertainment world.

Its not what we are that really matters, its how we carry it. I often find men and women who feel that they need to lose like 15 pounds (and don't get me wrong - some people do) but there are those who are simply losing weight for they feel the need to compete in a truly unproductive genre for them.

Do not beat yourself up to lose weight or to get your face fixed...enjoy what and who you are today. There is beauty in that. Each of us were given different looks, sizes and personalities and we need to fine tune what makes us different rather than trying to be a part of what has already been done.

I love to tell my students...if your the big girl...than love being that big girl. If you are the awkward person in most conversations...and can't ever seem to get a date...than be that awkward non dating individual that makes everyone around them uncomfortable...lol...but do it with class. Be who you are and love it, dress it and give it. Seek to be the best you!

I love when I see someone do something with their material that makes me think twice, something that is very real and honest, something that is so a part of who they are. If you are comfortable with who you are - your size, your look, your you - then everything you deliver will naturally be true to yourself and the vulnerable part of what anybody wants to see.

Stop trying to be someone you are not...nurture who you truly are...and showcase that in your delivery!

Being A Vessel

How do we take the reality of who we are and showcase it in the material we deliver. May I suggest that it comes in the delivery of doing less. It often comes as a mistake when nervous or showcasing our material that a hand gesture, closing of eyes or raising of the arms or body will help in the delivery of that one major note or moment in our piece. However that thought or motion is completely wrong for it takes you away from the reality of the piece and becomes the center point of your mini-production.

I would like to suggest that you rehearse your piece once the way you have been rehearsing it. The second time around might I suggest that you place your arms by your side or just simply sit in place holding the side of the chair and then deliver your piece without movement from your arms or legs. Ask some friends of yours to observe this action and see what it does for you and your performance of the piece as a whole.

When we think less about ourselves and simply just deliver our piece we become stronger performers in our delivery. This is because rather than putting on our "Performance" we are delivering what is from the heart. LESS IS MORE.

Less is more in so many places in the audition process. It is not about us when we are performing, how we sound, or how we are motioning or how we are acting. It is about connecting to something or someone and simply just being a vessel for the material to be delivered. Get out of the music and monologues way....let it deliver itself.

Rance Wright

Wright Way Master Classes

http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com

Knowing Who You Are

Knowing who you are as an individual and performer is half the battle at an audition. Even at the age of 32 I find myself still figuring out who and what that is for myself so all of you out there who feel overwhelmed by this particular task, please know that it is an ongoing, ever changing situation for most everyone.

The audition does not begin at the piano or right after you introduce yourself, the audition actually begins outside the room. Why you might ask? Because many individuals behind the table have decided whether or not you are right for the show even before you open your mouth to present your material.

Knowing who you are has many steps, however, today I would like to present three of them and their value.

Your look: As crazy as this sounds, your look has everything to do with whether or not you will be called back or called in again for a role. Your look lets us know who you are and what your personality is like. Your look includes your clothing, your hair, your shoes and(for women) your make-up. Does this mean you need to wear a shirt and tie or prom dress to every audition, actually quite the contrary, it means you must dress appropriately to who you are and the shows needs. There is a fine line between trying to hard and trying to little so figuring out what that is for you at that moment in your life is worth figuring out sooner than later.

Your material: As I have traveled the country auditioning potential students for my classes I have noticed how incorrect most of the material out there is for people. If your material does not showcase who you are as a person or performer than get rid of it. If you have researched the character or individuals age and realize that you may be too old or young for certain material I suggest you get rid of it. If you have never read the script of a piece you have in your repertoire I suggest you read it before ever performing it for anyone, not doing so shows a lack of professionalism and necessary knowledge for the piece. And much like "Your Look", does your material scream YOU.

Your self worth: Probably the most difficult of the three is your self worth. Knowing who you are and what it is you have to offer as a performer is evident as you audition. Confidence not COCKINESS is a tool in the bag of tricks that everyone should have. I recently was at an audition myself and remembered a quote that Alison Franck of PaperMill Playhouse once said to me - "Sometimes all the actor needs is the approval that what they are going to share with us is going to be accepted". Every actor needs to trust that what they have prepared and what they are going to deliver is wonderful material and should have the confidence that it will be accepted from behind the table. Knowing this is actually quite freeing...believe me as one who knows!

All of these cater to knowing who you are as a performer. We are all taught to be brilliant performers and to extend our performance material to try new things and go the distance with some material. But isn't it amazing how when we audition we are often asked to give less of the performance and more of ourselves as we deliver...we are asked to be vulnerable. Try next time you audition applying all of these to their fullest and see if it works out for you. Show your heart in your performance and show the real you - not the performer you.

Best,

Rance Wright

Reaching For The Stars

Reaching for the stars and achieving an actors dreams may seem so distant or foreign when looking upon the stage and seeing brilliant performers showcasing their dreams and aspirations before you. What makes them different? What makes this dream so achievable to them? What can I do to motivate myself and walk towards that direction of success?

My friends, this blog is a how to of the theatre arts world. A how to and where to go of sorts. I am not here to preach that my way is the right way (Wright Way - play on words of my last name) and would invite all to question things I suggest or say. However, I feel that I do have a great connection and relationship with those who do know and offer my advise as it has been learned and taught to me.

Please take some time to come back now and then and comment. I hope that what I have to share is meaningful to you!

Best,

Rance Wright

Owner/Creator

Wright Way Master Classes

http://www.wrightwaymasterclasses.com