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F.I.A. Friends In Art |
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Page text Each
year during the national convention Friends In Art sponsors the Showcase where
a variety of performers share their talents from singing, instrumentals,
poetry reading, comedy routines, and dance. We
believe that this array of activities and opportunities to learn and perform
will give artists the chance to broaden their horizons in a relaxed, friendly
atmosphere. We encourage performers to perform and audiences to enjoy! Each
participant is asked to attend the FIA
Mixer and Showcase Sign-up. The mixer gives artists the opportunity to
meet other members and make new peers while registering for a Showcase
audition slot. (Note that you must sign
up for a slot if you wish to perform in the FIA Showcase.} Some Words to Prospective Showcase Performers To increase your chances of performing in front of an adoring
audience, here are a few points to consider when selecting your material. 1. Give serious consideration to upbeat material. We tend to
have a shortage of up-tempo acts, as potential performers often bring more
meditative selections to the microphone. If your preference is the latter,
give some thought to preparing an upbeat backup. 2. Variety is key to achieving a successful show. Therefore,
we usually judge within genre: that is, voice accompanied by piano
performances will be compared to each other, while dramatic readings will be
judged against other dramatic readings. Although music is the most popular
mode of entertainment, all performing arts media are welcome, and we
especially encourage new talent to audition. 3. Language in Showcase presentations should respect the
presence of both children and adults. The FIA Showcase is considered family
entertainment. The prose/poetry event encourages freedom of expression.
Please keep in mind the difference between these venues. 4. Come well prepared. Polish and flair will capture the
attention of the audience, and go a long way toward ensuring your place in
the show. 5. Please note that previous experience has shown that 23
acts, with each act in the spotlight for no more than five minutes, makes for
a well- balanced evening. 6. Let us know what you need in advance. Piano accompaniment: A sighted accompanist is usually not
available to play from a printed musical score; however, several talented
people are able to improvise accompaniments to show tunes, jazz standards,
gospel hymns, and a limited repertoire of classical music. Specific
accompaniments can be learned if provided in advance. Please contact Peter Altschul
with questions. Using a pre-recorded track: To those considering performing
with the assistance of a pre-recorded accompaniment, please bring a copy, not
the original, to the mixer. Our best efforts at returning materials have
sometimes gone awry. Please affix your name to the CD or cassette (we prefer
CDs). (Note that since your five
minutes in the limelight are best spent displaying your own talent and style,
overly lengthy instrumental interludes are strongly discouraged.) Fronting the band: To those considering using our "house
band," please alert us to the title of the song you wish to sing as soon
as possible, as we will back only 10 acts this year; priority will be given
to those who alert us early of their chosen song. We are particularly adept
at playing swing, pop, and R&B standards. You'll need to schedule some
time to rehearse with the band during the appointed rehearsal time slots. Join the chorus: To those interested in singing in our chorus,
and who have not previously received a rehearsal CD, please e-mail Peter Altschul
your name and street address ASAP, as the CDs will be mailed in early June.
Let me know if you wish to be sent the lyrics in Braille or large print.
Please be prepared to attend two rehearsals prior to the showcase. Audition procedures: Everyone, including those who have
alerted us previously of their interest to audition, must sign up for a
rehearsal time slot during our mixer on Sunday, We will need your name, the
title of the selection you are planning to perform, and your hotel room
number. We will inform all performers of audition outcomes between |
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