In this special episode, Manon Gunderson-Briggs (currently touring in Come From Away) chats with singing teacher, actor and singer Jennifer Peers about how to best maintain your voice on tour. They talk about: Jen’s journey in the industry; maintaining the balance of a healthy voice, mind and body; vocal technique and being a “small muscle athlete”; the biggest vocal challenges of touring; vocal load and rehearsals; why singers sometimes don’t take their vocal needs seriously; maintaining your vocal practice on tour; your “vocal budget”; what you should do if something doesn’t feel right; your ..read more

Even pre-pandemic, self-tape auditions were increasingly common. For many musicals, a video submission is often required in order to secure a live audition in front of the panel. So, if you haven’t already, start making friends with the camera. You don’t need an expensive fancy set-up, but a few tips and tricks can help make your videos look and sound great! 1. CAMERA The camera on your phone is more than adequate, just make sure you use a tripod or a stable surface. Check you have enough storage space for a few takes. The rear facing camera (not selfie mode) is higher quality. 2. BACKGROUND A ..read more

For musical theatre performers, it’s standard practice to list your voice type and range on your resume. If you’re uncertain about how to write this accurately, here are a few tips to help: Your range is listed in two parts: 1. Voice Type (eg. Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano/Belter, Tenor, Baritone etc). 2. Vocal Range listed from your lowest to highest notes. For women, we also tend to add the top of your belt range afterwards in brackets. Here are some examples as a guide (yours may differ): Soprano: G3–C6 (Belt to C5) Mezzo-Soprano: F3–B♭5 (Belt to E5) Tenor: A2-C5 Baritone: F2–G4 To be clear abo ..read more

I looooove a doco. Make it a musical one and my day is made. So, for your viewing pleasure here is my curated #quarantineandchill playlist of musical documentaries to keep your creative cup full. 1. Show Business: The Road To Broadway (FREE ON YOUTUBE) Follows the journey of four musicals (Wicked, Taboo, Caroline or Change and Avenue Q) on the way to the 2004 Tony Awards. 2. Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened (WATCH ON NETFLIX) Tells the story of the creation of Merrily We Roll Along, which closed after only 16 performances in 1981, and how the lives of the hopeful yo ..read more

Mates, it’s been a tough time lately and so many people in our industry are impacted by theatre closures and cancelled auditions. If you find yourself feeling stuck, here are 10 ways that might help to use this time to rest, learn, create and connect online. 1. Sing every day! Events like this remind us more than ever of the healing power of music. It’s good for your soul and our humanity. 2. Listen to cast recordings, watch musical films and (legal) online performances. Many arts organisations are also currently streaming their performances for free. You can watch the @metopera fr ..read more

*Originally published in Stage Whispers magazine. “I love auditioning!” said no-one (ever). Let’s face it, it’s stressful to walk into an audition room facing judgement, comparison and frequent rejection.   As a voice teacher, I spend countless hours helping performers prepare for auditions and yet I still see so many sabotaging their chances for success with poor preparation. Yes, it takes time.  I know you’re not paid for your valuable preparation time.  I know you had to work late and you had a cold and you’re tired and it’s easier to just watch Netflix.  I know yo ..read more

*Originally published on AussieTheatre.com by Bec Caton. Jennifer Peers, currently performing in Fiddler on the Roof, is in demand both as a musical theatre performer and teacher. She has performed in many Australian musicals including City of Angels, Loving Repeating, and the Australian tours of Mary Poppins and My Fair Lady, and appeared on the West End in Shoes and Master Class. Along with performing herself, Jen teaches a number of aspiring performers and working professionals in the musical theatre industry. We caught up with Jen to talk ..read more

The 2022 Australian Musical Theatre Festival is taking place from 18-22 May in Launceston, Tasmania. Guest artist, Jennifer Peers sat down in conversation with Artistic Director, Tyran Parke to discuss teaching, life as a soprano, and the upcoming festival classes and performances. Watch the full interview here ..read more

Even pre-pandemic, self-tape auditions were increasingly common. For many musicals, a video submission is often required in order to secure a live audition in front of the panel. So, if you haven’t already, start making friends with the camera. You don’t need an expensive fancy set-up, but a few tips and tricks can help make your videos look and sound great! 1. CAMERA The camera on your phone is more than adequate, just make sure you use a tripod or a stable surface. Check you have enough storage space for a few takes. The rear facing camera (not selfie mode) is higher quality. 2. BACKGROUND A ..read more

For musical theatre performers, it’s standard practice to list your voice type and range on your resume. If you’re uncertain about how to write this accurately, here are a few tips to help: Your range is listed in two parts: 1. Voice Type (eg. Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano/Belter, Tenor, Baritone etc). 2. Vocal Range listed from your lowest to highest notes. For women, we also tend to add the top of your belt range afterwards in brackets. Here are some examples as a guide (yours may differ): Soprano: G3–C6 (Belt to C5) Mezzo-Soprano: F3–B♭5 (Belt to E5) Tenor: A2-C5 Baritone: F2–G4 To be clear abo ..read more