BIG VOICE STUDIOS & BLAHZAY STUDIOS

Wednesday, January 6, 2021 by Bracken Burns | Newsletter

So what does dreaming big look like for 2021...

• Spring concert - I am really hoping this will be socially distanced but IN PERSON... but if not, it will be an online live concert.
• Some of our students are working on their first EPs, congrats to Chloé, Kanistha, and Etha!!
• Youtube Channels and online publishing. Let the work, do the work!! :) Remember content  IS NOT KING... GOOD CONTENT is King. Ie: please be very choosey on what you publish. Remember once posted, it is there forever! I am happy to give my honest opinion on anything so feel free to share. Shout out to Kierra who is working on her own Youtube channel with a focus on Musical Theatre repertoire!
• Learning an instrument!! I cannot stress how important and valuable this is! We have teachers from within the industry who are very talented available to teach guitar and piano. Let me know what you want to achieve and I will do what I can to connect you with the best.  
• For our actors, we have voice over and acting coaches who will be running monologue and scene competitions. These are so helpful to stay audition ready. Some are also producing short films for reel material. Congrats to Janet, Samita, and Pavel who are going into production in February! Also good luck to Kanistha who will be starring in her own Music Video and releasing her concept album: ELEMENTS.
• Songwriting Workshop- I am incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside some influential and very talented songwriters who are based around the world (USA, CANADA, UK). Would you be interested in learning about song writing in a small online group environment? If there is enough interest, I will make this happen.
• Music Theory- in order to be a true well rounded and literate musician, you need to have some music theory. You can take individual lessons tailored to your level or you can join a group lesson. If you're learning an instrument, make sure that your teacher is also throwing in some music theory!!
• Other than that, what are YOUR ideas.. what would you like to do? 

Sunday, May 17, 2020 by Bracken Burns | Audition

Jigsaw Casting is seeking professional Musicians or Singers ACROSS CANADA to send a song to Self-Isolating Canadians during COVID-19!

Let’s brighten the spirits of people across Canada who could use a lift, by performing VIRTUAL solos just for them, from your own home, in accordance with physical distancing. Open to any talented professional musician or singer who can accompany themselves with a guitar, violin, bagpipes, cello, fiddle, keyboards, recorded bed track, or other instrument. If you have the ability to record yourself dedicating and playing an original song to someone who really needs it, let’s team up to give Canadians a musical boost! Each musical artist will be required to dedicate and perform a different song or piece for 2-3 different people. 

Musicians can perform an original song that they have copyright to or play classical pieces that are in the public domain. In order to qualify, you will need to have lost your job as a musician or lost gigs due to COVID-19 and currently be physical distancing. All recorded dedications must be done from the interior or exterior of your own home.

Musicians will be compensated $900.00. per track performed. Selected musicians will be required to do 2 - 3 songs/videos. Chosen musicians could also receive significant national exposure. Musicians must be members of CFM (Canadian Federation of Musicians) or ACTRA (or willing to join CFM at own expense if selected) They must also be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents to apply. No previous acting experience is required. 

To apply, please make a video. Here are the instructions:

1. Please introduce yourself, giving your name and your location.

2. Tell us why you think it’s important to give Canadians a musical boost during COVID-19. 

3. In keeping with your own musical style, sing/play an original or public domain song for us, accompanying yourself on an instrument if required.

4. Lastly, give us a quick video tour of your indoor and outdoor space(s) where you could record yourself dedicating and performing your musical solos. 

You can film this on your cell phone. Please keep it under 3 minutes long, then apply online with your video to:

https://musicians2.castingcrane.com/

To be considered for this campaign. You must meet and be available for the following dates:

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: May 20, 2020 at 9am.

SHOOT: May 22 to June 15, 2020 (filming yourself from home).

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for all Casting Calls:

https://www.facebook.com/JigsawCasting

https://www.instagram.com/jigsawcasting

60 SUMACH ST / 3RD FLOOR / TORONTO, ON M5A 3J7 / VM: (416) 360 0336 x230 or text 647 297 7055 www.jigsawcasting.com

Wednesday, May 13, 2020 by Bracken Burns | Masterclass

Hey~! So, you've been asking for it and here it is!! I'll be doing a masterclass with a focus on MUSICAL THEATRE. 

We will warm up our voices the same as you would every evening and matinee before a professional show. We will then have each performer sing and work their song individually. There is a lot to be learnt from watching each other!! I think this will be tons of fun and I CAN'T WAIT!! 

Tuesday, May 12, 2020 by Bracken Burns | Student Achievement

As the days roll into one and who knows how many weeks we've been cooped up, it's important to log your practise time! This week I am so so impressed with MELANIE ANN-MARTIN. She has been the winner of the practise star two weeks in a row with over 4 hours practise. WAHHHOOOOO Go MELANIE.

I have to give honourable mention to Lynsey Pham and Etha Rozario who were close runners up. 

GREAT JOB GUYS!!!!