Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Alida LeClair.
Sarah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started singing classically professionally on the Central Coast of California while I was getting my Bachelor’s degree in voice at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; and then while finishing my Masters degree in Vocal Performance from San Diego State sang opera at school, for the San Diego City Opera, and for the San Diego Opera Words and Music Program premiering student-created operas for schools and getting to do super fun roles like the Gospel Fairy Godmother in Zombie Cinderella (spoiler alert, everybody dies). I taught high school show choir competitively for several years with that as my only purpose and then an audition opportunity came up for Amneris in Elton John’s Aida. I had never sung anything like that and had no idea how to belt, but I had lots of attitudes and could dance in stilettos so I tackled my first musical theatre role. At one performance during the run of the show on a whim, I decided I was going to try belting an extra high note on one of my pieces, something I’d tell my students absolutely NEVER to try during a performance, but to my delight, I was able to belt for the first time. I had no idea how I’d done it other than sheer determination and emotion! It had nothing to do with the way I’d been taught to sing, but I was obsessed. I sent the next years learning to break down how it was that I’d accomplished that, how to make that happen and how to produce that sound every time without any tension.
I was very frustrated in my early years of auditioning because even though I knew I had a good voice and certainly knew how to sing, I felt like I would always get called back and never book the role. I wasn’t sure where I was going wrong, so I went to see an acting coach who patiently listened to me sing Defying Gravity like an opera singer, and then shook his head and said: “I bet you thought that was good, hmm?” I was completely offended, until he added, “that song was supposed to be about something. Telling a story. What story were you telling, other than showing off your high notes and your pretty smile?” He was right. I realized it was the missing piece of my training, so I dedicated myself to learning how to sing in a completely new way–for musical theatre, investing in the technical differences of musical theatre singing, and learning to truly act, not just emote.
Today, I’m proud and so lucky that my high school students know that their teacher is a professional, working actress and singer; and that I get the chance not only to work with some of the most amazing wonderful kids in San Diego out at my high school but to teach some of the most astonishing professionals here in town as well, all the while being able to be in the spotlight performing and utilizing all that I’ve learned on stage myself.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Acting and singing are a brutal profession because we are constantly, constantly judged. Our talent is never enough. Every audition we go in for we are competing with a room full of women with equivalent training, skill and talent, and often it comes down to something as little as which one of us is short enough or the right age to match the one man who came in to audition for the male lead. It’s easy to think that not getting cast is a failure and it’s important especially as women who tend to overthink things and who like to find reasons for why we are not worthy of success to remember that every audition is just bringing in a gift to the director. Here are these muffins I baked, or this steak, or this beer I chose for you. If the director was in the mood for beer, no muffins in the world will be the right muffins–and it doesn’t make the muffins any less amazing. We have to realize that that right part and theatre and show is out there for us as long as we keep working and growing and becoming more truly and honestly who we are as artists!
The other sort of scary advice I would have for young women is to be very careful with boundaries. In a big city it is so, so easy for someone to take advantage of you especially as you become desperate for work after having not worked for a while. Never meet someone alone. Never go to a private rehearsal space. If anything about the rehearsal or production process feels uncomfortable for you or raises red flags TRUST YOUR GUT. Speak up and say something. As actresses, we are often in the position of having to be told that our bodies do not belong to us–this is the kissing scene. Your scene partner is going to hold you here. You are going to wear this costume. Be aware of what you are agreeing to and be clear about what boundaries you have, be upfront about it as early in the process as possible, and do not let yourself be pressured into something you feel uncomfortable about for the sake of any job.
What should we know about Piano in Heels? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am proud of my ability to teach musical theatre singing, focusing on acting along with the classically-based belting technique. I am a performer myself and am proud to be on stage to showcase my unique talents and I think that sets me apart.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My dad always told me that I was the smartest person in the room, and not to bother competing with other people, but to only compete with myself to be the most excellent version of myself I could be. That has helped me tremendously in my success in college, in teaching, and in performing.
Pricing:
- $60/hour for vocal/acting coaching
- $15 for recording audition tracks or sing songs
- $20 for packs of large sides
- Individual pricing for recording full scores and rehearsal tracks
Contact Info:
- Address: Sarah Alida LeClair
- Email: sarahalidaleclair@gmail.com
- Instagram: @pianoinheels
- Facebook: Piano in Heels
Image Credit:
Top, my own photo; bottom, Ken Jacques, photographer
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