Singing Guide: Follies
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
When it comes to "Follies" in musical theatre, there may be no other singer more worth studying than Dorothy Collins. Collins had a legendary voice, which is noted for its purity, clarity, and pitch-perfect accuracy. If you're looking to learn how to sing like Dorothy Collins, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you need to understand the style of the show. Follies was a groundbreaking musical that paved the way for a new era in American musical theatre. It was a daring, experimental show that explored the darker side of show business. Dorothy Collins' performance as Sally Durant Plummer was a highlight of the show, and her voice was one of the most memorable aspects of the production.
One of the key things to focus on when learning to sing like Dorothy Collins is breath support. Collins had a remarkable ability to sustain long phrases and hold notes for extended periods of time. To achieve this, you must make sure you are breathing correctly and using your breath to support your voice.
Another important technical element that Collins perfected was vibrato. In many of the songs she sang, she used vibrato to add texture and create a more emotional connection with the audience.
To truly master Collins' vocal style, it's important to study her performances. The links below are great resources to start with, as they offer a variety of exercises and articles related to voice training, breathing, and performing. Additionally, Singing Carrots' pitch training and pitch monitor tools will be especially helpful for aspiring singers looking to develop their pitch accuracy like Collins.
- Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game
- Vocal range test
- Voice types
- Breath support
- How to learn a song effectively
- Singing with Vibrato
By immersing yourself in these resources and studying Dorothy Collins' performances in Follies, you can begin to develop your own unique vocal style, allowing you to evoke the same emotions and connection with your audience that Collins perfected.