Liz Caplan Vocal Studios

Dear Students,

Here is the much-anticipated newsletter to keep you all up to date about the latest news of Liz's studio and her students!

STUDENT NEWS

“I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Liz for some time now. While I have always marveled at her knowledge of music and technique, it is her unique understanding of what each individual performer needs that impresses me most. She continues to reach singers of all types with her methods, and her ability to improve overall performance while protecting the instrument is astounding.”

- Tom Kitt, Tony Award winner for NEXT TO NORMAL

Liz had the pleasure of working vocally with Ashanti on her preparation for THE WIZ at City Center Encores!. Shout out to Alex Lacamoire for his brilliant musical direction and conducting of the original Broadway orchestrations.

As if that wasn't exciting enough, Liz had the honor of working with Neil Patrick Harris in preparation of his hosting the 2009 Tony awards. The eleven o'clock (11:03) song by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman went quite well. Neil also recently hosted the Emmy Awards and pulled out another great number by Shaiman and Wittman! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYjSwbte3G4)

Kerry Butler recently returned from Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theater where she played the role of Brenda Strong in Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman's new musical CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbFZBxpcXXs). Kerry is now starring as Sherrie in the Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES.

Tom Lenk joins the cast of ROCK OF AGES as the hysterical role of Franz!

Bobby Steggert is currently starring as the Younger Brother in RAGTIME on Broadway to rave reviews. Bobby has been with this stellar production since its premiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. (http://www.ragtimebroadway.com)

Briana Carlsen-Goodman is the u/s for Krissy and Tribe in the Tony Award Winning Revival of HAIR.

Alex Brightman is currently starring as Boq in WICKED on Broadway.

Liz has had the pleasure of working with Jennifer Damiano who has brought the role of Natalie to life in the Broadway Hit Musical NEXT TO NORMAL by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGViLQGV-Dg)

Megan Companile was the Ariel cover in THE LITTLE MERMAID until its closing this September. She is currently on tour with THE LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE.

Liz continues to production vocal coach on ROCK OF AGES, the Tony nominated hit Broadway show. 80's Hair Band Music? I say yes!

As well, Liz worked as the vocal consultant on VANITIES, the musical by Jack Heifner with music and lyrics by David Kirshenbaum, musical directed by Bryan Perri, directed by Judith Ivey. Vocal arrangements by Carmel Dean and orchestrations by Lynne Shankel. Starring Lauren Kennedy, Annaliese van der Pol, and Sarah Stiles.

Liz just finished her work on the new Green Day Musical AMERICAN IDIOT at American Stage and Film at Vassar College and Berkeley Rep this summer. Michael Mayer directs. Liz is so thrilled that she gets to work with her friends Tony award winner (NEXT TO NORMAL) Tom Kitt (musical supervisor) and Carmel Dean who musical directs. Liz has had the pleasure of working individually with John Gallagher Jr. (Johnny), Michael Esper (Will), Rebecca Naomi Jones (Whatshername), Christine Sajous (Extraordinary Girl), Mary Faber (Heather), Matt Caplan (Tunney), and Tony Vincent (St. Jimmy). (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egGARtwaFEo)

“When I first met Liz, I could tell immediately that she's someone who "gets it." Her understanding of technique and the physiology of singing is staggering - but more importantly, she fully grasps and inspires the art of it. She's magnificent at freeing the voice of blocks and hang-ups without removing the unique qualities of the singer. Not to mention she's a ton of fun. I can't recommend her highly enough.”

- Charlie Alterman, Music Director of NEXT TO NORMAL

Liz has been fortunate to work with the actress, comic talent and vocalist Nicole Parker (MADtv) who performed as Elphaba in WICKED on Broadway from January through July of 2009. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDezJ0nukgs)

Liz enjoyed working with Tony Award nominee Allison Janney and Drama Desk nominee Megan Hilty from 9-5 as well as Justin Bohon in the ensemble. Inspired orchestrations by Stephen Oremus (conductor/MD) and Alex Lacamoire. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVJkhdx-L8Y)

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SEASON

Autumn is the season associated with the element metal. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the metal element governs the mind, organization, order and stability. We tend to be more reflective, turning inward to our work, our families and our homes during this time, preparing for the Winter.

Emotionally, this season is associated with grief and sadness. It is important to keep the mind clear and "let go" of negative emotions which can impact health more strongly during the Autumn.

The body is particularly susceptible to wind and cold during the Autumn Dryness can cause symptoms of coughing, dry nose, sore throat, dry skin, dry hair and scalp, dry mouth, cracked lips, and hard, dry stools. Adding more nourishing yin foods to your diet can promote body fluids, soothe the lungs and protect you from dryness.

“It isn't by accident that Liz Caplan is our 'go-to' voice teacher at Wicked. She has worked with the vast majority of our leading ladies on these vocally demanding roles. Because of her keen knowledge of the voice and the demands of musical theatre singing, Liz always brings great improvement to the technique of each singer that works with her. I am constantly amazed, however, at how Liz also becomes friend, coach, and confidant to her students. She doesn't just love teaching--she also loves the connection of great collaboration. It is exactly because of this--the level of comfort, love, and familiarity that she can achieve in her studio--that Liz produces great singing. Her technical improvements are only magnified by the relaxation and ease that she brings to everyone who walks into her studio. I consider myself lucky to have worked with Liz and, yes, to also call her my friend!”

- Dominick Amendum, Music Director/Conductor and Associate Musical Supervisor of WICKED

In the Autumn, eat fewer cold, uncooked foods and more warmer, cooked foods. Switch from salads to soups and steamed vegetables. Incorporate yellow and red foods into your meals. Start your day with hot oatmeal.

Here are some warm and Yin nourishing foods to add to your Autumn diet: apples, bananas, beets, bell peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cranberries, figs, grapes, leeks, pears, plums, pomegranates, pumpkin, spinach, sweet, potatoes, whole grains, wild rice, winter peas, winter squash, and yams. Also: cinnamon, garlic, ginger, horseradish, rosemary, sage and thyme are some warming herbs to spice up your Autumn meals!

20 BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY

1. Encourages your body to release endorphins - our natural pain killer
2. Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and organs
3. Stimulates lymph flow - the body's natural defense system against toxic invaders
4. Relaxes injured and overused muscles

“I have sent many actors to work with Liz. They always come back with less vocal tension, improved breath support and a greater sense of confidence while singing. She works wonders!”

- Lynne Shankel, Drama Desk nominated Orchestrator of ALTAR BOYZ, and Music Director of CRY-BABY and the Tony Award winning revival of COMPANY

5. Increases joint flexibility and range-of-motion
6. Has been found to dramatically decrease levels of cortisol in saliva, as measured after a massage, which would reduce stress in the body
7. Lessens depression and anxiety
8. Promotes tissue regeneration
9. Eases dependence on medication
10. Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles
11. Promotes deeper and easier breathing
12. Improves range of motion and decreases discomfort for people with lower back pain
13. Helps improve quality of sleep
14. Relieves pain for migraine sufferers
15. Decreases blood pressure
16. Speeds up recovery time from muscle injury
17. Treats musculoskeletal problems
18. Is helpful during pregnancy and after delivery
19. Soothes pain from arthritis
20. A wide array of mental benefits, including: promotes peace of mind, satisfies need for nurturing touch, fosters feeling of well-being, reduces levels of anxiety

COMMON COLD FACTS

- Adults average 2-3 colds per year; children 6 or more

- The average cold lasts 5-7 days

- The common cold is responsible for more days lost from work and school than any other illness

- Recent studies have shown an increased susceptibility to colds in people who smoke, as well as those who are experiencing psychological stress

- Eating a diet rich in cholesterol and polyunsaturated fats can depress the immune system

“The voice is the great enigma. Liz Caplan is a wizard at unravelling the strange and unique art form of singing. She enables people to become better than their actual potential, by not merely teaching them craft, but how to understand themselves. As a teacher, Liz possesses this rare and special gift.”

- Francesca Zambello, Award winning director of THE LITTLE MERMAID, THE LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, and THE FIRST WIVES CLUB