Talkback Tuesday – with Brooke McCarthy!

We have another talkback this week with student, Brooke McCarthy —

Tell me about yourself.

I grew up in South Jersey and started singing when I was 5. My first performance was my first-grade talent show where I sang “My Heart Will Go On” from the movie Titanic. I’ve been an Internal Auditor by day and Actor by night for the past few years post-undergrad and am excited to start my next journey down at the University of Georgia this fall as I pursue my MFA in Acting.
Tell me about what you’re working on now and what’s next!

I’m currently in a production of Can-Can the musical at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman in NJ. I’m playing the comedic role of the Model as well as a dancer in some of the big numbers. It runs April 20th – May 13th.
How is this character like you? Different?

This character is like me because she can be sarcastic and also oblivious at times. She’s different than me because she’s better at staying in one place longer periods of time. (Standing still as a model while being sculpted is not a talent that complements my energized personality!)
What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?

The biggest challenge is the comedic timing. I want the comedic timing to be perfect and many of my funnier lines happen right as I’m making an entrance, so it’s a matter of entering at the exact moment that requires me to walk in, see what’s going on, land my spot, and nail the line.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?

“You can put on or take off your pants when you please!”
If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?

I’d love to play Claudine who is the young love interest and the wanna-be dancer. Her songs are very pretty! When I’m a little older, I’d love to play La Mome Pistache, the owner of the scandalous dance hall.
What kind of roles do you prefer?

I prefer silly roles and dark comedy; however, my type is a bit more ingenue than I’d like to believe! Ha!
When was your first role as a performer?

I played the “Monkey” in my 5th grade production of “Why Mosquitoes Buzz In People’s Ears”. It was such a goofy little kids show about the rainforrest (I think). They let me wear this horrible brown sweatsuit outfit. What a choice! Ha!
What do you love about your voice?

I love the flip that I have when I was to add some color to a lower or more belty song.

How has Starling Voice Studio helped you?

Starling has helped me in SO many ways! I haven’t had any vocal health issues. In fact, my voice feels the best it’s been my whole life. I finally understand my mix voice, and I am also singing much higher and more legit soprano than I believed I could. I always feel prepared and confident for auditions and shows. Julia is a magician!
What’s your vocal goal this year?

My goal is to become more confident with my legit voice and start implementing my belt, vs. mix, vs. legit in a more self-aware manner.

You can see Brooke in Can-Can at The Broadway Theatre Of Pitman – more information can be found here.

For Brooke McCarthy updates check out her website http://www.brookemccarthy.com.