When I received a phone call from my manager saying I had an audition for Hamilton on Broadway, I had a little bit of a panic attack. With only four or five days to prepare, I felt so terrified and insecure. I didn't think I could do it. It was a big deal - not only my first Broadway audition but also my very first audition for a musical. I called Danielle. We agreed to meet everyday for an hour or two between that day and the day of the audition. My first lesson was a nightmare. I sounded like the cliché of a bad singer trying to reach notes way too high for my range. That same day I thought about calling my manager to cancel the audition. I am okay with failing but failing that big was going to be somewhat of a humiliation. I was ready to quit. Truth is Danielle's teachings, faith, advice and persistence changed everything. Her sense of joy, attention to detail and passion for musical theatre were contagious. We worked very hard and everyday I could viscerally feel my voice flex, develop and grow. By the day before the audition I was finally able to sing the song I was so scared to sing. I could not believe it. The audition ended up going so well. I was able to walk in, have fun and feel I was in complete control of my singing. The Casting Director smiled through it all. I consider the mere fact that I was able to walk in that room and own my singing one of the greatest achievements of my career. I don't say this lightly. It was the simplest example that if you work hard and set yourself up to do something, even against all odds, you can do it. All you have to do is make sure you have someone who really knows what they're doing and are there to hold your hand. I know I have Danielle to thank for. read more
