Marika Rauscher: Music + Theatre BA(Hons) graduate

BA(Hons) Music + Theatre 1998

Marika Rauscher is a professional singer of operatic and classical works as well as jazz, musical theatre and contemporary pieces.

"Whilst I was at Dartington I spread myself quite thinly, trying to do a bit of everything.  At that time I was still unsure about the right direction in which to take my singing.  So I needed further training to sort out my technique, and to build up vocal stamina, which took a good two years before I could even embark upon the vast amount of repertoire I needed to pursue work. 

After Dartington, I moved back to London and started working as a Bar Supervisor at the Old Vic Theatre. The majority of front of house staff were/are actors, singers, dancers etc. all trying to figure out how it works, or between jobs.  This was a great support network for starting out. I applied for open auditions in everything and anything, in order to work out what it was all about - what to wear, what to sing, what can I do to stand out from the 1,000 other hopefuls queuing outside the theatre, all the way around the block and down the road!! This was my first reality hit about exactly how competitive it is out there...

In working at the Old Vic Theatre, I spoke to anyone I could to gain more knowledge of the industry and/or make contacts - box office staff, stage managers, the actors, back stage hands - and managed to land myself a measly paid walk-on role in "Amadeus", directed by Sir Peter Hall which was playing there at the time. After cashing up the bar takings, I went back stage, got changed, jumped on stage and sat next to David Suchet, who was playing the role of ‘Salieri'! It was my laugh the general manager heard and required on stage - yes, I felt confident I could laugh for my supper!

My most challenging project to date was definitely learning the title role of Donizetti's "Anna Bolena" last year. It is a three-hour opera, in Italian and I only had seven weeks (with only as many rehearsals) from picking up the score to opening night. It was my first lead role that I was undertaking in Italian, and not being fluent in the language or style, it was a very stressful yet enjoyable time.

It's hard to say what has been the most enjoyable project.  I am constantly learning new things and overcoming personal / professional obstacles, every step is another building block as there is no guide book, you learn as you go along.

I would say to any student wanting to pursue a career as a singer, ‘Follow your dream, but be realistic in your goals and know your limits', though I guess that applies to all walks of life. It is a cliché, but unless your heart is in it 100%, don't bother. Being realistic is important: unless you get picked up like Charlotte Church, win the lottery or become the winner of a reality TV show, then you will more than likely need to supplement your income by working at other jobs.

Everyone always told me how tough a career it is, how competitive and financially insecure - and they were right.  My best advice would be to get a good singing teacher that you trust and feel comfortable with, and make sure you have a solid technique before you do anything else.  Good technique will help you hold it together vocally through many evils such as nerves, cold/flu attacks, travel fatigue and of course the technical challenges in the music itself.

Getting paid to do what you are passionate about is untouchable. However, the flip side is the insecurity of never knowing when the next pay cheque is coming in. I am currently self-represented, which means I am running my own business. Sourcing work, marketing, invoicing, accounting etc. eats up a lot of time, plus you are constantly trying to learn more material to make yourself a more sellable product and practicing to keep your voice in shape. On top of that, finding flexible work in order to accommodate the singing commitments, to afford your living costs as well as regular singing lessons, coaching, music, performance outfits and other such materials is challenging at times, but I wouldn't dream of doing anything else!"

For more information visit: www.marikarauscher.co.uk