| How to House a Canary Posted: 22 Sep 2017 05:00 PM PDT Canaries are sweet little singers who need big homes to make sure that they get enough exercise. If you're getting a canary, make sure that their home is a good one by giving them a roomy cage filled with food, perches, and toys. Weekly cleaning and care will ensure that your canary loves their home as much as they love you. EditChoosing the Right Cage - Get a large cage. Canaries love to fly, and they need a cage big enough to keep them active and happy. A canary cage should be at least tall and wide. Ideally, however, you should buy the largest cage that you have room for.[1]
- For canaries, the distance between bars should be no more than wide. This will prevent them from getting their heads stuck.[2]
- Pick a metal cage. A cage made out of iron or powder-coated steel provides a secure home for your canary. Do not choose a wooden or plastic cage, as the bird may chew through these.[3]
- Select a cage that is wide rather than tall. When canaries fly, they prefer long flight paths over height. This means that you should choose a wide, horizontal cage, not a tall and skinny cage.[4]
- Good cages should be rectangular in shape, not round. Round cages prevent perches from hanging properly and reduce the amount of flying space.[5]
- Check that the cage is safe. Inspect the cage to make sure that the bird cannot injure themselves. A well-made cage should have no sharp or jutting points on it. Test the lock on the door to make sure it is sturdy.[6]
- Buy separate cages for each canary. Canaries can become territorial over small spaces like cages. If kept together, they may fight or injure one another. If you are planning on having more than one canary, you should keep a separate cage for each.[7]
- While you may be able to keep a male and female pair together during the breeding season, they will still need to be separated throughout the rest of the year.
EditSetting up the Cage - Set the cage high above the ground. The cage should be elevated so that it is at your eye level. You can set the cage on a stand or a piece of furniture. Alternatively, you can try hanging the cage off the ground using a wall bracket.[8]
- Place the cage in an active part of the household. A living room or home office is a great place for a canary cage. These rooms give the canary things to watch and look at during the day.[9]
- There should be plenty of light in this room, but avoid putting the cage in direct sunlight.
- Do not put the cage in the kitchen. Fumes from cooking can upset the canary's delicate lungs.
- Put it against the wall. Your canary will feel more secure if they have at least one wall against their cage. Placing the cage in a corner may help the canary feel even more safe. Do not set the cage out in the open or in the middle of a room.[10]
- Spread newspaper on the bottom of the cage. The bottom of the cage should be lined so that you can easily clean it. Newspaper works best since it is cheap and readily available. Avoid using cat litter or wood shavings on the floor, as these can give the canary breathing problems.[11]
- You will need to replace the newspaper daily.
- Adjust the temperature. The temperature of the room should be between , although temperatures can be as low as at night. Place the cage away from windows, doors, or vents where drafts can come in, and avoid placing the cage in direct sunlight.[12]
EditProviding the Necessities - Make food and water available. Put separate dishes in the cage for food and water. Avoid putting these under perches to prevent the bird from defecating in them. Your canary will need to have their food and water replaced every day. alternative to food bowls, you can put feeders that hang from the top of the cage for birds to perch on whilst they eat.
[13] - Canaries need a varied diet of pellets, fresh fruit, and leafy vegetables.[14]
- Give them two or three perches. Canaries need lots of room to fly, and perches let them zoom between two points in their cage. You should have at least two or three perches placed at different ends of the cage.[15]
- Perches should be between and in diameter. Vary the diameter used for each perch.
- Try to keep around between perches so that the canary has plenty of room to fly between them.[16]
- Put in a few toys. Canaries don't need many toys to stay entertained, but they do appreciate two or three items that they can poke, pull, or play with. Good canary toys include:[17]
- Plastic balls.
- Swings.
- Branches from outside.
- Bells.
- Vine balls.
- Set a bird bath inside. Canaries love to splash and bathe. You can buy a bird bath that attaches to the bars of their cage, or you can simply place a bowl of cold water inside of the cage. The water should be replaced every few days or whenever it becomes cloudy.[18]
EditMaintaining the Cage - Clean the cage weekly. Place the canary in a bird carrier while you scrub down the cage. Throw away any old liner. Use warm, soapy water to wash the cage, food and water dishes, bath, and perches. Let the cage dry completely before replacing the liner, and move your bird back into their cage.[19]
- Don't use strong scents near the cage. Canaries have very delicate respiratory tracts. Air fresheners, scented candles, aerosol sprays, and cigarette smoke can all make the canary sick. Keep these out of the room with the cage.[20]
- Cover the cage at night. At sunset, place a blanket or covering over the cage so that any artificial light from the room is blocked out. This will help the bird sleep at night and ensure that they get plenty of rest.[21]
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| How to Dance Without Embarrassing Yourself Posted: 22 Sep 2017 09:00 AM PDT If you're too embarrassed to dance in public, you are missing out on a lot of fun. It doesn't take much effort to learn some basic moves and sidle onto the dance floor, even if only briefly. Practicing at home, perfecting some basic moves, and building your confidence will allow you to dance in public without feeling embarrassed. EditFeeling Confident in Your Dancing - Smile and have fun. The best way to avoid being embarrassed on the dance floor is to appear confident, even if you are not. Hold your head up and keep your back straight. This will give you a look of confidence. Make sure to always smile and enjoy yourself on the dance floor. This will make you appear confident in your dancing abilities.[1]
- Avoid looking at the ground and hunching forward. This makes you seem shy and uncomfortable.
- Don't drink too much. A drink or two can help to loosen you up and give you enough confidence to hit the dance floor. However, if you get too drunk, you may actually end up embarrassing yourself. When you are drunk your inhibitions are lowered and you are more likely to test out some new flashy dance moves. You will also have less control over your body and could bump into other people or fall on the ground.[2]
- Don't worry about what others are thinking. You may be nervous to dance because you're worried that other people will judge your dance moves. You don't need to be music-video ready to hit a dance floor at a bar or other social event. Just try to blend in with the crowd. Most people are too concerned about how they look while dancing to even notice your dancing style.[3]
- Avoid awkward or flashy moves. If you are worried about embarrassing yourself while dancing, then you should stick to basic moves. Don't try and pull off a wild move that you saw on your favourite dance competition show. Leave that to the professionals and stick to moves you know will look good. For example, avoid breakdancing, krumping, or any style of dance that may draw attention.[4]
- Similarly, avoid flashy moves like the moonwalk. You probably won't be able to pull it off with as much swagger as Michael Jackson.
- Dance with a partner or group of friends. You are more likely to feel comfortable dancing if you are surrounded by your friends. This way you won't feel like all eyes are on you. Similarly, if you dance with a partner, you can think about them rather than focus on whether or not people are judging you.[5]
- If you are dancing in a group, make sure to respect the space of those around you. Avoid flailing your arms or stepping on other people's toes.
EditLearning Basic Dance Moves - Identify the beat of a song. In order to dance to music, you need to be able to identify the beat. Listen to a song and try and tap your foot or clap your hands along to the beat. Depending on the song, the beat may be slow or fast. When you are first learning to identify the beat, listen to music that has a strong drum beat. This will make it easier for you to hear the rhythm.[6]
- For example, try dancing to Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" or The Bee Gee's "Night Fever."[7]
- Try moving your arms. Once you have identified the beat of the music, you can try moving your body to the beat. When you are first learning to dance, it is best to isolate different movements. Begin by keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground and move your arms to the beat of the song. You can move your arms from side to side or up and down.[8]
- Your arms are also connected to your shoulders and torso, so try moving them as well.
- Experiment with non-linear arm movements by creating waves.
- Learn some basic footwork. Now that your arms are moving to the music, try adding in your feet. You can start out simple, by picking up one foot and then the other, kind of like marching on the spot. As you get more comfortable you can try bending your knees and bouncing in time with the music. Continue to bounce and then add in steps to the side.[9]
- Try to incorporate your hips and other parts of your lower body into your dance movement.
- Take dance lessons. Search online for dance studios in your area and research the different beginner classes available. Choose a dance style that you are interested in learning. For example, you could try hip hop, jazz, contemporary, ballroom, etc.[10]
- Alternatively, if you are looking for something more casual, you could find a dance class at a local community centre or YMCA.
- You can also watch instructional dance videos online or purchase one on DVD.
EditPracticing Your Dance Moves - Try dancing by yourself. To get over your dancing jitters, practice your moves by yourself in a space that is free of any judgement. This way you will be able to fully commit to your movements and will begin to gain confidence in your dancing abilities. Make sure to always practice dancing with music playing.
- Close yourself in your bedroom and clear a space so that you can dance freely without bumping into anything.
- If you are worried about someone walking in while you are practicing, choose a time when you are home alone.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing. You don't want your movement to be restricted by a tight skirt or pants. You are also likely to work yourself into a sweat, so avoid clothing that will leave you feeling hot or constrained. Instead, choose comfortable and flowing clothing that will not impact your ability to let loose.
- Practice in front of a mirror. Dancing in front of a mirror allows you to see how you look while dancing. You may feel embarrassed to dance, but after watching yourself in a mirror realize that you are not as bad as you expected. Alternatively, you may find that some of your movements look awkward and you can work on improving that aspect of your dancing.[11]
- Using a mirror will allow you to pinpoint the area that needs to be improved in order to give you more confidence on the dance floor.
- Use a full length mirror so that you can see your entire body.
- Perform a variety of moves so that you can get an idea of what looks good.
- Experiment with new moves. Once you have learned and practiced some basic dance moves and you are comfortable moving to the beat, you can play music and just experiment with different movements. Have fun and be yourself.
- There is no right or wrong way to dance. It is an individual form of expression, so don't be too self-conscious, just relax and have fun.
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| How to Create a Portfolio for Acting Posted: 22 Sep 2017 01:00 AM PDT If you'd like to work professionally as an actor, you'll need to make a portfolio. This portfolio functions as a document that you can distribute to casting director at or before auditions. A high-quality acting portfolio makes you appear professional and hirable, and should emphasize your acting experience and talents. You'll need to include a professional headshot, an acting resume, and a demo reel that shows the strengths and variety of your acting ability.[1] EditMaking an Acting Resume - Include physical information relevant to acting. Unlike most other careers, casting directors need to know your physical size and appearance. At the top of your resume, list your name and contact information. Beneath this, specify your height, weight, hair color, and eye color.[2]
- An acting resume is similar to any other type of professional resume: it should open with your name, include an acting union affiliation (if applicable), and contact information.
- Unless you are under 18 years old, do not list your age.
- Highlight your acting credits. This information can be placed in a "Credits" section. If you have acted before and have some theater, TV, or film credentials, be sure to list this information on your resume. Tailor your resume towards the specific role that you're planning to audition for. Highlight acting roles that are similar to this role.[3]
- That means that, if you are audition for a comedic role and have acted in comedy before, these roles should be at the top of your "Credits" section.
- Create an Education section. Include your acting-related training and education. If you attended a well-known acting school, studied with a famous acting coach (or actor), or majored in acting, theater, or drama, include this information on your resume.[4]
- If you have been professionally trained as an actor outside of an academic setting, use your resume to highlight the training you received and its duration.
- Focus on your relevant previous experience. You can present this information in a "Work Experience" section. Instead of filling your resume with every role you've ever played, tailor your presentation of work experience. Include professional work you've done (after high school and college) that is relevant to the role you're auditioning for.[5]
- For example, if you're auditioning for a role in an action movie, use your resume to highlight other action-oriented roles you've played in the past.
- Just like on any other type of resume, you won't impress anyone by having a resume full of irrelevant details.
EditChoosing Headshots - Reach out to a professional headshot photographer. Headshots are a crucial part of an acting portfolio, and they must be taken professionally. Headshots, as the name suggests, are photographs that only show your face and neck. Search online or reach out to other friends in acting to find a local photographer who can take high-quality headshots for your acing portfolio.[6]
- Never try to take your own headshots. Even if the photographs look acceptable to you, a casting director or audition manager will be able to tell that they are not professional-grade material.
- Choose the two headshots that you like best. You'll have many options to choose from following your headshot photoshoot. A good acting portfolio should include two (or three) headshots, so choose a couple of photos that look good and that you'd be proud to hand to an audition manager.[7]
- Vary your facial expressions in your headshots. It would be redundant to present headshots with two identical expressions. For example, in one headshot you could have a more "edgy" look, while in a second shot you could have a broad, welcoming smile.[8]
- Choose headshots that are tailored to your role. Since you'll be relying on your headshot to appeal to casting directors and land you auditions, make sure that your headshot suits the type of role that you're auditioning for. Headshots can convey the "type" of actor that you are, and the type of character that you're capable of portraying.[9]
- For example, don't submit a headshot in which you look edgy and rebellious if you're audition to play a lovable, kind character.
- Tailor your headshot to the type of acting you're doing. Headshot demands can differ based on the type of acting work you're auditioning for. If you're planning to work in television or to appear in commercials, you'll need what's known as a "commercial" headshot, in which you are smiling. If you want to audition for theater or films, plan to submit a more serious headshot in your acting portfolio.[10]
EditPutting Together a Demo Reel - Contact a professional reel producer. Your demo reel (sometimes called a showreel) should give casting directors an idea of your acting ability and versatility. A professional demo-reel editor will be able to take the various sequences of footage that you provide, and edit the scenes together into an effective demo reel.[11]
- Be prepared to pay for this service. Demo-reel editors usually charge from $60 to $75 an hour.[12]
- Select from footage of your highest-profile acting work. Demo reels typically contain footage shot in a theater, or clips of the actor's performance on film or television. However, if you're an inexperienced actor and have not had any significant acting performances, it's acceptable to make a demo reel using independent films, student films, or online media.[13]
- If necessary, you can even film yourself acting to make your own demo reel. Make sure to stand in front of a blank background, and shoot close in. Only your chest, arms, and face should be visible in the footage.[14]
- Include 60-90 seconds of your best work. Select three or four scenes that are relatively similar to the role you're auditioning for. This will show the audition manager you're capable of performing the type of role that the script calls for. Don't make the demo reel much longer than 90 seconds.[15]
- Even as little as 60 seconds will give the casting director enough material to make a decision.
- Never lie on your resume—avoid even stretching the truth. It can be very difficult to get acting work once it's been found out that you've falsified resume information.[16]
- Your acting portfolio should also include a cover letter, addressed to the casting director.[17]
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