Professional vocal coach to host confidence building workshop

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Dr. Dale Smith will be hosting a karaoke workshop to help people overcome their fears.

Dr. Dale has spent years as a vocal coach, master teacher and mentor to those looking to become a part of the entertainment field. In 1982, Smith founded Oklahoma Kids, a Little League of Entertainers, which was later renamed American Kids when Dale and his wife Carolyn moved the program to Branson. American Kids grew to include youth from 18 states, and Dr. Dale and Carolyn produced shows and events throughout the Ozarks, featuring members of the group, and allowing them the opportunity to gain experience performing in front of an audience. Members of American Kids performed at Silver Dollar City and in many Branson shows, as well as at fairs, festivals and events around the region.

Dr. Dale Smith

FILE

“American Kids was all about child development,” Smith explained. “Knowing, as an educator, that if a child gets past their fear of an audience, the newly found confidence would greatly enhance their life experience.”

Dr. Dale continued, “I have coached hundreds of people through the ‘Barrier of Fear of Audiences.’ I have found that this can be accomplished easily through karaoke. I am also aware that there are so many people who sing, and would like to sing, but cannot bring themselves to stand up and do it. This is the reason that I am conducting a confidence building karaoke workshop. My purpose is the same as American Kids. When the fear barrier is broken, other aspects of their respective lives will be enhanced.”

The workshop will begin with Dr. Dale sharing with the audiences some of his background and experiences.

“We will talk about the barriers we all face, whether it is as a ‘would-be’ karaoke singer or simply the fear of conversation exchange with others,” Dr. Dale explained. “The setting may be different, but the barrier is the same. You can eliminate this barrier.

One might ask, ‘Why am I doing this?’ The answer is simple. I find a lot of pleasure in seeing people grow. I know that if you get past your fear of an audience, you will discover growth potential and opportunities in other areas of your life. You will have the courage to step out and utilize the gifts you possess that are still held within.”

The workshop is open to anyone of any age who is interested in breaking the barrier of fear. Dr. Dale is accepting the first ten people who enroll for this workshop. If the demand is great, additional workshops will be held to serve all who desire to participate.

Said Smith, “There is no age limit. I hope to work with anyone who has a desire to sing. I want to help increase their level of confidence. They will learn about choosing the right song, plus learning the value in knowing their audience. We will have lots of personal interaction, as a way of breaking the ice.”

The Karaoke Workshop will be held at the Celebrity Lounge, located at the entrance to Pointe Royale, 158 Pointe Royale Drive. Celebrity Lounge is becoming widely known as ‘the Cheers restaurant of Branson, where everyone knows your name.’ Celebrity Lounge not only serves outstanding food and beverages, but has upgraded their establishment to include a new dance floor and has a stage area, complete with sound and lighting.

Dr. Dale’s confidence building Karaoke Workshop is set for July 11 and 12, 7 to 9 p.m. The fee of $10 per person covers both evenings. To register, call Dr. Dale Smith at 417-598-8673.