- Musical scenes are extremely concise, which is why it is strongly required for the actor's acting to provide the audience with a substance filled subtext.
- Unlike a straight show, the climax in a musical will usually occur in the melody and harmony of a song, not the spoken lines. Therefore, the lyrics of every song must be delivered with passion and the emotional ability to reach these powerful climaxes.
- Acting is just as important to musicals as straight shows, but the character personalities are even more vital to musicals! You can be the best actor in the world, but if you are lacking in personality, you'll never truly capture the characters of musical theater and put the audience to sleep.
- Musicals may occur faster then straight plays due to its' quick scenes, but that does not mean the actors can just fly past the lines until they hit their favorite song. Musical Actors are depended on for providing substance!
- Musicals cannot have pauses, stops, or "hold ons," between scenes. Actors must pace themselves and keep their own rhythm to make sure the show flows smoothly every night.
- Musical acting often contains opposites, which add depth and diversity to what the characters are really trying to say. To learn more about opposites, read the Actors Nook article on How to Perform Real Comedy. http://actorsnook.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-perform-comedy-at-its-best.html
- Musical Actors must understand that the audience plays it's own role in each show, and even participates with the characters in a sense. Every night is different, you never know what to expect from each audience, but musicals must consider and continue by the reaction of each as they take joy in your craft!
- Since musicals are very fast paced, it is important to outline the main events to ensure they are not bypassed. It is the actors' responsibility to ensure the audience recognizes the changes that take place in the characters. Musical scenes without events never accomplish anything.
- Actors must project everything they say, since they are performing in huge theaters. They must be able to sing, dance, and accomplish everything a dramatic actor accomplishes, and still more. Unfortunately, many actors feel as long as they can sing well, they were born for musical theater. However, musical theater does not just need a pretty voice, but the emotional capability to communicate feelings.
Next time you audition for a musical, be sure to remember the above tips to separate yourself from the "cliche" musical actor. Give them projection, life, substance, and personality! WOW THEM!-Actors Nook Team
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