The Musical Performer: Theater and Beyond
Based on the idea that “All performance is theatrical — Musical Theater is everywhere,” this course invites students to explore the intersection of song interpretation and actor training through the study and performance of musical scenes. Students will develop tools to connect authentically through voice, body, presence, and collaboration while analyzing and performing scenes from classic and contemporary American musical theater and popular music genres/styles. Journaling and/or other written assignments will be required.
Participants will strengthen their skills in musical responsiveness, acting technique, and ensemble collaboration through practical scene work—focusing on duets and trios. The course also examines the influence of musical theater on popular music, culminating in a written analysis that connects a favorite non-theatrical performance to the theatrical tradition while exploring the guiding question, “What’s the difference?”
Although rooted in musical theater disciplines, this course is not intended solely for musical theater singing actors. It welcomes performers from all disciplines—including vocalists, instrumentalists, songwriters, producers, and actors—who are eager to expand their expressive range and discover how theatrical techniques can enhance performance in any genre. Students will engage with scene work and storytelling tools, applying them similarly to pop, R&B, rock, and other contemporary performance styles.
By approaching musical performance through the lens of actor training, participants will uncover how traits such as presence, narrative, and emotional truth can transform all forms of live performance. Through this integrated approach, students will gain practical tools for vocal and interpretive development, strengthen their understanding of character through music, and discover how theatrical techniques can enrich storytelling across genres. The course aims to cultivate artistic confidence, ensemble skill-building/generosity, and the ability to make bold, informed choices on stage and beyond.