Music Lesson: Acting Through Song

Introduction

Before we start this next session, I want to ask you a question:

When you're singing, how much of your brain is on the song, and how much is on acting?

Take a moment to think about that. Come up with an answer:

• How much is on the song?
• How much is on acting?

Now, I'm going to say something a bit bold. If any less than 70% of your brain is on acting, we haven't got enough yet.

Understanding Musical Theatre

We're talking about musical theatre. Yes, your voice needs to be the most athletic it can be. This is crucial!

• We want you to be the best singer you can be.
• We also need you to connect with the song.

This connectivity is what makes this genre so beautiful and encompassing. When it works, all the elements come together:

• The song
• The story
• The emotions

This Lesson's Focus

For this first lesson, we're going to explore what happens if we remove the music.

Speaking Your Song

We are going to:

• Speak your song as a monologue until it feels comfortable for you.
• Aim for familiarity and a deeper connection with yourself.

Now, you might say:

• "I don't want to do that."
• "I feel like an idiot."
• "It's all in rhyme."
• "I can't do this."

But give it a go! I promise you that if you haven't yet spoken your song as a monologue, you have not yet unlocked some of its potential.

A Disclaimer

You do not need to sing your song the same way you spoke it. There are different techniques needed for singing and speaking. By removing the following, you will find new colors and nuances in your song:

• The music
• The tempo
• The rhythm
• All those connotations from the cast recordings in your head

Example: "She Used to Be Mine"

We can start with your own song or, for an example, I'll use one of my favorite songs:

Lyrics Excerpt

"It's not simple to say, but some days I don't recognize me. These shoes, this apron, this place here... I think I'm forgetting the words, I've taken more than I gave them."

Your Challenge

Imagine you've been given the lyrics of your song for a naturalistic screen audition.

• Remember, you're not in a big theater anymore.
• This is not about jazz hands.
• The camera is right there, focusing on you.

I want you to try speaking your lyrics in the same kind of way that I'm talking to you now, in a conversational way.

Experimentation

Take a pause and have a little play around with it. You can take as long as you want here.

• Feel free to come back in again and have a little speak-through of your lyrics.
• See how they feel.

Then, I'm going to give you some new challenges.