A guide to becoming a musical theatre performer.

Learning aim ARebecca Sellors

2077.

Overview of presentation

• Comparison of working practices within the Musical Theatre Industry

• Key features of the role and skills of a Musical Theatre Performer

• Sharing research findings

How to get into the industry?

• There are many different routes such as Drama College or having taken a musical theatre course. University courses. Auditions for shows, parts within professional and amateur shows.

Comparison of training routes.

Performers.• Year one- performer will learn the basic core skills and techniques

needed to be a successful performer. There will also be a written element to the course including anatomy and physiology, health and safety and other contextual studies.

• Year two- strengthening the skills learnt in year one and developing them further.

• The performer will then also take on additional dance styles and choreography if choosing the dance diploma and the musical theatre performers will take on musicianship, singing and acting in more detail.

• Year three- the performer will learn professional employment skills and also be guided towards their own career goals. Performers will get many opportunities for experience within the industry. Both musical theatre performers and dancers will put on their own shows, they will also perform within the Annual College showcase. All of these performance experiences act as a show case for directors, choreographers and agents.

Bird College.• Musical theatre diploma- a 3 year full time course which is located at

Trinity College London.• Fees are £11,250 per academic year. • Combination of dance and theatre studies with the history behind

dance and musical theatre. • Year one at Bird College will include a variety of dance studies

including, Ballet, contemporary, tap and jazz. • The performer will also start their theatre studies which includes,

musical theatre, singing and acting and finally the performer will start their combined studies which are the dance history, fitness, health and safety and music theory.

• Year two will continue developing the performers dance studies their theatre studies Combined studies, fitness, health and safety, history of musical theatre and music theory and appreciation.

• Year three is the finalisation stage where the performer will finalise their dance studies, theatre studies where there will be group and solo performances and finally complete their combined studies of professional employment skills and solo project via voice.

• Has been training West End and Broadway stars for 25 years.• Such as Amanda Holden, who is an actress, singer and presenter. She graduated in

July 1992 and she immediately got a job in Granada’s In Suspicious Circumstances with Edward Woodward. Amanda is with James Grant agency, which works with people from many different aspects of performing and entertainment such as music, TV, sport, social, voiceover, literary.

• Three year course• Leave with an acting diploma

• Within practical lessons you will work on:• Stage combat• Screen acting• Radio• Voice• Text• Movement• Improvisation.

Mountview.

Mountview.• During practical lessons it is important to experiment, try new things, all ideas no

matter what it is.

• Mountview quotes “ no one learned to be a good actor just by reading a book”.• Explore full potential, work with their strengths and expand on knowledge of

imaginative and physical performance skills.

• Within the students first two years at Mountview they will learn and create projects on contemporary writing such as Shakespeare, European and American drama and original devised work. The students liaise with Mountview’s Industry Liaison team which helps them to prepare and understand life as an actor or actress.

• Finally their final year includes a public performance and a film which means they will work with professional directors to prepare a variety of productions and a West End showcase which will be performed to casting directors, agents and other people within the industry. There is practical assessment throughout the course.

3 week Mountview.• Mountview also offer a three week summer course with a cost of £810 which runs

from Monday the 24th of July to Friday the 11th of August 2017.

• These three weeks will allow you to study at one of the top drama schools in the UK, you will focus on triple threat training.

• This course includes “90 hours of the top musical theatre training”.

• Week one will include all three art forms, which is 30 hours of intense triple threat training. Dance lessons will help you build on your strength and stamina, your dance technique and also allow you to express yourself through movement. Acting classes will help your characterisation and creativity and finally singing lessons discover correct vocal techniques, improve sight reading and finally develop your musicality.

• Week two will include an ensemble performance showcasing all of the skills learnt and developed from week one. The second week will focus on attention to detail, binding all the vital skills needed to be a triple theatre performer.

• The third and final week will give you lots of tips and advice for auditions to be successful within the industry. You will also learn how to chose the correct songs, monologues and choreography for future auditions.

• Three year full time course• Triple threat training, singing, dancing and acting. Each day the

performer will have a lesson in each area.• Year One: performer will focus on their techniques and self- discovery,

each art form will be supported by theory work on the history of musical theatre and fitness and health and safety, which will be supported by some note taking.

• Practical, the performer will have regular dance classes in many different styles such as tap, ballet, pilates and contemporary.

• Work on their strengths as a performer, focus and progress on their areas of weaknesses.

• Students will work as part of a team and as a solo within all three art forms.

• During acting lessons will include improvisational techniques, musical theatre and choreographic development, they will also learn about a few practitioners such as Hagen and Stanislavski.

MADD.

MADD.• Year two will follow on from year one developing core skills from the first year

and progressing to a higher standard.• Additional classes such as extra dance classes in styles such as Latin and

ballroom. They will also learn some form of stage combat within their acting classes.

• During the performers second year at MADD they will have a chance to audition for a few short plays and musicals for a performance in the schools studio theatre.

• Year three: the main focus is on their performance and professional attitude in all elements of the industry.

• This year will mostly be teamwork as if they were a company; they are required to perform in many production throughout the year within the schools theatre and other outside venues.

• There is an opportunity for students to work with casting directors, leading agents, choreographers and directors however they will also focus on branding and how to market their performances which helps them prepare for the industry.

• The performer’s final year is aimed to allow a successful transition from college into the performing industry.

Interview with Abi Sweeney.

Typical day at MADD from my interview with Abi Sweeney. Abi Sweeney is an ex MADD student who studied the 3 year

full time course.Signed in by 8:30, if not big trouble.

Each day there are 3 or 4 dance classes a day in many different styles, this is to give you a better range of dance styles and to improve your technique. You will also have a singing ensemble lesson everyday

You’d also have a musical theatre class and then some kind of acting class such as monologues or things like that.

Interview with Abi Sweeney.

Every week there was a performance class where the teachers would chose five people at random and you were basically critiqued in front of your whole year group.

It was always constructive criticism but then you would have keep doing it. You’d present your sheet music and it would be treated like an audition, these classes happened every week however on every third week there would be a guest tutor in to watch.

The guest tutor would be somebody in a London musical or a commercial dancer or somebody who is in the industry.

At MADD you work from 8:30 in the morning till 6:30 at night. You got a forty minute lunch during the day and then just a quick drink when changing shoes between classes.

Personal opinion.

• In my opinion I believe MADD would be the best option for me as there is a higher focus on the dance element to the industry which is one of my strongest points. I also enjoy dance the most out of all three art forms meaning I feel this would be the most beneficial for me.

• I also believe MADD could make me a better performer by developing my knowledge within the industry and also work on my confidence when performing.

How to get an agent.

• Some people get an agent straight after drama school or performance college. This is because they usually perform in a final showcase which is mainly for casting directors and agents MADD quoted that at least 25 of their students out of 30 last year got agents from the showcase. This is important because it allows you to get straight into the industry as once you have an agent they will help you get many different auditions.

• Some people may start work straight after drama school however some may wait for a few months before finding the right job for them.

How to get an agent.

• You could even get noticed by being in show and having only one line this is shown by Helen Hobson. Even though she only had one line within Pilot of Judge John Deed casting directors automatically spotted her and knew she’d be a West End theatre actress.

• The reason why Helen took part in this is because she wanted to try something new, Helen was always looking for experiences to widen her horizon.

A Musical Theatre Performers CV.

My example is Natasha Mashkevich • She trained at Royal Conservatory of Brussels, in Belgium.• Languages she is fluent in are English, French, Hebrew, Spanish,

she also knows Brazilian Portuguese however only conversational. Her native language is Russian.

• Natasha also has skills in Horse Riding, Tennis, Climbing, Swimming, Sword Fighting.

• She can play the piano and sings in Mezzo Soprano.• The dance styles she is trained in are Classical, Jazz,

Modern, Latin and Salsa.• DANCE: Classical, Modern, Jazz, Latin, Salsa • She has been in may musicals such as Our Lady Of

Perpetual Donuts, where she played Edna (‘Edna’ Dir Jordan Beswick [Sokol.M Productions]).

• LA FEMME PLACARD which is a French Musical.

The role of a Musical Theatre

performer.

• Ensemble

• Lead roles

• Understudy

Ensemble.

• To be a good ensemble each person needs to have the following skills:

• Communication• Dedication• Motivation• Preparation • Team work

Lead roles.• You are the star of the show

• People have paid to see you

• Work directly with choreographers, directors and vocal coaches.

• A wide range of skills and disciplines needed: team work for ensemble numbers even though you’re a main role you’ll still have to work with others. Time management, organisation and dedication.

• Biggest reward is the thrill from performing.

Understudy.• There may be more than one understudy for main characters or roles, this is

to ensure they have back up.• Understudies are usually understudies for more than one lead role • As soon as the lead falls ill you are now the star of the show meaning you will

get the treatment they did for example their hair and make up will get done. • It is your time to shine! Make the most of the performance enjoy yourself as

much as possible and show them that you were made for the show. • Next time they cast for the show they could make you the lead instead of the

understudy so always make the most of very chance and try your hardest.• Even though there is a high chance you won’t be performing on stage you

still need to know all the lines in case something happens to the lead role you are the back up, which is then your time to shine.

• You can also create strong bonds with people within the industry such as directors, choreographers, actors and agents. Even though you may not get the chance to go on stage you still get to work within the company and get experience from behind the scenes.

Skills.Specific skills needed for dance- a range of dance styles are needed when dancing such as ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary. This is being a diverse performer by being able to perform a range of styles. Within ballet you need specific skills such as turn out, pointed toes. Other skills needed within dance are musicality, phrasing, stamina and spatial awareness.

Specific skills needed for singing- breath control, timing, tuning and projection.

Specific skills needed for acting- Characterisation, facial expressions, accents and blocking.

Skills.• Different shows require different skills for example Lion

king, puppetry is needed to make it more realistic. • Chicago, triple threat needed, need to be familiar with

fosse style of dance.• If you were in a musical such as anything goes then you

would need to have good technique and be a fluent rhythmic tap dancer. This is important because anything goes main dance style is take.

• Working in an ensemble requires team work and communication.

• Accents depending on where the musical or show is set.• Acting skills you need would include techniques such as

emotional memory from stanislavski technique.

The role of a Musical Theatre Performer

Louise Dearman

Skills

Attributes

Qualities

Skills.

• Diversity within your performances might make you a higher standard performer for example Louise Dearman playing both witches in Wicked.

• Another example of this is Paul Cattermole who played both Eddie and Dr Scott.

• In Peter Pan it is a tradition for Captain Hook and Mr. Darling to be played by the same actor.

Attributes.

• When auditioning MADD look for “potential, talent, attitude, and the determination to succeed”.

• When auditioning for any role the company look for performers who are dedicated, have a positive attitude, punctual and determination to succeed.

Qualities.

• Musical theatre performers need to be creative and imaginative as they may need to have their own ideas on how to make performances better, being creative allows them to put their own spin on the work.

Research Findings from The Stage.

• According to the stage an acting course will cover movement and singing skills.

• A musical theatre course will cover all three art forms in greater depth.

• They believe it is easier within the industry if you are a triple threat because there are twice as many musicals in the West End to straight plays.

• Also most musicals usually run for longer than straight plays.

• If you’re involved in a musical you may also be asked to tour with the company once the show has finished in the West End.

Research Findings from The Stage.• A musical will last for around a year in

the West End however if the company goes on tour your contract may be extended to the length of the tour.

• Where as straight plays only last for around 12 weeks in the West End and do not usually tour.

• Musicals also tour meaning that your contract could be extended to go on tour with the crew performing the musical all over the country maybe even the world.

• Musical theatre work is not easy as each year drama schools turn out hundreds of graduates who are all as keen and well trained as the year before. Which means this career is more competitive than ever and you need to be dedicated and determined to do well.

Interview with Sean Jones.

Sean Jones is currently in the touring show of Blood Brothers.

Studied at Guildhall, London.

Straight acting course, he never wanted to be a musical theatre performer he hated singing. Not one of his strengths.

Got expelled from school went on to do a YTS in a theatre, a YTS course is similar to an apprenticeship.

A friend had been to watch Blood Brothers and thought the character Mickey was really like Sean. So he went to watch it he was inspired by this and wanted to play the role of Mickey.

Interview with Sean Jones.

Because Sean wasn’t a musical theatre performer he had to adapt slightly when he got the part of Mickey. The night before the audition for Mickey he had an hour and a half with an old friend who helped him prepare the song for the following day.

The director may give notice when coming to watch the show however sometimes he may just turn up.

Reasons behind this could be a bad show report any mishaps that happen such as lighting cues or people missing entrances or messing around goes into the show report which the director then sees.

However your agent will always let you know if they are coming to watch the show as they want free tickets.

• A typical day for a musical theatre performer starts off by doing there morning vocal warm ups, which prepares them for the auditions ahead . If the performer has an instrument rather than their voice then they need to ensure it is tuned and ready to go.

• The performer should also do a physical warm up to stretch out all muscles as the auditioner may decide to run a small workshop style dance class to see what their ability is.

• However if there is a higher standard for the dancing side of the performance then you will more than likely be required to prepare a solo piece to perform to them on the day and hand over the music you have been preparing with.

A typical day for a performer.

A typical day for a performer.

• The performer will usually start their day by having a light but filling breakfast, this is so that they have a boost of energy to prepare them for the day. According to the website Shmoop Melody believes good breakfast would include something such as fruit, granola or yoghurt, including a drink such as water or milk.

• Once they have had their breakfast there will be one last check of their bag to ensure they have all belongings needed for the day ahead of them.

• Punctuality is very important when auditioning, the performer should set off with more time than needed to ensure that they arrive within plenty of time to allow them to sign in and do the necessary warm ups to prepare.

• If you aren’t there on time you will not have a second chance to audition as they will not be able to rely on you for the actual performance and rehearsals.

Preparing for a full day of rehearsals.

• The preparations start the night before.

• Organise your bag with all belongings you will need for the rehearsal such as correct footwear (types of dance shoes e.g ballet, tap, character, jazz). Script, lyrics, extra clothing such as costume or suitable clothing that is required for your role.

• Go to sleep at a reasonable time so that you are refreshed and ready to go.

• On the day you may need to prepare your lunch as you may need to provide your own food, remember to take lots of water it is key to keep hydrated.

• You will be required to perform with maximal energy and enthusiasm throughout the rehearsal and also the performance.

A day in the life of a musical theatre

performer.• All performers will be part of the equity union meaning:

• They will have a minimum they get paid for every job they do.

• Ensures good working conditions

• Equity pays a minimum of £350 per week

• If you have an injury and are unable to perform your equity insurance will give you £150 per week for up to a year to help you.

Musical theatre performers have to

work with…. People such as:

• Directors• Choreographers• Vocal coaches• Stage management• Understudies• Cast• Wardrobe mistresses• Make up artists

In my opinion.

• I would like to be like Darcey Bussell

• Retired ballerina

• A judge on Strictly come dancing since 2012

• This is because my dream is becoming a ballerina

Darcey in action.

Audrey Hepburn.• Her birth name was Audrey Kathleen Ruston

and was born on the 4th of May 1929.• She was professionally trained in Ballet. She

studied ballet with Sonia Gaskell and moved to London in 1948.

• Audrey then continued her Ballet training at Ballet Rambert with Marie Rambert herself, the founder of the company.

• She then performed in West End musicals as a chorus girl.

• Audrey won an Academy award, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA award from her lead role in Roman Holiday.

Audrey Hepburn.

Summary.• Overall being a musical theatre performer isn’t

easy as there are constant battles to get another job once one show is over however you get a huge thrill from performing.

• There are different training routes to get into the industry which may suit different people better.

• Equity will support you if anything goes wrong and to give you a fair wage.

Bibliography.• http://www.shmoop.com/careers/musical-theater-performer/typical-day.html

• http://www.mountview.org.uk/applying/studying-at-mountview/admissions-policy.html

• http://bird-college.com/he-fe/full-time-courses/ba-hons-in-professional-dance-and-musical-theatre/entry-requirements/

• http://performerscollege.co.uk/entry-funding/

• https://www.equity.org.uk/documents/musical-theatre.../musical-theatre-2014.pdf

• http://www.cdalondon.com/os/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/NatashaMashkevich.pdf

• http://www.biography.com/people/audrey-hepburn-9335788#synopsis

Thank you for listening.