How to Swing in Musical Theatre: A Guide to Covering the Ensemble

Ensemble understudying in musical theatre is a crucial element of professional practice, and this book is the only one to address it directly for professional actors, singers, and dancers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Ensemble understudying in musical theatre is a crucial aspect of professional practice for actors, singers, and dancers, and it requires a deep understanding of the craft and the ability to work collaboratively with others. This comprehensive guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to ensemble understudying, aimed at professionals and aspiring professional students in musical theatre and related BA/BfA courses.

The book is the only resource available to address this central element of professional practice for professional actors, singers, and dancers. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of ensemble understudying, including audition techniques, repertoire preparation, blocking and choreography, and performance etiquette.

The guide is written by a team of experienced professionals who have worked extensively in the field of musical theatre, including actors, singers, and dancers. They draw on their extensive knowledge and expertise to provide readers with practical insights and strategies for achieving success in ensemble understudying.

In the first chapter, the authors provide an overview of the role of ensemble understudying in musical theatre, including its importance in the production process and the skills and qualities required to be a successful understudy. They also discuss the audition process for ensemble understudying, including how to prepare for auditions, what to expect during auditions, and how to handle rejection.

The second chapter focuses on repertoire preparation, including how to choose and learn repertoire, how to work with a musical director, and how to prepare for performances. The authors provide detailed examples of repertoire from popular musicals, including Wicked, Les Misérables, and The Phantom of the Opera, and offer tips and techniques for performing these pieces effectively.

The third chapter explores blocking and choreography, including how to interpret and execute choreography, how to work with other actors and dancers, and how to create a cohesive ensemble performance. The authors provide detailed examples of blocking and choreography from various musicals, and offer insights into how to create a dynamic and engaging performance.

The fourth chapter focuses on performance etiquette, including how to behave on stage, how to interact with other actors and dancers, and how to handle audience reactions. The authors provide practical tips and strategies for creating a professional and polished performance, including how to handle stage fright and how to respond to feedback from directors and other performers.

In addition to the practical advice and insights provided in the chapters, the book also includes interviews with a range of professional actors, singers, and dancers who have understudied in various musicals. These interviews provide valuable insights into the experiences and challenges of ensemble understudying, and offer advice and tips for aspiring understudies.

Overall, Ensemble Understudying in Musical Theatre is a comprehensive and practical guide that provides readers with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in ensemble understudying. Whether you are a professional actor, singer, or dancer, or an aspiring professional student in musical theatre, this book will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in this challenging and rewarding field.

Ensemble understudying in musical theatre is a crucial aspect of professional practice for actors, singers, and dancers, and it requires a deep understanding of the craft and the ability to work collaboratively with others. This comprehensive guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to ensemble understudying, aimed at professionals and aspiring professional students in musical theatre and related BA/BfA courses.

The book is the only resource available to address this central element of professional practice for professional actors, singers, and dancers. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the various aspects of ensemble understudying, including audition techniques, repertoire preparation, blocking and choreography, and performance etiquette.

The guide is written by a team of experienced professionals who have worked extensively in the field of musical theatre, including actors, singers, and dancers. They draw on their extensive knowledge and expertise to provide readers with practical insights and strategies for achieving success in ensemble understudying.

In the first chapter, the authors provide an overview of the role of ensemble understudying in musical theatre, including its importance in the production process and the skills and qualities required to be a successful understudy. They also discuss the audition process for ensemble understudying, including how to prepare for auditions, what to expect during auditions, and how to handle rejection.

The second chapter focuses on repertoire preparation, including how to choose and learn repertoire, how to work with a musical director, and how to prepare for performances. The authors provide detailed examples of repertoire from popular musicals, including Wicked, Les Misérables, and The Phantom of the Opera, and offer tips and techniques for performing these pieces effectively.

The third chapter explores blocking and choreography, including how to interpret and execute choreography, how to work with other actors and dancers, and how to create a cohesive ensemble performance. The authors provide detailed examples of blocking and choreography from various musicals, and offer insights into how to create a dynamic and engaging performance.

The fourth chapter focuses on performance etiquette, including how to behave on stage, how to interact with other actors and dancers, and how to handle audience reactions. The authors provide practical tips and strategies for creating a professional and polished performance, including how to handle stage fright and how to respond to feedback from directors and other performers.

In addition to the practical advice and insights provided in the chapters, the book also includes interviews with a range of professional actors, singers, and dancers who have understudied in various musicals. These interviews provide valuable insights into the experiences and challenges of ensemble understudying, and offer advice and tips for aspiring understudies.

Overall, Ensemble Understudying in Musical Theatre is a comprehensive and practical guide that provides readers with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in ensemble understudying. Whether you are a professional actor, singer, or dancer, or an aspiring professional student in musical theatre, this book will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in this challenging and rewarding field.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032183893