Prep work
Do your homework! Make sure you understand what your character is saying in the lyrics.
- Read the text several times and absorb its meaning before looking at the music.
- Ask yourself why they are singing these words.
- Look for elements in the melody, rhythm and dynamics that suggest the character’s emotions.
- Pay attention to the lyrics – how might elongated vowel sounds and / or harsh consonant sounds help you emphasise emotion? Similarly, pay attention to syntax and punctuation which can indicate the emphases and pauses intended by the writers.
The moment before
The song doesn’t begin when you start singing. As soon as the first note of the accompaniment is played, the audience needs to be transported into the character’s journey.
- Decide what is happening to your character the moment before they begin singing and where they are in their emotional journey.
- Your voice is only one of the tools at your disposal. Your face and your body should also draw the audience in from the first note played. Use all these tools cohesively to convey the character’s experience.
What do you want?
There is always an objective or goal to a song.
- Decide what your character’s goal is. Are they seeking love, redemption, or answers? Are they trying to assert their power, inspire others or prove a point?
- Then decide whether or not your character achieves their goal by the end of the song.
Know your stakes
In any song, the stakes will be high. As the song progresses, so can the stakes. The stakes should get higher as the song progresses to its climax.
- Experiment with where you make the stake the highest and see how that changes the journey of the song.
- Ensure your choices work with the music and lyrics, rather than detracting from them.
Looking for more?
Here’s a 5-minute masterclass with West End star Kerry Ellis talking through her acting through song tips.