Practical Application of "Viewpoints" for Collegiate Musical Theatre and Opera

Abstract

Abstract:Although singers spend hours a day working on their vocal production and musicianship, most tend to neglect their development as actors outside of the classroom and rehearsals. There is an added challenge to directing a musical or an opera in a university setting where the director is called upon to create a convincing piece of theatre before the singers have really "learned how to act" or have had the substantial life experiences required to provide emotional reference material. Directors want to give singers useful tools for their stagecraft without overwhelming them with terminology or bringing forward emotions that the students are unprepared to process. Viewpoints is accessible because it is tangible, focusing on physicalization, instead of emotion. Applying the principles of Viewpoints makes the theatrical presentation thoughtful, planned, and precise. This disciplined approach for performing a role leaves the singer free to dive into the emotion, or think about the trick of vocal technique that always secures the high note.