Character Songs in Musical Theater- Workshop

Musicals operate on a heightened dramatic scale. Characters burst into song to tell us about who they are, their hopes, desires, and motivations. Character songs do not move the action forward, but instead propel the character and the audience through the show. They are also the most memorable and recorded songs from musicals as they deal with universal wants and needs.

Day 1

We will review examples of character songs from the golden age of musical theater through to the contemporary musicals of Disney, Lin Manuel Miranda, and Kitt & Yorkey. We will look at the vocal technique and the various voice qualities that are used to ensure that the character clearly articulates their desires and motivations. We will also look at ways to create the character to ensure that sound and physicalization of the character is consistent during both speaking and singing.

Day 2

After a warm-up you will…