The Actor Sings: Discovering a Musical Voice for the Stage - Softcover

Robison, Kevin D

9780325001777: The Actor Sings: Discovering a Musical Voice for the Stage

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0325001774 ISBN 13: 9780325001777

Publisher: Heinemann Drama, 2000

"Thank you for the monologues; do you have a song prepared?" Many actors shy away from singing, despite the fact that it could more than double their chances at auditions. they feel, and fear, that because they do not have a gorgeous voice, the don't have a singing voice at all - and they couldn't be further from the truth, according to Kevin Robison of PCPA.

This book is guidance and encouragement for actors who want to discover a voice for the musical stage and offers as examples actors such as Judi Dench, Gene Barry, Natasha Richardson, Zero Mostel, and others whose singing voices are not considered traditionally "beautiful," but who know how to make a song their own. Acting a song is more important than making beautiful sounds; Kevin Robison shows the actor how to work with the tools they have to discover a voice for the musical stage.

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From the Author:

If you're among the hundreds of professional or student actors who think they can't sing, I invite you to read my book. As a teacher and musical director, I meet actors every day who for one reason or another are convinced they cannot sing. "I've just never been able to..." or "My elementary music teacher told me to just mouth the words..." are among the many perceived reasons.

Considering that musical theatre provides over half of the acting jobs across the country (not to mention the number of Shakespearean plays that require singing actors), it's in the best interest of every actor to explore the possibilities. Once he or she is willing to lay aside previous notions about singing, discovering a voice is remarkably simple. It is here that I believe my book is of the most help.

While no book can really "teach" you how to sing, I believe I can help to put readers on a path of self-discovery by using tools and terminology that actors can relate to and understand. I have witnessed countless people who have made this journey and are now enjoying successful careers as singing actors. The key is understanding how the voice works and that singing is a set of skills that be learned.

I was overwhelmed by the response even before the book went to press, receiving endorsements from many professionals in the field, including Broadway's Jeff McCarthy ("Beauty and the Beast," "Sideshow") and Joseph Anthony Foronda who, in the foreword of the book, shares his personal story of not being able to match pitch to playing a leading role in "Miss Saigon" on Broadway.

There is a great need for more actors who sing. It is my hope that these words will prompt "non-singing" actors to find good teachers and explore their options. If you'd like to know more about my work or the book, feel free to e-mail me at theactorsings@yahoo.com. Best wishes in your endeavors.

From the Back Cover:

This long-overdue, immensely practical book helps the non-singing actor discover a singing voice, whether for a Shakespeare play or for a full-fledged musical.

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