Actors and singers study remarkably similar skills: efficient use of the body and breath, research and development of character and context, staying present and emotionally connected. But even the most seasoned performer feels doubly exposed when asked to sing and act at the same time. In this class, using repertoire as varied as incidental music for Shakespeare, musical theater and opera scenes, we will seek common language and explore tools such as the Alexander Technique to transform vulnerability into fuel for powerful expressivity. Students will show their work in a performance at the end of term.
Learning Outcomes:
Combining approaches across related disciplines
Using the heightened stimulus of performance to assess preparation and presence
Learning varied vocal repertoire
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites:
Students should prepare from memory a short monologue or poem that is meaningful to you and an acapella song. Each selection should be approximately one minute in length. Contact instructors (kryer-parke@bennington.edu or jrohn@bennington.edu) for audition information.
Corequisites: Occasional performance in Music Workshop T6:30-8:00 or Drama Workshop.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
W 8:30AM - 12:10PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: 4000 , All courses , Drama , Four Credit , Fully In-Person , Music
Tags: acting , alignment , collaborate , communicate , drama , embodiment , inquiry , Interpretation , music , Musical Theater , performance , singing