Singing, Acting, and Movement in Opera: A Guide to Singer-getics is especially designed for use in opera and musical theatre workshops on the university level, and by beginning professional singers. Drawing on years of research, teaching, and performing, Mark Ross Clark provides an overview of dramatic methodology for the singing actor that encourages the student's active participation, with practical exercises and applications to well-known opera excerpts. The Singer-getics method emphasises the integration of the various dimensions of opera performance, creating synergies among vocal performance, character development, facial expression, and movement on the stage. The book presents important information about stagecraft, characterisation, posture, historical styles, performance anxiety, aria, and scene analysis. Excerpts from interviews with performers, directors, conductors, coaches, composers, and teachers offer insights and advice, allowing the reader to "meet the artists." This lively book will appeal to students, teachers, professionals, and general readers alike.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Table of Contents: ContentsForeword: A Message from Tito CapobiancoList of InterviewsUsing the GuidebookI. PREPARATION1. Body Awareness: Stretching For Flexibility and Power2. Postural: Aligning the Body3. The Expressive Face: Communicating Emotions Onstage4. Character Study: Decoding the Clues to Character5. Environment: Setting the StageII. INTEGRATION6. Elements of Stagecraft: Learning the Language7. Historical Etiquette: Bowing to Tradition8. Improvisation: Unlocking the Imagination9. Monologues: Talking Opera10. Physical Analysis: Moving in CharacterIII. APPLICATION11. The Aria: Making Choices12. The Scene: Putting it all Together13. The Opera: Preparing a Role14. Performance Anxiety: Facing Fear15. Careers in Opera: Stepping Out Appendix A: Attitude Chart; Appendix B: "Postural Alignment" by Emily Bogard; Appendix C: Literary Background of Selected Operas; Appendix D: Stage Manager's Handbook; Appendix E: Stage Combat: Faints, Falls, and Fights; Bibliography