Description
Book SynopsisThe complete dramatic toolbox for the opera singer a step-by-step guide detailing how to create character, from auditions through to rehearsal and performance and formulate a successful career. Drawing upon the innovative approach to the training of young opera singers developed by Martin Constantine, Co-Director of ENO Opera Works,
The Opera Singer''s Acting Toolkit leads the singer through the process of bringing the libretto and score to life in order to create character. It draws on the work of practitioners such as Stanislavski, Lecoq, Laban and Cicely Berry to introduce the singer to the tools needed to create an interior and physical life for character. The book draws on operatic repertoire from Handel through Mozart to Britten to present practical techniques and exercises to help the singer develop their own individual dramatic toolbox.
The Opera Singer''s Acting Toolkit features interviews with leading conductors, directors, singers and casting agents to offer
Trade ReviewMartin Constantine’s vast experience in opera opens the mystery and discipline of the opera singers' craft to all - offering emerging singers, in particular, a fantastic viewpoint of the key tools required to bring opera to life. * Daniel Kramer, Artistic Director of the ENO *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction
PART ONE: THE TOOLS 1 The Foundations The Body: Releasing Tension The Mind: Awareness + Focus The Imagination Play and Spontaneity
2 A Note About Emotion
3 Creating Character
4 Text and Music Organising Information: Given Circumstances Organising Information: Other Approaches Organising Information: Music Objectives Actions Obstacles Points of Concentration Events Further Text Tools Text and Music: Conclusion
5 The Body and Movement Laban Lecoq Character Types and Commedia dell’Arte The Clown Devising
6 Words and Music in Action
PART TWO: IN PRACTICE 1 Preparing for Rehearsals
2 Rehearsals
3 Rehearsals in Depth
4 Performance
5 Auditions
PART THREE: INTERVIEWS 1 Repertoire Interviews with Conductors
2 Approaches to Rehearsal Interviews with Directors
3 Singers’ Case Studies List of exercises Further reading Index
