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
Contents
Foreword: A Message from Tito Capobianco
List of Interviews
Using the Guidebook
I. PREPARATION
1. Body Awareness: Stretching For Flexibility and Power
2. Postural: Aligning the Body
3. The Expressive Face: Communicating Emotions Onstage
4. Character Study: Decoding the Clues to Character
5. Environment: Setting the Stage
II. INTEGRATION
6. Elements of Stagecraft: Learning the Language
7. Historical Etiquette: Bowing to Tradition
8. Improvisation: Unlocking the Imagination
9. Monologues: Talking Opera
10. Physical Analysis: Moving in Character
III. APPLICATION
11. The Aria: Making Choices
12. The Scene: Putting it all Together
13. The Opera: Preparing a Role
14. Performance Anxiety: Facing Fear
15. 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
About the Author :
A singer and teacher, Mark Ross Clark has taught opera workshop for 20 years and has directed and produced over 50 operas in professional and university venues. He holds a doctorate in opera production and degrees in vocal performance, and is currently Associate Professor in the Indiana University School of Music and IU Opera Theater Production Director.
