Performing in Contemporary Musicals

Performing in Contemporary Musicals is the only textbook to provide a comprehensive overview of the development process of a new musical while highlighting the essential skills musical theatre performers must possess to be fruitful collaborators in a new works scenario. 

The book opens with a working definition of contemporary musical theatre. It then gives insights into the development timelines of several contemporary musicals from around the world, and helps reader better understand their responsibilities in readings and workshops. Further chapters feature an in-depth exploration of many subjects including: 

• Dramaturgy (story arc, character arc, musical and lyrical structure, and rhyme scheme)

• Acting and singing contemporary styles

• Auditioning for new works

• Quickly digesting new material

• The art of collaboration

• Working on material that isn’t fully realized (yet)

Performing in Contenemporary Musicals can be used as the text for a semester-long course or as a resource for personal exploration. Each chapter focuses on a single topic, outlines the challenges presented, and offers real-world solutions with corresponding advice from a panolpy of diverse theatre artists. There are numerous activities embedded in each chapter to practice the skills discussed and an extensive list of resources for further study at the end of each chapter and on this companion website. 

All this makes Performing in Contemporary Musicals an invaluable resource for every musical theatre performer, who necessarily makes readings and workshops a healthy part of their career.

Online Resources

Chapter 1: What is Contemporary Musical Theatre

Chapter 2: The Varied World of Musical Development
  The World of Musical Development (Additional Materials)

Chapter 3: What You Need to Know About the New Works Process

Chapter 4: Dramaturgy
  Character Arc
  Story Arc

Chapter 5: Acting in Contemporary Musical Theatre
   6 Steps to Learning a New Monologue
   Cracking the Code of Sides Auditions

Chapter 6: Singing in Contemporary Musical Theatre
   6 Steps to Learning a New Song
   6 Steps to Learning a Song (mp4)
   Breaking Down The Riff (mp3)
   Messa di Voce (Flow Phonation) (mp3)
   Messa di Voce (Pressed Phonation) (mp3)
   Resonance Example 1 (mp3)
   Resonance Example 2 (mp3)

Chapter 7: Auditioning for New Musicals
   1-2-3 (mp4)
   Carson Self-Tape (mp4)
   Casting Notices
   Claire Self-Tape (mp4)
   Contemporary Musical Theatre Songs by Genre
   Devise Your Own Melody (mp4)
   Guide to Self-Taping
   Translating the Lyric (mp4)  

Chapter 8: Picking Up New Material
   Chorales & Musicals Sides Worksheet
   Musical Intervals Worksheet
   Sight-Reading Worksheet

Chapter 9: Collaboration
   SWOT blank

Chapter 10: Working on Material That Isn’t Fully Realized (Yet)

Contact

If you have any questions about the textbook or our online resources, please contact us directly at: contemporarymusicaltheatre@gmail.com and we will be happy to be in touch with you. 

For any queries relating to sales, examination copies or general book inquires, please fill out Routledge Press’s central contact form. This will ensure that your query is dealt with promptly.