Through lecture, rehearsal, improvisational techniques, use of subtexts, body movement/awareness/alignment
and other singer-actor performance techniques,MUSC 457/557 is designed to cover many aspects of opera theater. This course is designed
to cover all aspects of opera as theater through lecture, rehearsal, improvisational
techniques, use of subtexts, body movement/awareness/alignment, and other singer-actor
performance techniques. The course includes working with the similarities and differences
of stage, opera, and musical theater styles, concentrating on musicianship, learning
basic stage deportment/etiquette and musical/historical acting styles and acting techniques,
including character development and analysis, use of subtext, and costume requirements.
Various technical aspects of opera theater, from directing an opera and developing
a viable stage plan to learning about stage management, will also be covered. Refining
each individual's audition techniques through the use of the video camera, the "magic
mirror," and filming the students in class facilitates the learning process of seeing
how others perceive the singer from the audience.