How to Act While Singing

Beyond thinking about the pitches and words to a song, what do you think about while you are singing? The hair style of the woman sitting in the front row? The mismatched tie of the fellow sitting next to her? Here are six easy steps to help you prepare to communicate any emotion; love, joy, fear or sadness.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Think about the song you are preparing. Consider if there is an obvious story or if the lyrics are poetic, based on a feeling or emotion.

2. Identify the following things about your character: what time period you live in (for example: the English countryside in the mid-1700’s, ancient Greece, an Italian city like Rome or Venice in the 19 century) and what’s your social status (for example, you are a rich socialite, an unmarried maiden from a working class or peasant family, a bohemian living by your wits in a French city).

3. Decide what your physical surroundings are: the French countryside, a room in an English manor, on a bridge overlooking a river in a cosmopolitan city.

4. Consider what are you wearing: Is it an old rag or a peasant outfit? A tuxedo or evening gown? Is it casual or formal, comfortable or stiff?

5. Identify to whom you are singing. Is it a lover, an old friend, an enemy or a family member? What is the message you are trying to convey to them?

6. Apply the information to the words of your song. It is enough to be clear on why you are singing these lyrics. You do not have to act out the story, but you do need to have a clear intention and purpose. Be sure to color your words as you sing them to reflect the emotions based on your answers to the above questions.

Tips & Warnings

• Always act with your voice, not your body. It’s best to stand still while you sing and let the emotions in your voice be reflected in your eyes. Your hands can assist you, but be careful not to over do it.