A musical theatre performer's typical day involves long rehearsals that can last until midnight, followed by waking up early to walk and feed their dog before vocal warmups. They spend the morning at rehearsals where costumes, hair, makeup and microphones are applied, and the afternoon helping with technical elements like lighting and set changes. Performers have regulated breaks during rehearsals and then return home to rest, eat dinner and review notes before returning for evening rehearsals and performances. It is a challenging schedule but rewarding work for those passionate about musical theatre.

1. Being A Musical Theatre Performer
Overview
A musical theatre performerisa person that’sworks onstage in various productionsthatentertains
people.The performerusually worksforanestablishedtheatre companyortheatre promoter;
however, performerscanalsodeveloptheirownshows,these are usually onasmallerscale andare
sometimesone personshows.
To be ina musical youmust go throughauditionsandif youare successful andare selectedforthe
show,then there isan intense periodof rehearsal followedbyaseasonof performances.The season
can involve upto8 performancesaweek, thiscaninclude matineesorafternoonperformancesand
eveningshows.The showif asuccess can run fora periodof weeks,monthsorevenyearsdepending
on pressreviewsandticketdemands,forexample CatshasbeenrunninginLondonsince 1981 and
has completedover8,949 performances.
Also,smaller,lessprominentrolesare requiredtounderstudybigger,more prominentrolesincase
those performers getill orinjuredandcan’tperform.
Key Skills.
A Musical Theatre performermusthave skillsinthree keyareas;
 Acting
 Singing
 Dancing
If a performerhasall three skillstheybecome atriple threatperformer. The Performermusthave a
range of stylesin bothsingingand dancingandacting,so they workin a varietyof differentmusical
performancesforexample
 Chicago– InChicago the maindance style isJazz andFosse. The mainvocal style isjazz
because the musicgenre isjazz.In addition, the actingforthe womenissassyandthe acting
for the menis strong and bold.The performerneedstobe able todance withprisonbars
because inCell BlockTango theydance withprisonbars.
 The Phantomof the Opera – In phantomof the operathe dance skillsneededare.Also,the
mainvocal style is operatic, andthe performerneedsahighvocal range tohit the operatic
notes. The actingfor the womenandmenis of a higher-classmanner.
 StarlightExpress - Identify thedanceand musicaltype here and any acting or special skills
In addition tohavinga varietyof abilitieswithinthe Keyskillsareasapersonwantingtowork within
the Musical theatre industrymustbe able todemonstrate qualities inthe followingareas;
 Discipline(Self Discipline)
 Enthusiasm
 Energy
 Motivation
 Commitment
 Dedication
 Determination

2. Discipline – the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior. A performermust
learnto workwithinthe rulesof the companytheyare workingin and mustbe preparedtotake
directionsfromthe showsdirectorevenif theybelievethere isadifferentwaytodo something.The
performermustalsohave self-discipline wheretheyspendtimeeachdaypracticingeithertheirlines
songsor dance steps,withoutothersdirectingthem.
Enthusiasm & Energy - the performerneedstounderstandthatmaintainingtheirenthusiasmand
energywithintheirperformance inashow thathas beenrunningfora prolongedperiodisvery
importantandthat both the Producer andDirectorare lookingfor100% effortalways.Remaining
Healthyandeatingcorrectlywill supportbothareas.
CommitmentDedication& Determination – Furthermore, the performers needtobe committed
dedicatedand determined theyneedstoshow commitmenttocontinue withrehearsalsevenwhen
the showis alreadyupand runningandto still putinthe hours outside of the rehearsal room. They
alsoneedto complete the othercommitmentsaspartof theirrole withinthe show,thismayinclude
meetingandgreetingVIPguestsanddoinginterviews.
Key Features Of A Musical Theatre Performer.
The objectivesforanymusical theatre performance are toentertainthe audience,tell astoryand
portray emotiontothe audience. The performermustuse theiracting,singinganddancingskillsto
create the story and showthe character theyare portrayingand ensure thatthese objectivesare
metfor theiraudience.If the musical theatre performerdoesn’tportraythe emotionandtell the
storythis will be reflectedinthe showsreviews.
Musical Theatre Performance Roles
There are several differentrolesinmusical theatre,forexample:
 leadrole
 swing
 ensemble
 standby
 understudy
The leadrole consists of the performerplayingthe mainrole inthe performance andisusually a
higherpaidrole.The responsibilitiesof the leadrole performerare tobe more committed,more
determinedandmore enthusiasticthanthe restof the cast because theyare settinganexample to
the rest forthe cast.The leadrole hadto alsobe punctual andput ina lotof extrahours because
theyneedtoknowtheirpart the bestand the quickest,alsotheyneedtobe able toplaytheir
character strongly.Ithinkthisrole isdifficultbecausethere isalotof pressure on the performer.
The swingrole consistsof the performerlearninganyof the chorusparts anddance roles,sothey
can fill inwhenthe original chorusordance role getsill or can’t perform.The swingrole needsalot
commitmentandwillingtoputinthe extrahoursbecause there isa lotof learningforthe swingrole
performertolearn.The responsibilities of aswingrole are to learnthe chorusand dance rolesand
be readyto set inat any point.The swingrole getspaida decentamountof moneybecause they
have a lot to learneventhoughtheymightnotbe puton stage.I thinkthisrole isan importantand
difficulttodobecause if theyweren’ttherethey’rewouldn’tbe anyone tofill inif the chorus or
dance performercouldn’t perform.

3. The Ensemble role consistsof the performerbeinginthe groupsectionsandlooking like everyone
else.Also,the ensemble castismade upof cast members includingprincipal actorsandperformer
whoare assignedequal amountsof importance.The ensemblerole needstobe committed because
theyneedtoput inextrahours as a group,thisis because they needtolookthe same aseveryone
else.The ensemble role doesn’tgetpaidlessthanleadrole,swingrolesandunderstudybecause
theydon’thave quite asmuch pressure asthe swingor leadrolesget. I thinkthisrole isless
importantbecause theymake upthe extrasandchorus parts butwithoutthemthe musical wouldn’t
be quite the same.
The Standby role consistsof a person wholearnsa leadrole andspecificallyreplacestheminthe
showif the leadrole can’t perform.Otherwise,the standbyperformerdoesn’t goonstage.A
standbyperformerhasa lotof pressure because if theydon’tgoonstage and lookas goodas the
leadperformer.Also,the standbyperformerwillgetpaid adecentpay because they mustknow one
of the ladrolesand be readyto go on at any point.Ithinkthisrole isas importantas the lead role
because if the leadrole can’tperformerthe standbygoeson.
The Understudyrole consistsof a personwhohas a small partin the musical butlearnslead roles,
so theycan stepup whenthe leadperformercan’tperform. Thisisadifficultrole becausetheymust
learnat least2 roles.Anunderstudyperformer mustbe committed anddeterminedtolearn all the
choreography andperformitwell. The understudyrole willgetpaidverybecause theyhave their
ownpart in the showbut alsomustlearnotherparts inthe show. Ithink thisrole isimportant
because the performerisapart of the cast for themselvesbutalsomustbe readyto setinat any
pointand performthe leadparts.
Out of all of these rolesIbelieve the Understudyroleisthe mostdifficultbecause theyhave their
ownperformance tolearn,whichcouldbe anythingfroma chorusrole to one of the more leading
roles,ontop of thistheyalsoneedto understandtheirUnderstudyroleand be readyto setupand
take the part of a leadperformer.
Application Procedures
There are manywaysof applyingformusical theatre jobs;
 for example
 CVs
 Personal statement
 Applicationforms
 Auditions
 Portfoliosof work
 Castingagencies
 Headshots
 Scouts.
A CV applicationis a formof applicationwhere youwrite downall the pastjobsorexperiencesyou
have done,alsoyouwrite downwhatskillsyouhave gotto give tothe job.This wouldsell youasa
performerbecause itwouldshowthe directorwhatotherjobsyouhave done.
A personal statement isa statementthata directorcan use to see whatyouthinkof yourself and
howhonestyouare. Also,apersonal statementcanshow yourbestskillsandqualitiesbecauseyou
can right abouteach one,andwhytheyare importanttoyou.I thinkthisshowsyouof well toa
directorif youare honestinthe personal statement.If notyouwill getabad reputation.

4. An applicationform application isa wayof showingadirectoryouare interestedinworkingwith
themand theirteam.Also,itshowsyoudedicationtothe jobof a musical theatre performer
because youhave beensearchingandfoundtheirperformance.However,thisdoesn’tshow youoff
inmassive detailsbecausethere isonlycertainthingsthe applicationasked.
An auditionis the bestway of applyingfora role inmy opinionbecause youcanshow the director
whatyou can do. It doesn’tcome froma piece of paperwhere theycouldthinkyou’re notright,you
showthemand iteasierforyou to showyourskillstothe directorthanright aboutthem.
A casting agency helpyoufindthe rightjobsfor you.Theywill putyouup forjobsyou can do and
make sure you aren’tgoingforjobsthat can lookbad on your CV afterdoingthem.However,some
castingagenciesgive youjobsthatare below your worthandyou have to rememberyourself-worth
and that noteveryjobisfor you.
A head shot isa goodway of showingadirectorwhat youlooklike andwhatotherjobsyou have
done inthe past. Thismeanthat youdon’t show the directoryouskill buttheygetto see if youlook
the way theywantyouto. Thiscan be bad because if the directordoesn’tlikeyourlookyoudon’t
geta chance to auditionforthe job.
Beingscouted isanotherway toget job.If you are inanotherperformance orvideoanda director
seesyouand like the wayyoulookandyour skillstheycanaskfor youCV fromthe directoryou were
workwithwhenscouted.Thisisa great wayto get jobsbecause theydirectorwillsee youinaction
on stage and knowyoucan give a great performance.
In myopinioneitherbeingscoutedorauditioningisthe bestwaytoget a jobbecause the director
knowsexactlywhattheyare gettingwhentheyhire you.
A Performer Life
Responsibilities Actor Dancer Musical theatre
performer
Musician
Auditioning
Attending band calls
Undertaking character
development work
Attending rehearsals
Taking part in
performances
Attending costume
fittings
Responding to direction
Learning choreography
Learning lines and
moves
Responding to musical
directions
Learning song lyrics
A typical working day of musical theatre performer

5. The life of a musical theatre performerisn’taneasy,relaxedlife,musical theatre performerhave to
workreallyhardand are constantlyworriedabouthow theyare goingto payfor theirrentand a
food(if theyare not ina job).However,once amusical theatre performergetajobin a musical,they
stickwiththe job foreither6 monthsor 1 year(a normal contract),but some can stay inthe role for
longer.
Here is the 24hour day a performerAli Ewoldt's.
‘7:45 AM
Time to wake up!We finishedrehearsal (of WestSideStorywiththe MusicTheatre Wichita)
at midnightlastnight,soI definitelyfeel alittle worse forwear.LuckilyIhave thisadorable
creature to greetme.I adoptedMia Belle (atoypoodle) fromthe Humane SocietyinNew
York about4 weeksago.She'sabout2 1/2 yearsold,came from a dog hoardingsituation
and isincrediblysweetandloveable.
7:55 AM
Morningwalkat ourcompany-providedhousing,the HOTELWaterwalk.Whataluxuryto
have all of thisgreentoourselves!
9:00 AM
Because of my longrehearsal hoursandthe unfamiliarenvironment,Miahasbeenspending
time at doggie day-care.The ladiesof PawstoPlayhave beenwonderful withher!
It takesa lot to stayvocallyhealthyenoughtosingashow like WestSide Story.Allergiesare
atrociousinWichita,so inadditiontomy usual regimenof steam, apple cidervinegar,
Emergen-C,ThroatCoat,etc.,I add Allegra,ZyrtecandNasonex.
9:30 AM
Breakfastat The Good Egg! It's our cast members'22nd birthdaytoday,sowe're havinga
celebratorybreakfast.The majorityof ourcasthas eitherjustgraduatedorare still in
college.Partof whatis sowonderful aboutworkingatMTWichitaisthat it isa training
groundfor future musical theatre professionals.There are 3 of us whoare Broadwayactors
that have beenbroughtinfromNew York.
11:30 AM
I arrive at our theatre inthe CenturyII building.Ialwaysneedtodoa vocal warm-upbefore
rehearsal,andIpreferthe acousticsof the bathroom-- it'slike singinginthe shower!
12:30 PM
Half-hourcall:we have thistime togetready forthe on-stage rehearsal:getintohair,make-
up and costumes.Laurenfromthe hairdepartmentcurlsmyhair,adds extensionsand
securesmymicrophone.
1:00 PM
We resume the technical rehearsalwe beganlast nightwiththe endof the secondact
opener:"IFeel Pretty."Myscene partners,KelseyRyanMoore,SheaRenne,LilyKaufmann
and I have a blastduringthisnumber-- itisbyfar the mostfunMaria hasin the show!

6. 2:00 PM
Thisis a time forthe creative teamanddesignerstosetlightsandsoundandpractice
movingthe setpiecesaroundbetweenscenes.We're there sotheyknow whatthe lightswill
looklike,where the setswill go,andsoon -- it isn'taboutrehearsingourscenes.
It isoftenverytediousforthe actors because there isalot of waitingforthingsto be setup
and repeatedscene changesasthe crew worksto time themoutproperly,butwe pay
attentionasbestwe can.
3:00 PM
On a 10 minute break,regulatedbymyunion,Actors'Equity,whichall Broadwayactorsare
requiredtojoin.Itisthroughmy unionthat I gethealthinsurance andadequate breaks,
compensation,workingconditionsanddaysoff.Manyof my castmatesinWichitaare
workingtowardsjoiningthe union -- itisalwaysveryexcitingtogetyour"card!"
Rehearsalscan'tgo more than five hourswithoutstoppingtotake a one-and-a-half hour
break.Plus,there mustbe a five-minutebreakaftereach55 minutesof rehearsal ora ten-
minute breakaftereach80 minutesof rehearsal. DuringmybreakItake some time to hang
out withmycastmates.
4:00 PM
We are finished"tech-ing"the show andchange backintoregularclothes.RyanVasquez,
whoplaysTony,and I headto the snack table whichisfull of deliciousthingsthataren't
reallygreatto eatall day long(andstill fitintoyourcostume):poppedtortillachips,lemon
cookies,chocolate cookies,cheese puffs,Twizzlers.Ihave aparticularweaknessforpeanut
butterpretzels.
5:00 PM
Releasedfromrehearsalfordinner.HeadtopickupMia ina torrential Kansasthunderstorm
-- eek!It feelslikedrivingthroughariver,butI safelymake ittoher and bringherback to
THE HOTEL. LivinginManhattan, I drive veryrarely.NotsoinWichita.
6:00 PM
I eat dinnerinmyHOTEL ROOM -- a buffalo"chik'n"sandwichandanapple.While eating,I
alsofinishseason2of Orange Is the New Black -- such an amazingshow!!
7:00 PM
Requiredtobe at the theatre for notes/clean-up.Ialsoheadupto the CivicLeaders
gatheringupstairsinthe theatre andmeetsome local politiciansandpatronsof the theatre.
7:30 PM
Half-hourcall forour dressrehearsal.Ibegintogetback intomakeup,hair,microphones
and costumes.
8:00 PM
Our firstand onlydressrehearsal begins!Thisisavery,veryfastrehearsal process.If Iwere
doinga Broadwayshow,we'dhave about6 weeksof rehearsal,alongtechprocessand

7. multiple dressrehearsalsandanentire preview process.Because of the limitedtimein
Wichita,we've squeezedall of thisinto9days!It is a veryexciting(andoftenstressful)
experience,butithelpsthatI've playedMariamanytimesbefore.
People oftenaskif itgetsboringtoliterallysaythe same wordsandsingthe same songs so
manytimes.Honestly,itdoesn't.Ifindthateverynight (andcertainlyeveryproduction) is
different.If Iam reallydoingmyjob:listening,thenthere isnowayanytwo performances
can be identical.
10:00 PM
Everythinginthe plotof WestSide Storyis fallingapart(Iwon'tspoil it),butthankfullythe
dressrehearsal isgoingprettywell!I've made some littlemistakesandthere are technical
elementswe haven'tperfectedyet,butwe haven'tstopped.Astheysay,"the show mustgo
on!"
10:25 PM
Curtaincall!
11:00 PM
We getout of costumesbutstill muststayat the theatre fornotesand fixes.We're all alittle
loopyat thispointfromthe many hoursof rehearsal andthe stress/elationof performingin
frontof our firstaudience.
12:00 AM
Birthdaycake and snacksfor Kelsey'sbirthdayandwe are releasedfromrehearsal!
1 AM
AfterwalkingMiaand gettingreadyforbed,Ifall intoa deepsleep.’
http://money.cnn.com/interactive/pf/24-hours-with-a-broadway-
actress/index.html,writtenby Blake Ellis.
However,thisisn’taregulardaybecause she ison a job,her normal dayconsistsof voice lessons,
auditions,rehearsalsandperformances.
Interrelationshipsare massivelyimportant becauseif there isbadbloodbetweencastandcrew the
performance won’tbe good.Interrelationshipis how 2 or more people are connectedtoeachother.
The interrelationshipbetweendirectorandcastisimportantbecause the directoroversees all the
choicesmade to dowiththe performance. If youdon’tgive the directoreverythingyougotall the
time,be punctual andalwaysbe polite thenyouaren’tgoingtogeta goodrecommendationwhen
people askthatdirectorif youwere good.
The interrelationshipbetween the choreographerandthe cast isimportantbecause the
choreographerdecideswhatdance section youare inandwhere youare stood.If youdon’twork
hard inall your dance sessionsthenthe choreographerislesslikelytogive youthe frontspotonthe
performance,alsoif theyare askedtogive theiropinionof youtheyare lesslikelytogive agood
recommendation.

8. Also,the interrelationshipwithmakeupandwardrobe isimportantbecausetheyare the oneswho
make youlookgood onstage.If youdon’tturn up to wardrobe fittingandmakeuptrailsyouare
goingto geta badreputationasan unreliable performer.Inaddition,if youdon’tgetyourmakeup
and wardrobe done rightyouwon’tlookgoodon stage and maybe ruinthe performance.
Also,if yourhave a vocal coach youneeda goodinterrelationshipwiththembecauseif youdon’tget
alongwiththemtheywonthelp youmake yourvoice getthe rightnotesif youcant hit them.Also,
mostvocal coachesare alsopianistssoif youneed a pianistwhenauditioningforotherrolesthen
theywonthelpyouout.
How to become a musical theatre performer?
Qualifications
There are 3 typesof qualificationsyoucangetfroma musical theatre college.Thisincludes:
 Foundationdegree
 BA(honours)
 Diploma
The foundationdegree isonlyayearlongcourse andiswhatmost performerstake before doinga3
diplomaorBA(honours) course.The foundationcourse isanintense versionof the other2 courses.
The course still doesall 3skills, butitisjustnot inas muchdetail asthe othercourses.
The BA(honours) anddiplomaare 3 yearlongcoursesandiswhat mostperformersdobefore taking
job.However,some performersonlydoacourse in actingor singing.These 2coursesdo all 3 skills
and go into a lot of detail inthem. Also,these coursesgointodetail onperformanceskillsaswell.
In myopinionthe diplomaandBA(honours) are the bestbecause theyshow youhave been
dedicatedtofinisha3-yearcourse.Also,theygointomore detail aboutthe tripletthreatskillsand
performance skillsunlike the foundationcourse.
Training Routes
There are 2 differentwaystogetintomusical theatre,these are:
 A conservatoire
 A university
A conservatoire isaschool thatis createdto juststudyperformingartssubjectlike acting,singing
and dancing. Whereasauniversitydoesn’tjusthave performingartscoursesbutalsoothercourse
such as law,economics,andbiology.InmyopinionIwouldprefertogoto a conservatoire butif Iget
the right feelingfromauniversityIwouldgothere.
There are several conservatoires,forexample:
 MidlandsAcademyof Dance & Drama (MADD)
 Liverpool Institutionof PerformingArts(LIPA)
 Mountview
 Royal Academyof Dramatic Arts(RADA)
 TrinityLaban Conservatoireof Musicand Dance
 Andmany more.

9. MidlandsAcademyof Dance & Drama isbasedinNottingham,whichdoesn’thave asmany
opportunitiesasTrinityorLaban. Madd has a foundationcourse anda professionaldiplomain
musical theatre.The foundationcourse is1yearand costs £4500 for the year.The diplomaisa 3-
yearcourse andcosts £9500 per annum.The auditionrequiresamusical theatre song,a monologue
and a dance solo.Madd is dance basedschool butstudiesall 3 subjectsaspart of the course.I didan
opendayat Madd and reallyenjoyeditbutitgivesme the rightfeeling. Also,atthe endof each year
MADD do a performance wherepeople cancome andwatch but also,directorsandcastingagent
come watch for the newtalent.The alumni atMADD is JayMcGuiness, Gareth DavisandJasmine
Eccles.
Mountviewis aschool basedin London,whichissurroundedbyall of the musical theatre scene.
Mountviewdoa foundationcourse andaBA(hons) ordiplomainmusical theatre.The foundation
course is 1 year longand cost£9950 for the year.The BA (hons) ordiplomais a 3-year course and
costs £14125 perannum+ additional fees.Duringthe audition, there isadance class,andyou need
1 monologue and1 song.Mountviewisanactingbasedcollege butstudiesall 3as part of the
course.I lookedatthe alumnusforMountview andfoundthatAmandaHolden,Eddie Marsan,Tim
Duttonall trainedat Mountview.
TrinityLaban Conservatoireof Musicand Dance is London,andsurroundedbythe Musical Theatre
scene.TrinityLabanonlydoesa BA (honours) course.Thiscourse is3 yearsand costs£9250 per
annum.The entryrequirementsforTrinityLabanare 2 A-Level passes(performingartssubjects
preferred),equivalentqualifications(includingBTEC) orpriorexperience maybe considered.And
EnglishLanguage Competencyrequired.Trinityisadance basedschool butstudiesall 3 subjectsas
part of the course.I alsolookedatalumnusof Trinityandtheyare Tom Brandonand Zoe Roger.
In myopinionMountview isn’trightforme because itisacting basedandI have a mainbackground
indance.However,if Iwentto Mountview foranopenday and gotthe rightfeelingIwouldconsider
going.MADD and TrinityLabanboth appeal tome because theyare dance basedschool.
Furthermore,IthinkTrinityLabanwouldbe the bestplace forme togo as itis basedinLondonand
surroundedbythe musical theatre scene.Incontrast,if Iwentto an openday at TrinityLabanand
didn’tgetthe rightfeelingIwouldrethinkmydecision.
Progression Routes
Aftergraduatingfromthe conservatoire it’shardtogetthe firstjobs.There are some routesthat
people take tohelpthemgetthere firstjob.These included:
 Graduate courses
 Castingagencies
 Amateurperformance.
Most colleges offergraduate course forthe graduatesthat want to keepimprovingtheirskills.
Graduate course help performersgetmore experience and knowledgeonhow toget jobsinthe
musical theatre world. Also,the graduate coursesofferhelptogettingagentandwhere tostart.
Castingagentare really helpandcanget helppushyoutowardsthe rightjobs. To get an agentyou
needtoemail themor go toopenauditions.The castingagentwill findall the jobstheybelieveis
rightfor you,howeverif youdon’tthinktheyare rightyoucan sayno. mostperformers have a
differentagentforeach skill,because thenyouhave 3agentslookingforjobsforyou.

10. Amateurperformances canhelpperformersgetjobsbecause theycangainexperience fromthese
performances.Also,if these amateurperformancesare goodandgetnotice itpushestheirname in
the musical theatre industry.
Employment opportunities.
There are manyemploymentopportunitiesformusical theatre performersthataren’tBroadwayand
westendmusical.Forexample:
 Pantos
 Entertainers
 Curies& tours
 Plays
 Dance performances
 Singingjobs
 Workshops
 Teachingroles
 Promotional videoshoots.
These jobs are all available andgoodformusical theatre performersbecauseitkeepsthemtraining
and also,improvestheirexperience.
Pantosare a good wayto keeplongevitybecause if youitone yearanddo well theymightaskyouto
come back and do itagain.However,performershave tobe careful thattheydon’t onlydoPantos
because directorswill think youcanonlydo Pantosandnot seriousroles.
Beingan entertainerordoingcruisesandtourscan give youa job for a longtime because mostof
these jobsare 6 monthsonwards.These jobsaren’tlike musicalsandperformance buttheyare a
goodway to secure a jobfor a longperiodof time.Also,theygive youexperienceinadifferentarea
of performing.
Workshopsandteachingrolesare great jobsto dowhenyouare not ina performance because they
keepyouowntrainingupand allowyouto see whatnew talentcouldbe comingintothe industryin
a fewyears.Also,these jobsmake youname betterknownsoif youare in as performance and
people knowyouare init theywill come andwatchand that will make more moneyforthe
performance andmaybe make the performance lastlong,thiscreateslongevity.
In myopinion,these are the 3 bestemploymentopportunitieswhenyouare notina westendor
Broadwayshowbecause theycan helpcreate longevity.
Lifestyle
Working conditions.
Musical theatre can be a hard jobbecause the workis tiringand youneedlotsof commitment. This
isbecause the rehearsal processcanbe done in a weekorlongerbutthe rehearsal processrequires
longday withlotslearninghappening.Whenthe performance beingsthereisdailyperformance and
theycan finishlate atnightmeaningthe performerdoesn’tgettobe earlybuttheydon’thave to get
up reallyearlythe nextdaybecause the performanceisn’ttill laterinthe day.Asa performeryou
needtomake sure yougetenoughsleepforeachrehearsal dayor performance.

11. Lifestyle Factors
As a musical theatre performerthe lifestyle iscompletelydifferenttoandotherperson because you
have to change certainlifestyle factors,forexample:
 Diet
 Workout
 Sleep
 Partying
 Beautytreatments
Dietisa massivelyimportantpartof a performerlife because if youdon’teathealthythenyouwon’t
have the energythroughthe day to dothe performancesorrehearsals.However,asa performeryou
can have a cheatfromtime to time if youdon’tfeel great.
A performerneedstostayfitandhave a goodstamina.To keepfitperformersdoregularworkout
sessionandyogaor Pilatestokeeptheirbodyhealthyandhave enoughstaminatogetthrougha
whole performance.
Also,if theydon’tgetenoughsleepbecausetheyare partyingeverynighttheywon’thave enough
energytoget throughthe day and doa performance tothe bestof theirabilities.However,goingto
the occasional partyafter a performance canbe good because itisa good wayto unwindfromthe
stressof the performance,butnoteverynight.Sometimeshavingahotbath can helpperformers
getthe bestnight’ssleepafterastressful performance.
Sometimesasaperformeryouare askedto do certainthingswithyourhairor makeupandthiscan
change what youdo as regardsto treatmentsoutof the performance hours.
Practical Skills
How to prepare for a performance?
Whena performerauditionsforarole theyshouldknow the musical andcharacterreallywell
otherwise inthe auditionyouwon’tperformthe characterright.Also,if yougeta role but itis
differenttothe one youknew,youhave to researchandstudy the character before the first
rehearsal session.
In additionif youare unsure onchoreography or movementyouhave topractice inyourown time
before the nextrehearsal becauseyouwanttobe justas goodas or evenbetterthaneveryone else
so the directoror choreographerdoesn’tremoveyoufromthatsection.
Everyday of rehearsal youneedto make sure you know whatyou learntthe daybefore andstarted
thinkingaboutthe taskfor the day because the directorandchoreographydoesn’thave time togo
back and go overwhatyou are strugglingon.
Also,if youare strugglingonthe choreographyforthe performance getextrahelpformthe
choreographyoutof the rehearsal hoursif youcan because if youshow dedicationtheywill respect
youevenmore.

12. Interviews
Abi Sweeny
I interviewedAbiSweeneyandfoundedoutAbi Sweeneywentintomusical theatre throughdance.
She Trainedat MADD but alsoauditionedforPhil Winston'saswell.Inthe Auditionshe didajazz
class,musical theatre workshopandasingingworkshop. Youneedasong,dance andmonologue
preparedandthenan interview.Afterthe auditionyougetaletterif yougetin or not.Abi Sweeny
got jobsfor CalvinHarris,Call the Midwife,didaMexicatourand some fashionshows.
I askedAbi whatadvice she had fornewmusical theatre performers.
 ‘Alwayslookthe bestandtake everypairof shoes.AndGirlswearclothestoshow body
lines.’
 ‘Lots of pressuresintraining,butalwaysbe prepared.
 ’AndSetbackscome withthe job,youjusthave to keeppushingandcome back strong.
 Her mainadvice forus was to ‘Be confidentandgettothe front’
Lucy Kay
I interviewedLucyKayandfoundoutshe wentintomusical theatre throughsinging,alsoshe Started
at AshfieldSchool doingmusicandperformance studies.SheWenttoa musiccollege andstudied
operathendidBGT and came secondafterthat she got cast in JosephandhisAmazingTechnicolour
Dream Coat. She had a weektolearnthe performance andhad2 performancesaday.She is
currentlyinthe Christmaspantoof Cinderellaasthe FairyGodmother.
I askedLucy whatadvice she had fornew musical theatre performers.
 She saidAgentscome to shows,trainingandare alwayslookingfortalentedperformers.
 Andalsoto ‘Be confidentbutnotarrogantand neverapologise’
 Her mostimportantadvice wasto ‘Neverignore yourdreams’
Sean Jones
I interviewedSeanJonesandfoundouthe wentintomusical theatre throughacting.He dida
straightactingcourse at Guildhall,notoriginallygoingformusicals.He didn’tknow hisownstrength
but got toldbyothers.HisAgenttoldhimabout Mickeyandsaid he shoulddoit.
I askedSeanwhatadvice she had fornew musical theatre performers.
 ‘Lessontolearnis preparationiskey’
 ‘Coverall eventualities’
 His lastbitof advice was‘Nervesare great’

13. Samantha Shuma
I interviewedSamanthaShumawhoiscurrentlyAtMADD doingthe foundationcourse,she isgoing
to take the dance route intomusical theatre.She Chose MADDbecause itclose tohome and doesn’t
knowwhatis nextbutwantsto do a full course.Herdreamis to be on Westendor TV
I askedSamanthawhatadvice she wouldgive tosomeone elsetryingtomake a musical theatre
performer.
 ‘Alwaysdreambigandworkreallyhardto get it.’
All 4 people wentintothe musical theatre industrydifferently.Ibelieve i willgothrougha similar
route to Abi SweeneyandSamanthaShumabecause mystrengthisdancing.Thisisbecause i have a
backgroundindance.

14. Bibliography
http://www.musiccareer.com.au/index.php/Musical_Theatre_Performer# (25/10/2017)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_theatre (25/10/2017)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z2hr7ty/revision (25/10/2017)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/music_20th_century/music_theatre1.shtml
(25/10/2017)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ensemble_cast (27/10/2017)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Understudy (27/10/2017)
http://money.cnn.com/interactive/pf/24-hours-with-a-broadway-actress/index.html
(27/10/2017)
http://castings.thestage.co.uk/audition-advice/blog/posts/what-it-takes-to-make-it-in-musical-
theatre (30/10/2017)
http://maddcollege.co.uk/full-time/
(30/10/2017)
http://maddcollege.co.uk/1-year-foundation-musical-theatre-diploma/
(30/10/2017)
https://www.mountview.org.uk/courses/course/ba-hons-performance-musical-theatre/
(02/11/2017)
https://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/study/musical-theatre/ba-hons-musical-theatre-performance
(02/11/2017)
Formal interview withAbi Sweeny(XX/10/2017)
Formal interview withLucyKay(XX/10/2017)
Formal interview withSeanJones(XX/11/2017)
Formal interview withSamanthaShuma(10/11/2017)
Informationfromdance teacherandPilatesinstructor.