Sing Together! Choral Singing as a Supplementary Training Method for Actors

Voice and speech training for the actor has traditionally defined itself as distinct from the vocal training of the musical theatre or opera singer. The separation in philosophy and practice by trainers of actors and singers reflects the resultant capabilities and proclivities of our performers. Those performers generally sing or act, and if asked, will sometimes do both, but may damage their voices in the process. This study aims to explore and reveal how actors may develop a greater sense of courage and trust, have easy access to breath, find freedom in their bodies and voices, become better listeners and therefore more engaging actors, uncover untold depths of characterization, unearth resonance that communicates easily, and discover the music of rhythm and melody in their spoken voices, all through the use of ensemble singing in the actor\u27s voice and speech classroom