WELCOME TO MUSICAL THEATER!
In this piece, more or less, we want to help bring you closer to the preparation process behind a musical production - the process that both challenges and inspires us. These notes are based on our current knowledge, personal events and projections. They are not coming from a place of any particularly elevated experience and instead merely strive to amplify interests. If you have any thoughts, we’d love to chat! Now, let’s dive in!
ACT 2: HUNTING AND APPLICATION
SCENE 1: CASTING
This process is usually done offline with a pre-assigned scene for each role, or in our case, the talents also have the choice of preparing a different performance of their choice. Anything to showcase their potential works!
There is often one common misconception that it is the ‘best’ actors and actresses that make the cut. This is not true! When finalising the cast, directors also look for those that best resemble the characters physically and emotionally. One is judged mainly on the chemistry they have with their chosen character as well as interpretation of and passion for the plot in general. So sometimes, you may not get the role not because you lack talent, but fit for it. And sometimes, it may even be a newbie who scores the lead!
Additionally, the cast should also be quite multitalented, equipped with skills in singing and dancing alongside their acting finesse! Spots are also open specifically for dancers and musicians as well. It is a musical after all!
SCENE 2: LIGHTS! PLACES! PRACTICE!
Does the shoe fit?
Fantastic! Everything is all set and ready to go! (UHM NOT!)
In order to bring the best quality of the show to the audience, our casts, directors and stage support crew have to spend hours and hours rehearsing. Our cast have hundreds of lines and choreography to memorize. And on top of that things such as breath control, changes in pitch or loudness of the voice, diction, clarity of speech are practiced. It is also crucial that they learn to concentrate, refrain themselves from distractions, improvise, work together, and remember to move on when there is a mistake on stage.
The rehearsing process also reveals whether the person casted is truly fit for their role. Sometimes, it turns out, they aren’t! Roles may be switched around or characters may be rewritten. However, these happenings shouldn’t discourage. The directors are only making decisions that will help talents shine the brightest.
Our intense but fun filled preparation get our characters fired up and ready to nail the show! Stay tuned for some of our behind the scene sneak peaks!!!
It’s really happening!!!
Yes, you will have those “ahhhhhhhh, we’re actually doing this!” moments. Try not to get too ahead of yourself but at the same time occasionally allow an unrestricted squealing session or two. Because yes, IT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING! YOU’RE PUTTING ON A MUSICAL!