Musical Theatre Vs Acting

What is the difference?

Acting is the basis and solid foundation to the performing arts platform, Musical Theatre incorporates this but works on the triple threat skill set: Acting, Singing and Dancing. Musical Theatre is acting through song and is often perceived to be more fun, however both require discipline and training.

In Actor Training every minor detail of the character must be exposed by the actor. Feeling, emotion and the characters background are just the starting point of what should be exposed and driven by an inner impulse. Whereas in Musical Theatre each step, dance move, infliction of the voice when singing, facial expression and body language has to tell a story.

Both disciplines must be believable and require actor training but both are very different to one another and yet work hand in hand.

For anyone wanting to start in the Musical Theatre business actor training is key. Viewing a character as an actor, shapes the character. Layer this with the Musical Theatre discipline and whole new dynamic builds. Once you have fine tuned the character, add the singing and then move this into blocking/choreography of the musical piece.

For Acting once again you must discover the character's background. Actors should work with their toolkit, using the text provided by the playwright which will give you an insight into the character's intentions and life. Every moment, stance, pause, breath and all round delivery of the piece must be for a reason.

But most importantly you must do what you love. Ultimately this will be the best performance of your life, once you are completely invested in it.