Singing, Acting, and Movement in Opera: A Guide to Singer-getics

by Mark Ross Clark, Lynn V. Clark

Overview

"... a remarkable collection of observations and reflections on past
experiences by many excellent artists and teachers that will doubtless help... those
interested in creating 'opera magic.'" -- Tito
Capobianco

Singing, Acting, and Movement in Opera is designed for
use in opera and musical theater workshops and by beginning professional singers.
Drawing on years of research, teaching, and performing, Mark Ross Clark provides an
overview of dramatic methodology for the singing actor, encouraging the student's
active participation through practical exercises and application to well-known
works. The Singer-getics method emphasizes integration of the various dimensions of
opera performance, creating synergies among vocal performance, character
development, facial expression, and movement on the stage. The book presents
important information about stagecraft, characterization, posture, historical
styles, performance anxiety, aria, and scene analysis. Excerpts from interviews with
performers, directors, conductors, coaches, composers, and teachers offer insights
and advice, allowing the reader to "meet the artists." An appendix by
postural alignment specialist Emily Bogard describes techniques of relaxation and
self-awareness for the performer. This lively book will appeal to students,
teachers, professionals, and general readers alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780253109392
Publisher:	Indiana University Press
Publication date:	04/09/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

A singer and teacher, Mark Ross Clark has taught opera workshop for 20
years and has directed and produced over 50 operas in professional and university
venues. He holds a doctorate in opera production and degrees in vocal performance,
and is currently Associate Professor in the Indiana University School of Music and
IU Opera Theater Production Director.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Table of Contents:

Contents
Foreword: A Message from Tito
Capobianco
List of Interviews
Using the
Guidebook

I. PREPARATION
1. Body Awareness: Stretching
For Flexibility and Power
2. Postural: Aligning the Body
3. The
Expressive Face: Communicating Emotions Onstage
4. Character Study:
Decoding the Clues to Character
5. Environment: Setting the
Stage

II. INTEGRATION
6. Elements of Stagecraft: Learning
the Language
7. Historical Etiquette: Bowing to Tradition
8.
Improvisation: Unlocking the Imagination
9. Monologues: Talking
Opera
10. Physical Analysis: Moving in Character

III.
APPLICATION
11. The Aria: Making Choices
12. The Scene: Putting it
all Together
13. The Opera: Preparing a Role
14. Performance
Anxiety: Facing Fear
15. Careers in Opera: Stepping Out

Appendix A: Attitude Chart
Appendix B: "Postural Alignment" by
Emily Bogard
Appendix C: Literary Background of Selected
Operas
Appendix D: Stage Manager's Handbook
Appendix E: Stage
Combat: Faints, Falls, and Fights

Bibliography

Mark Ross Clark is Associate Professor in the Indiana University School
of Music. He has taught opera workshop for twenty years and has directed and
produced more than fifty operas in professional and university venues.