The "Triple-Threat"

In the musical theater world, you will often hear the need for actors to be a "triple threat".  This refers to an actor who excels in the three disciplines for musicals: acting, singing, and dancing.

What is not known so widely is that the need to be a "triple threat" has expanded to the opera world and the music business in general.  Every type of singer, whether they are pop, musical, or classical, MUST be a convincing actor.  And if you want to be a stage singer (musicals and opera), dance training is also a must.

How does one acquire training for each discipline without breaking the bank?  Here are some strategies:

1) Get on-stage.  It doesn't matter where: community theater, church activities, chorus etc...any sort of practical experience in front of people is the BEST training you can get.  Not only will you get advice from the directors, you can watch others who are successful singers and actors, observe them, and steal what works from them.  Yes, I said steal.  The best singers and actors are those who copy their predecessors and THEN develop their own personal style.

2) Take private singing lessons with a reputable singer in your area.  Learning how to sing requires one-on-one attention because each person's voice is unique and needs  a curriculum designed specifically for their instrument. 

3) Take dance and acting courses at a local community college.  Dance courses are relatively inexpensive, and a great way to meet people and exercise!

4) For acting, observe people in real life.  How do they act in certain situations?   Also, when you do find  a voice teacher, make sure you find one who is willing to talk about acting while singing.  It is relatively easy to deliver lines on stage, but extremely difficult to sing and act without looking silly.  I talk to all my students on how to deliver a song, acting techniques etc...because it is so important to audiences.

DWS