One of the challenges actors face when breaking into song during a scene is to keep the flow of truth consistent. The actor will be brilliant while speaking and then as soon as that music starts, BAM!, "now I am singing"...the honesty that was holding the audience captive has now disappeared. The singing has become a wall between actor and spectator and the moment is blown. I liken this phenomenon to amateur actors doing Shakespeare. The heightened language becomes a barrier and all the audience hears are words, words, words. Then turn the spotlight to a seasoned Shakespearean actor and the language is crystal clear. In fact, the language isn't what the audience is focusing on much at all, but the heart of the character takes hold and captivation ensues.
Here is Kristin Chenoweth talking about this very thing in an interview a few years back during her time on the series "Pushing Daisies". The show incorporated singing in a very natural way. I love what she has to say:
And here is the scene she is talking about. She is an amazing example of staying in that core of truth as she transfers back and forth from singing to dialogue:
When I work with students or am performing a song myself, I approach it much like I would a monologue. The first thing is to learn the song and get it in a strong place technically (an audience also will tune out someone who is singing out of tune, or with an unbalanced sound). Then my favorite part, breaking everything down and creating the heart behind the song. Sometimes the vocal technique may be compromised to bring the song to that place of truth, but the final result is most gratifying. If one can keep that continuity going and keep it real, the actor will feel it and the audience will feel it. The perfect match up in any art form.
Here is Kristin Chenoweth talking about this very thing in an interview a few years back during her time on the series "Pushing Daisies". The show incorporated singing in a very natural way. I love what she has to say:
And here is the scene she is talking about. She is an amazing example of staying in that core of truth as she transfers back and forth from singing to dialogue:
When I work with students or am performing a song myself, I approach it much like I would a monologue. The first thing is to learn the song and get it in a strong place technically (an audience also will tune out someone who is singing out of tune, or with an unbalanced sound). Then my favorite part, breaking everything down and creating the heart behind the song. Sometimes the vocal technique may be compromised to bring the song to that place of truth, but the final result is most gratifying. If one can keep that continuity going and keep it real, the actor will feel it and the audience will feel it. The perfect match up in any art form.
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