From Novice to Pro: How Adult Musical Theatre Classes Can Help You Master the Stage‍

As a leading performing arts organisation, we have found that adult musical theatre classes have been a valuable resource in helping our students improve their skills on stage, either through our showcases or productions. Whether you are a beginner, a seasoned performer, or just know all the lyrics to your favourite musicals back to front, these classes can provide a plethora of benefits that can help you take your talent to the next level. In this article, we will be explaining what takes place in adult musical theatre classes, and how they can help you master the stage.

Introduction to Adult Musical Theatre Classes

Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines the three disciplines-singing, dancing, and acting. It is a highly specialized art form that requires a unique set of skills to master. Stage & the City’s musical theatre classes are designed to help individuals develop and refine these skills in a supportive and structured environment. Our classes cater to adults with little to no experience in musical theatre, as well as those who are looking to improve their existing skills.

Benefits of Taking Musical Theatre Classes as an Adult

There are so many benefits to taking musical theatre classes as an adult. Firstly, it provides a great opportunity to learn a new skill and express yourself creatively. Participating in musical theatre can also be a great way to build confidence, as it requires you to step out of your comfort zone and perform in front of an audience (even if that audience are just your fellow classmates!). Additionally, it can be a great way to meet new people, make new friends who share your passion for musical theatre and most importantly HAVE FUN.

Finding the Right Musical Theatre Classes for Adults Near You

Finding the right musical theatre classes that suit your needs can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to the world of musical theatre. The first step is to research classes that are local to you. It’s always easier/more encouraging if the journey to your classes is a simple and easy one. Some small local theatres also offer adult musical theatre classes. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have taken these classes before. Once you have a list of potential classes, be sure to read reviews and do your research to ensure that the class is a good fit for you.

What to Expect in a Musical Theatre Class for Adults

Musical theatre classes typically consist of a combination of singing, dancing, and acting instruction. The class may begin with vocal warm-ups and exercises to help improve your singing abilities. You will also learn various dance techniques and choreography that are commonly used in musical theatre productions. Additionally, you will receive instruction on acting techniques and character development mainly through acting through song exercises.

Musical Theatre Dance Techniques

Dance is an integral part of musical theatre, (think of shows such as Newsies and Hamilton that are very ‘dance heavy’), and as such, dance instruction will be a major component of your musical theatre classes. You can expect to learn various dance techniques, including jazz, tap, and ballet, as well as choreography that is specific to certain musical theatre productions. It is important to note that while some dance experience is helpful, it is not necessary to have prior dance experience to participate in these classes, it’s all about giving it a go and enjoying yourself.

Vocal Training in Musical Theatre Classes

Vocal training is another important aspect of adult musical theatre classes. You will learn proper breathing techniques to help with vocal health, vocal warm-ups, and exercises to help improve your singing abilities. You will also learn how to properly project your voice and sing in harmony with others. While some previous singing experience is helpful, it is not necessary to participate in these classes, again it’s all about giving it a go and trying your best.  If your Spotify playlist is full of musical theatre showtunes, it might be time for you to take the leap and sign up to a class!

Acting Skills in Musical Theatre Classes for Adults

In addition to singing and dancing, acting is the final ingredient for musical theatre. In most musical theatre classes, you will learn various acting techniques, including character development, script analysis, the importance of positioning on stage/blocking, and improvisation. You will also learn how to effectively convey emotion and tell a story through your acting.

Preparing for a Musical Theatre Performance

One of the most exciting aspects of taking part in any musical theatre classes is the opportunity to prepare for a performance. This may involve rehearsing and performing scenes from a musical or participating in a full-scale production. At Stage & the City, our Introduction to Musical Theatre, Musical Theatre Beginners, Musical Theatre Dance and our resident Musical Theatre Troupe all participate in our annual charity showcase performing one or two numbers from well loved musicals. This is a great opportunity to put all of the skills you have learned in class into practice and showcase your talent to an audience.

Opportunities to Perform in Musical Theatre as an Adult

There are many opportunities for adults to perform in musical theatre productions, both locally and nationally. Our resident Musical Theatre Troupe perform one large production a year. This year it will be Addams Family-The Musical which we are all very excited about! Many theatres and production companies offer auditions for upcoming productions, and some even offer workshops and masterclasses to help you prepare for these auditions. Additionally, there are many community theatre groups that offer opportunities for adults to perform in musical theatre productions.

How Adult Musical Theatre Classes Can Help You Master the Stage

I think it’s safe to say that signing up to musical theatre classes as an adult is a great way to learn a new skills, build confidence, make friends, and express yourself creatively. From the rehearsals to the costumes, the singing and dancing, and of course the life-long friends you make are all valid reasons to give it a go. Our classes can provide a supportive and structured environment to help you take your talent to the next level. So if you have a passion for performing, a love of musical theatre that knows no bounds, we highly recommend giving our adult musical theatre classes a try. Who knows, you may just discover you’re the next Ben Platt or Carrie Hope-Fletcher!

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