Training Opera singers in Stagecraft

Te Pae Kokako-The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio (TANZOS) is a 12–18-month immersive programme which provides full-time training for young opera singers. Each of the four/six students involved is funded by a donor gifted scholarship. My brief is to run Stagecraft classes. The unique opportunity for me is that my time with this small group is not for production purposes, but for training in acting and stagecraft.

Sample Techniques

I have developed a series of exercises and sequences of action which direct their focus to spatial awareness, movement, text analysis and acting technique.

Technique

As part of introductory physical exercises, the students learn basic flocking and ensemble chorus styles of movement. These sequences explore the use of expansive movement and gesture.

Once a sequence is established the piano accompaniment of the aria is added. The music is treated as a dynamic that shapes the movement (choreography). This is maintained but now the student sings as well. Physically this is a very taxing, The gesture (movement) and the breath (song) is unified by the sheer effort required. Development from this point involves shaping the movement to the meaning of the text and the dynamic progression of the melody.

Technique.

·      Stichomythia.

·      Beats

·      Changes of thought

·      Actioning

·      Shifts of intention

·      Breath and drama