Don't just stand there and sing! Add an extra dimension toeveryrole * Step-by-steps for integrating acting skills into musical roles * Sections for beginners, intermediate, and advanced performers * Exercises, teaching suggestions, worksheets--great for acting courses Don't settle for being just a singer!Acting the Songreveals the secrets to integrating singing and acting skills for musical theater. Actors, singers, directors, teachers, and students will find time-tested advice, exercises, and interactive worksheets for all skill levels. The book is organized into three progressive sections: first, a discussion of the elements of musical theater; next, a group of effective classroom workshops and exercises; and finally, how to take those new performing skills into the world of professional auditions and performances. Chapters cover vocal and physical warm-ups, body movement, finding subtext, creating a character, song structure, interpreting text of music and lyrics, risks and spontaneity, memorization, collaboration, keeping a performance fresh, and much more. Everyone involved in musical theater needs this dynamic, one-of-a-kind resource that will help singers add drama and dimension to their roles.