Variables seperating acting through song and acting through speech

Why is acting through song so different?
Journal of Singing
Vol 64, No2, pp 167-173 Nov/Dec 2007

Millie Taylor states how there are more variables in acting through song in a musical then acting through speech. Through her article she differentiates between the two.

• Actors in dramatic plays and on screen are alone on stage they don't have music to support there character.
• Actors possess the autonomy in straight acting to vary delivery of the text as they see fit.
• Taylor (2007) discusses how a script can be read in numerous different ways depending on emphasis, intonation, integrity, spacing, timbre, mood and tempo.

Variables between acting through speech and acting through song

Tempo- Actors have freedom to speak at whatever pace they deem necessary.
             Singers are confined to following the tempo of the song.

Rhythm-Actors tend to seek a more naturalistic expression of text. 
              Singers are locked into designated rhythms.

Melody- Actors can vary pitch according to emotional state of character/type of character.
              Whether as singers pitches are pre set and to sing off pitch would be deemed incorrect.

Pauses- Actors have the freedom to pauses for however long.
             Singers pauses are known musically as 'rests'. They appear between words and phrases and are musically counted.

Notes- Can be made longer, perhaps this is a positive as it gives the performer more time to convey emotion.



On relfection of Taylor (2007) article. I have established many variables which suggested Musical Theatre has many more variables perhaps requiring discipline in a different way then Dramatic acting on stage and screen. I will look for emerging themes regarding these differences through my inquiry.