These days, whether in contemporary or classical musicals, operas and even some plays-with-music, many in-demand performers are expected to be equally skilled in acting and singing. In this discussion with several lauded musical theater professionals, we will consider the demands of both artforms, and consider the training, outlook and techniques needed to blend and burnish both skillsets. Educator, author, and former Seattle Times theatre critic Misha Berson will moderate.
Panelists include: David Armstrong, a director, choreographer, UW School of Drama instructor, and the longtime producing artistic director at 5th Avenue Theatre; Louis Hobson, an entertainment producer, actor and singer seen in several Broadway musicals (ie, the Tony-winning Next to Normal), and starring roles at 5th Avenue, ACT Theatre, ArtsWest etc.; Alexandria Henderson, singer-songwriter-actor whose credits include work at 5th Avenue Theatre, Village Theatre and, most recently, in Showtunes Theatre’s The Spitfire Grill; Ben Gonio, an alum of the UW Drama Professional Actor Training Program and musical actor at many Seattle theaters as well as a voice-over and film performer; and Sarah Russell, whose credits include singing parts at 5th Avenue Theatre, ACT and Village Theatre, and speaking roles for Seattle Shakespeare Company.
This event is free and open to the public. RSVP here.