For musical theatre performers, singing is much more than a technical skill, it’s a way to captivate audiences, express emotion and deliver a compelling performance.To do this, performers need to embody their character completely, even while singing. That’s where acting through song comes in. Acting through song is a blend of vocal and emotional expression that can turn music into a powerful, emotive, storytelling tool.At Italia Conti, we know that performers need to be able to express emotion through song to deliver the most unforgettable experiences, it’s one of the skills we focus heavily on in our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Acting course.In this article, we’ll talk through some of our favourite acting through song exercises, helping you to add depth and authenticity to your performances.What is Acting Through Song?Acting through song is the ability to combine vocal performance with deep emotional expression, to portray a character’s story and feelings.Singing the lines and staying on key is one thing, but to deliver a convincing performance performers must also use body language, phrasing and facial expression — whilst singing and staying in character. By understanding their character’s journey, and the meaning and feeling behind each lyric, performers can create moving performances.Acting through song transforms music into a powerful tool to help storytelling. It enables performers to create emotionally charged performances that leave a lasting impression.Acting Through Song ExercisesIn musical theatre, your voice is one of your main tools. So, you need to use it to maximum capacity. In a musical theatre course, you’ll practise a range of exercises to help you master expressing emotion through song.Mastering dynamics: Dynamics really affect the emotional impact of your performance. Soft singing can portray vulnerability or intimacy, whilst powerful projection can convey passion, anger or excitement. Using a contrast of both can convey more intense expressions, keeping your audience engaged throughout. Breath control: Breath control is another essential skill for musical theatre students. Singing with emotion impacts the colour and quality of your voice which can challenge your breathing. Good breath control can help you navigate these changes effectively. Practising breath exercises is also great for calming pre-performance nerves. Phrasing: Phrasing is another essential skill for musical theatre performers. Each phrase can be thought of as an emotional beat. Emphasising specific words or sounds can help convey the character’s feelings and intent. It’s also a great way to ensure the song has an impact. A skilled performer will know exactly which note to linger on, and for how long.Practice Makes PerfectActing through song takes practice, reflection and continual improvement. Record yourself, watch your performances and critique your own work. Being your own best critic can help you identify and improve in a constructive way. In our musical theatre courses, our students work with teachers and coaches who can offer professional feedback, guiding them towards better performances. We create well-rounded performers who have a versatile set of skills, ensuring they are ready to excel in the creative industries.