Musical theatre acting A practical guide

Director, educator, and casting director Mercanti offers an instructive guide for aspiring actors hoping to break into show business. Written in a digestible format ideal for high-school and college students, adult beginners and those needing a refresher, it presents exercises for character work, some based on popular musicals to help reinforce the practice. A holistic introduction to navigating the theater industry is also provided, which includes a glossary of terms relevant to roles both onstage and off. Mercanti's motivational advice is tailored to uplift readers who might otherwise feel intimidated when it comes to pursuing their acting ambitions. He seeks to empowers actors by teaching the soft skills essential to success for the duration of their careers, including diligence, empathy, and understanding. The chapter "Exploring and Breaking the Barriers" is especially pertinent to the contemporary theatrical landscape, offering inspiration for performers of all backgrounds and encouragement to follow their dreams. Musical Theatre Acting is a practical and handy resource to supplement classes and to peruse on one's own, even in the waiting room before an audition.