How To Utilize One’s Voice To Create Characters

The original musical, the Final Moments, is the first single Act monologue musical theatre production in China.I have been the sole actor for all of its ten performances. Through analyzing the experiences from these performances and studying the play book, I realized the importance of varying breathing and vocal color techniques to showcase the main Character, Naomi’s, personalities at different stages of her life as well as dramatic surroundings and actions. In order to master the overall theatrical structure and rhythm, one must thoroughly analyze the motive of the main musical theme and the dramatic progression. The ability to combine practical performance experiences and theory, therefore, is an important component of the overall skills a musical theatre actor must possess.My thesis focuses on how to utilize one’s voice to create characters, and its importance in musical theatre performances. I reached three conclusions:1) During the creative process, vocal techniques must always serve the characters’ needs;2) During performance, breathing for bodily movements and for singing must be synchronized;3) It is important to connect seamlessly speaking and singing.The Character in the Final Moments leaves a deep impression with its audience. With a strong tension unique to tragedies, Naomi’s inner emotional struggle offers much to ponder and reflect.