Are you a triple threat? If you can sing, dance and act – often at the same time – then the answer is yes! A career in music theatre is a chance to put those skills to good use. As well as belting your heart out onstage and wowing punters with your footwork, you’ll get to tell unforgettable stories wrapped in music that stay with you long after the curtain closes.
With contracts for shows in London’s West End sometimes lasting a year or longer, musical theatre can also provide stability in a renownedly unstable profession. Whether you’re hoping to move audiences to tears in Les Misérables or moonwalk across the stage in MJ the Musical, you’ll need to build, hone, and prove your skills first. If you’re dreaming of getting into musical theatre in the UK, here’s a look at how to do it.
Musical theatre blends multiple art forms – acting, singing, and dancing – into one integrated performance. In traditional theatre plays, the story unfolds through dialogue and action, but in a musical play, songs take a central role, aiding character development and progressing the narrative; they’re a way for characters to express their deepest emotions, thoughts, and dreams. Add in complex choreography and spectacular set design, and you’ve got a recipe for a dazzling theatrical experience.
Musicals can have many different tones, and the style and spirit of songs in a playful love story will differ from those in a heart-wrenching tragedy. That said, most musicals contain shades of light and dark. It’s common for a musical to contain high-energy comedy with tongue-twister songs; epic ballads; and whimsical numbers fuelled by tap dancing. The fusion of theme, music, and movement is what makes musical theatre such an exhilarating form of art.
1. Develop essential skills
Singing, dancing, and acting are the holy trinity of musical theatre skills, and those who go furthest in the industry are proficient at all three. Even if you’re stronger in one area over the others, becoming a triple threat performer will help you stand out in auditions and increase the number and variety of roles you’re seen for.
- Singing: This is where many people start, and regardless of whether you have a natural talent, taking vocal lessons is key. A good teacher will help you improve your range, control your pitch, and find your style. Musical theatre requires versatility, so it’s not just about hitting high notes. You’ll need to understand different genres, from classic show tunes such as Show Boat’s ‘Ol’ Man River’ to modern musical theatre songs like Six’s ‘Don’t Lose Ur Head,’ and learn to adapt your voice accordingly.
- Dancing: You don’t have to be a prima ballerina to dance in a musical, but you do need to move well onstage. Dance classes will help you become comfortable with your body and give you the confidence to learn choreography. Ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary dance have long been common in musicals, but increasingly, so are facets of street dance – just look at the works of Lin-Manuel Miranda.
- Acting: It isn’t just about reciting lines; acting is about bringing characters to life. Take acting classes that help you dig into emotions, understand motivations, and project your voice and presence across a theatre. The ability to act while singing and dancing can be challenging, so learning how to balance all three is essential.
2. Train
While some performers make it without formal training, the most successful musical theatre actors have honed their craft through education. In the UK, there are several prestigious institutions known for producing top talent.
In addition to their longer, qualification-focused programmes, schools such as the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (CSSD) offer short courses in musical theatre. These courses are intensive and offer an insight into professional training; they can help you decide whether you want to commit to a degree course.
If formal education isn’t the right path for you right now, local workshops and youth theatre groups are fantastic ways to gain practical experience. Workshops often focus on specific skills, such as audition techniques or character work, while youth theatres allow you to immerse yourself in full productions. These experiences not only help you grow as a performer but also give you the confidence you’ll need to shine on larger stages.
3. Build experience
The more time you spend onstage, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become. Even if you’re not ready for professional roles yet, there are plenty of ways to get involved with musical theatre and start building your portfolio.
- Amateur productions: Many professional actors started in amateur productions. Community theatre groups or local drama clubs often put on musicals, giving you a chance to try out roles and get used to performing in front of an audience. While these productions might not have the same polish as professional shows, they’ll give you invaluable stage time and help you refine your craft. Plus, they’re a great way to meet and network with other aspiring performers.
- Create a musical theatre CV: As you gain experience, keep track of everything. This includes performances, workshops, and any special training. Your CV is your calling card in this industry, so make sure it’s up-to-date and reflects the range of your abilities. It’s also helpful to have a showreel featuring clips of you performing (acting, singing, and dancing), and professional headshots ready to send to casting directors ahead of auditions.
4. Network
In the UK, the professional musical theatre scene is a close-knit world, and who you know can make all the difference. Networking opens doors to new opportunities and helps you get noticed, so attend workshops and industry events. Beyond improving your skills, workshops are a great way to meet industry professionals, including directors, casting agents, and other performers. These events are often informal and a chance to approach people, ask questions, and get advice on your career path. Organisations such as Run at It Shouting regularly feature workshops with musical theatre casting directors.
5. Seek representation
While you can find auditions on your own, having an agent can really help. Many casting calls are sent exclusively to agents, and if you land the part, they can also negotiate contracts on your behalf. When you’re just starting, it can be tough to get representation, but once you’ve built up your experience, landing an agent can make a huge difference in your career.
5. Prepare for auditions
Auditions are your chance to get in front of those in charge of castings and show them what you’ve got. You only get one shot in front of the panel (unless you’re invited for a recall), and being well-prepared is essential.
- Research the show: Before stepping into any audition, make sure you’ve done your homework. Understand the style of the musical, its themes, and the character you’re auditioning for. This knowledge will guide your performance choices and show casting directors that you’re serious about the role. Try to see as many musicals as you can along the way; not only will this widen your knowledge of stage musicals, but it will inspire you to keep perfecting your skills so that one day you are up there onstage yourself.
- Select the right material: Choosing the right song or monologue can make or break your audition. Pick pieces that showcase your strengths, whether that’s hitting high notes, conveying deep emotion, or showing off your comic timing. Ideally, choose material that fits the style of the show you’re auditioning for, but also highlights what makes you unique as a performer.
- Warm up: Don’t underestimate the power of a solid warmup. Vocal and physical warmups not only help you avoid injury but improve your stamina and prepare you for giving your all.
Unlike many careers, which begin their training in adulthood, musical theatre training can begin in early childhood and competition can be fierce. But with passion, hard work, and the right approach, you can build a career onstage, at any stage. Whether your dream is to perform in the West End or to simply be part of the local theatre scene, it all starts with developing your skills, gaining experience, and putting yourself out there.