Repertoire Preparation Worksheet
BASIC INFORMATION
Title of Song:
Production (if applicable) and Year:
Composer /Lyricist Name(s):
Musical Era:
MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE
What is the key of the song:
Does it modulate [change keys] (where, how many times, to what)?:
Does the time signature change (where, how many times, to what)?:
What is the tempo(s):
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
After reading the lyrics of the piece and the scene in which is exists (the before and after),
answer the following questions. If/when necessary, listen and watch various versions of the
particular piece (within the production, cabaret, showcase, stand-alone etc.).
1.
Time & Place (setting).
2.
Who am I?
(Character name, relative age, ethnicity, education, family, profession)
3.
What are my physical characteristics?
(Is there something that physically restricts or enhances the character?)
4.
Does the character have any specific vocal affections in speaking or singing?
(Are they a non-native English speaker, is there a specific/culture accent)
5.
What is the relationship to other characters within the song and scene?
(Beyond the “relationship”: a mother who, a brother without, a friend in need of etc. Think
about specific adjectives: confident, antagonistic, generous, shy etc.)
6.
What is the moment before the song?
7.
What is the moment after the song?
8.
What is the character’s storyline – the overall objective?
(S/he starts at “abc” and ends at “xyz” – as it pertains to the musical as a whole.)
9.
What is the character’s objective within the song?
10. What are the character’s obstacles within the song?
11. How does the musical accompaniment affect the character?
(Does it inform or distract? Does it enhance or support? Is the accompaniment a secondary
character or a musical representation of someone else within the character’s story?)
ACTING BEATS
In examining the phrasing and sentence structure of the lyrics, discuss each instance with the
following (including but not limited to). This is not an analysis of lyrics but of character choices!
1. Emotion/Expression
2. Objectives and Obstacles
3. Sense Memory and/or Physical Reaction
4. I am [--] because [--]