versatility, however, a technical core that is both flexible and secure can be an invaluable asset. Breath use is at heart of vocal technique and knowing how to handle each performance situation, consciously or unconsciously, in terms of breath use, usually requires training, experience and a willingness to be simple. The body itself is the ultimate teacher, wise practitioners can act as critical guides and we must be our own
coaches every day as we work to meet the demands and achieve the goals of our respective careers.
Singing and speaking are by no means the only vocal sounds we make, but they form a nucleus and require a technique that can act as a central core from which we deviate consciously for other vocal activities. Maintaining the same basic technique for singing and speaking and integrating that technique with requirements for dance and movement is essential for the musical theatre actor. Working from one technical core can also be infinitely freeing for both the classical singer and the actor whose focus is not musical theatre.
