Book excerpt: Acting the Song offers a contemporary, integrated approach to singing in musicals that results in better-trained, smarter performers everyone wants to work with. Directors, teachers of musical theater, and students-including actors, singers, or dancers-will find time-tested advice, exercises, and worksheets for all skill levels. This book guides readers through musical theater elements, classroom workshops, and the world of professional auditions and performances. Chapters cover: --Singing and acting terminology --Modern microphone use --"Legit" singing and belting --Vocal and physical warm-ups --Body movement and gesture --Finding subtext --Creating a character --Personalization --Song structure --Interpreting music and lyrics --Risks and spontaneity --Collaborating with other actors --Keeping a performance fresh and new Teachers and students alike will appreciate the sections for beginning, intermediate, and advanced performers. Everyone involved in musical theater, from new students to working professionals, will benefit from this rich resource. Additional teaching materials and downloadable worksheets are available at www.actingthesong.com.