Stepping into the world of musical theatre as a beginner can feel daunting. Success requires a mix of talent, dedication, and crucial performance skills, as illustrated by Collabro’s journey on Britain’s Got Talent. Despite only performing together for a month before their audition, they captivated the judges with their rendition of “Stars” from Les Misérables. This article breaks down essential skills for beginners looking to follow in Collabro’s footsteps.

9 Essential Skills for a Beginner in Musical Theatre

1. Vocal Technique and Control

A strong, controlled voice is fundamental in musical theatre. Vocal technique involves breath control, pitch accuracy, and resonance. Collabro’s harmonies during “Stars” highlighted their impressive control, even under intense pressure. Beginners should invest time in voice exercises that strengthen vocal cords, improve range, and support stamina. Working with a vocal coach or using online tutorials can help develop these core skills effectively.

2. Acting Skills and Emotional Expression

Acting in musical theatre is more than just speaking lines; it’s about conveying emotions that resonate with the audience. Collabro’s rendition wasn’t just technically sound—it was filled with the raw emotion that left the judges in awe. For beginners, acting classes focused on emotional expression can be transformative. Techniques like Stanislavski’s method encourage actors to dig deep and connect with their character’s feelings, which is essential for impactful musical theatre performances.

3. Stage Presence and Confidence

Collabro looked nervous but composed when they first stepped on stage. Developing a strong stage presence helps beginners feel comfortable and appear confident, even if they’re nervous inside. Confidence in musical theatre can be built through practice and familiarity with the stage. Regularly participating in rehearsals, open mics, and community theatre productions can offer invaluable experience.

4. Physicality and Movement

Musical theatre is a blend of singing, acting, and movement. Although Collabro’s performance was primarily vocal, their subtle gestures added depth to the performance. Dance and movement training is crucial for beginners to learn how to use their bodies expressively. Start with basic movement classes or musical theatre workshops to build comfort in performing both subtle and more elaborate choreography.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration

Collabro’s harmony and unity as a group were key to their success, showing the importance of teamwork. Musical theatre is often a collaborative effort, and beginners should develop skills to work seamlessly with others on stage. Being open to feedback, staying adaptable, and supporting fellow performers create a positive dynamic that’s essential in theatre.

6. Script and Lyric Memorization

Memorizing lines and lyrics is a skill that comes with practice. Beginners should develop techniques for memorization, like breaking scripts into manageable parts or using mnemonic devices. Consistent practice ensures confidence on stage, minimizing the risk of forgetting lines and maintaining flow throughout a performance.

7. Musicality and Rhythm

Understanding musicality—the rhythm and feel of the music—is crucial. Collabro’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent reflected a deep sense of timing and musical connection, critical in musical theatre. Beginners can benefit from ear training exercises, such as listening to a metronome, to improve timing and learn to keep rhythm in various song styles.

8. Adaptability and Growth Mindset

Collabro faced initial doubt from the judges but maintained their focus and ultimately won the audience over. Adaptability and a growth mindset are invaluable for beginners, as they help performers stay open to feedback and learn from each experience. Embracing challenges and setbacks as learning opportunities ensures steady growth in this competitive field.

9. Understanding Character Development

Developing characters beyond surface-level actions gives performances depth. Beginners should work on building character backstories and motivations to bring authenticity to their roles. Exercises like journaling from the character’s perspective or improvising in character can deepen this connection, just as Collabro connected with the narrative of “Stars,” adding emotional layers to their performance.

Mastering these essential skills lays a strong foundation for beginners in musical theatre. Just like Collabro’s unforgettable journey from underdogs to champions, new performers can cultivate their talents and develop their craft to create impactful performances. Watch their live in the video below…

They’ve only been together for one month. The judges never expected them to be AMAZING!

When they first walked onstage, the judges started judging them before they even touched a microphone. The five young men calling themselves Collabro looked like any other boy band.

Judges roll their eyes as THEY walk onstage, but their audition stunned everyone — BRILLIANT!

Simon Cowell literally rolls his eyes when he learns they’ve only been performing for a month. Collabro were truly a group of underdogs for their television debut, but they managed to defeat the odds and come out on top.

The judges were completely blown away by their emotional performance of Stars from Les Misérables! It just goes to show, you should never judge a book by its cover.