The Study of Using Imagination to Create the Character of Emma in the Musical Tell Me on a Sunday by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black in 1979

Abstract

         This research aims to collect and synthesize the process of using Imagination in acting to create the character of Emma in the Musical Tell Me on a Sunday and to practice singing in order to perform the mentioned musical. The researcher has studied acting approaches along with rehearsing and using acting exercises to create the character. The challenge of playing the mentioned musical is that there is only 1 character to perform on stage, despite having conversations with other characters which is not presented on stage. Therefore, using Imagination is required in this performance in order to create the communion between the actor and the audience which the audience should believe what is going on in the story.

          The main techniques that will be used to create the character is “Magic If” by Constantin Stanislavski along with the using of “Imagination” by Stella Adler. Through training and following the synthesized process, the researcher discovered possibilities and was able to believe as the character does, which led to acting that is honest to the feelings. The researcher collected the data by writing a journal, recording both rehearsals and the performance. The assessment was to collect the 50 questionnaires from the audience after the performance, the comment by the professor on the day of dress rehearsal, and the talk with acting experts after the performance.

          The research findings indicate that the researchers were able to synthesize a methodology derived from a study of fundamental principles of performance that emphasizes the use of imagination as a foundation. This methodology is based on the initial principles of Constantin Stanislavski's "Magic If" from his system of acting. The synthesized process includes the following: Magic If ® Given circumstances ® Super objective ® the use of various training exercises during rehearsals.

          The results of training following this process enable the researchers to make the audience believe in the character's situation and to experience a sense of involvement in the events the character is facing. The audience trusts the researcher's communication and witnesses the development and transformation of the dramatic character. Regarding the effects of training in singing, the researchers gain confidence in singing to effectively communicate the character's story to the audience. This lack of worry during actual performances is due to consistent training prior to the real performance.