Simultaneous Singing and Dancing in Musical Theatre: A Cross-Disciplinary Evidence Review
Tuesday 17th February 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (London Time)
Course Overview
This short course invites participants to critically examine the latest cross-disciplinary evidence on the physical and vocal demands of musical theatre performance. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review conducted by Debbie Winter and Claire Thomas (Voice Study Centre, University of Essex), the course explores research from voice science, dance medicine, sports science, and performance pedagogy.
Evidence to be Examined
Participants will engage with research addressing:
- Physical Fitness Requirements
Comparative studies on the cardiovascular and endurance demands placed on musical theatre performers versus other dance genres. - Cardiorespiratory and Recovery Factors
Investigations into how simultaneous singing and dancing affect breathing, blood lactate levels, and recovery, with implications for choreography and training. - Vocal Health and Technical Challenges
Evidence concerning vocal loading, fatigue, and pathology in musical theatre, including the impact of rehearsal and performance schedules. - Interplay Between Singing and Dancing
Research exploring how dancing influences vocal technique, breath management, and maximum phonation time. - Training Models and Industry Practice
Studies and expert commentary on the need for integrated training approaches, safeguarding, and standardised protocols for performer health.
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for musical theatre performers, voice teachers, choreographers, directors, performing arts educators, and others interested in the scientific and practical aspects of triple-threat performance.
Learning Outcomes
By examining the available evidence, participants will:
- Develop a nuanced understanding of the physiological and vocal implications of simultaneous singing and dancing.
- Critically assess current research gaps and recommendations for best practice.
- Consider practical strategies for optimising performance and safeguarding health.
🏷️ Price £30 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available
Debbie Winter
Debbie Winter (LLB Hons, MA) lectured in Law and sang professionally on the jazz scene before deciding to change careers and become a vocal coach. She noticed a...
Dr Claire Thomas
Claire is a singer, singing teacher and voice researcher. She currently lectures in singing on the Musical Theatre programmes at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and runs a private singing studio just outside Edinburgh.
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
Monday 2nd November 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 3rd November 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
The Vocal Health Challenges for Actors and Singers!
Leda Scearce
Two part course! Vocal health principles are inextricably and symbiotically linked with singing and acting voice pedagogy: Good vocal health allows the singer and actor to more easily and effectively achieve their technical and artistic goals, and good teaching reinforces vocal technique that diminishes the risk of vocal injury. We now also recognize the necessity for singers and actors to understand how their instruments work, how to take care of their voices, and what to do when something goes wrong. Singing and acting teachers are indeed on the front lines of vocal health!
Friday 6th November 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
Neurodivergence and Critical Disability Theory
Dr David Cane
Hosted by our very own Dr David Cane, this two-hour session offers a timely and reflective opportunity to explore disability and neurodivergence within the voice teaching studio. Grounded in the field of critical disability studies, it will be of particular interest to voice professionals who wish to foster a more inclusive, reflexive and accessible practice.
Thursday 12th November 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Kodaly and Dalcroze - inspired Learning for Choir Leaders!
Amy Bebbington
Enhance your choral leadership by grounding vocal direction in physical, experiential movement. Drawing from the pioneering methodologies of Zoltán Kodály and Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, join Amy Bebbington for this practical and highly engaging session exploring how kinaesthetic gestures can revolutionize the way you lead singing.