LAMDA Graded Examinations in Musical Theatre: Solo/Duo are designed to develop skills in acting through song.
Learners who prepare themselves appropriately will develop skills and knowledge in accordance with three broad objectives:
1. Interpretative skills
2. Technical skills
3. Knowledge of the performance process.
Exam Requirements
| Exam Duration | 10 minutes |
| Interpretation and Technique | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The song must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time. The song must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must announce the title, lyricist/composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics should be provided for the Examiner. |
| Knowledge | The Learner(s) will answer questions on the following: • The appearance of the character in the chosen song • How the character is feeling in the chosen song. |
| Exam Duration | 15 minutes |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 1 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The song chosen must be taken from a different musical from that presented for Song 2 The song must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time and must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must announce the title, lyricist/composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics must be provided for the Examiner. |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 2 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The song chosen must be taken from a different musical from that presented for Song 1. The song must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time and must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must announce the title, lyricist/composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics must be provided for the Examiner. |
| Knowledge | The Learner(s) will answer questions on the following: • The appearance of the characters • How the characters are feeling in each song • What is happening in each of the chosen songs. |
| Exam Duration | 15 minutes |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 1 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The song chosen must be taken from a different musical from that presented for Song 2. The song must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time and must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must announce the title, lyricist/composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics must be provided for the Examiner. |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 2 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The song chosen must be taken from a different musical from that presented for Song 1. The song must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time and must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must announce the title, lyricist/composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics must be provided for the Examiner. |
| Knowledge | The Learner(s) will answer questions on the following: • What is happening in each song • How the characters are feeling in each song • The plot of the musical or film musical from which one of the songs has been taken (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination). |
| Exam Duration | 15 minutes |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 1 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The song chosen must be taken from a different musical from that presented for Song 2. The song must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time and must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must announce the title, lyricist/composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics must be provided for the Examiner |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 2 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The song chosen must be taken from a different musical from that presented for Song 1. The song must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time and must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must announce the title, lyricist/composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics must be provided for the Examiner. |
| Knowledge | The Learner(s) will answer questions on the following: • How the characters are feeling in each song • The mood of each song • The plot of the musical or film musical from which one of the songs has been taken (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • What the term libretto means |
| Exam Duration | 25 minutes |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 1 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The performance must consist of one song and include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character, either leading naturally into the song and/or linking two sections of the song together and/or concluding the song. The song chosen must be taken from a different musical from that presented for Song 2 and the Spoken Song. The performance must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than four minutes in performance time. The spoken dialogue must be included in the overall performance time of each song. The performance must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must announce the title, lyricist/composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics must be provided for the Examiner. |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 2 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The performance must consist of one song and include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character, either leading naturally into the song and/or linking two sections of the song together and/or concluding the song. The song chosen must be taken from a different musical from that presented for Song 1 and the Spoken Song. The performance must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than four minutes in performance time. The spoken dialogue must be included in the overall performance time of each song. The performance must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must announce the title, lyricist/composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics must be provided for the Examiner. |
| Interpretation and Technique - Spoken Song | perform from memory one solo spoken song of their own choice, performed as a spoken dramatic monologue, without melody and rhythm. The song lyrics must be taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The song lyrics chosen must be taken from a different musical from that presented for Song 1 and Song 2. It must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance The Learner(s) must announce the title, lyricist/composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics must be provided for the Examiner. |
| Knowledge | The Learner(s) will answer questions on the following: • How the character is feeling and how they react to their situation in one of the three chosen songs (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • How the published or devised spoken dialogue was selected and developed • The working stage areas: The Learner(s) must demonstrate four working stage areas (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) from the following list: Centre stage, stage left, stage right, upstage, downstage, upstage left/right, downstage left/right, and the wings. • An outline of the plot of the musical or film musical from which one of the sung songs has been taken, and what happens to the character portrayed (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination). |
| Note | For Song 1 and Song 2, the Learner(s) must present published or devised spoken dialogue in character within the song. This must be a cohesive part of the performance, either leading naturally into the song and/or linking two sections of the song together and/or concluding the song. The spoken dialogue must be included in the overall performance time of each song and must be a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute in length. |
| Exam Duration | 25 minutes |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 1 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The performance must consist of one song and include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character, either leading naturally into the song and/or linking two sections of the song together and/or concluding the song. The song chosen must be taken from a different musical from that presented for Song 2 and the Spoken Song. The performance must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than four minutes in performance time. The spoken dialogue must be included in the overall performance time of each song. The performance must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must announce the title, lyricist/composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics must be provided for the Examiner. |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 2 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The performance must consist of one song and include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character, either leading naturally into the song and/or linking two sections of the song together and/or concluding the song The song chosen must be taken from a different musical fromthat presented for Song 1 and the Spoken Song. The performance must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than four minutes in performance time. The spoken dialogue must be included in the overall performance time of each song. The performance must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must announce the title, lyricist/composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics must be provided for the Examiner. |
| Interpretation and Technique - Spoken Song | perform from memory one solo spoken song of their own choice, performed as a spoken dramatic monologue, without melody and rhythm. The song lyrics must be taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical. The song lyrics chosen must be taken from a different musical from that presented for Song 1 and Song 2. It must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time. The Learner(s) must announce the title ,lyricist/ composer and character prior to the performance. A copy of the lyrics must be provided for the Examiner. |
| Knowledge | The Learner(s) will answer questions on the following: • How the character is feeling and how they react to their situation in one of the three chosen songs (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • The reasons for the chosen staging in one of the three chosen songs using technical terminology of the working stage areas (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • How the published or devised spoken dialogue was selected and developed for one of the sung songs (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • The key themes in the musical or film musical from which one of the sung songs has been taken (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • Technical terminology for the actor/singer The Learner(s) will be asked to define three technical terms for the actor/singer (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) from the following list: Crescendo, diminuendo, tempo, harmony, Unison, acapella, and overture. The Learner(s) will be required to know all the technical terms listed above in preparation for the examination. |
| Note | For Song 1 and Song 2, the Learner(s) must present published or devised spoken dialogue in character within the song. This must be a cohesive part of the performance, either leading naturally into the song and/or linking two sections of the song together and/or concluding the song. The spoken dialogue must be included in the overall performance time of each song and must be a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute in length |
| Exam Duration | 35 minutes |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 1 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical, before 1990. The performance must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character The music and lyrics of the song must have been written on or before 31 December 1989 The chosen song must be taken from a different musical from those selected for Song 2 and Song 3. The song must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than five minutes in performance time and must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The song must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must present a brief introduction (not included in the overall performance time) of no more than 30 seconds, announcing the title, lyricist/composer, character and outlining the context of the song. A copy of the lyrics should be provided for the Examiner |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 2 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical, written in or after 1990. The performance must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The music and lyrics of the song must have been written on or after 01 January 1990. The chosen song must be taken from a different musical from those selected for Song 1 and Song 3. The song must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than five minutes in performance time and must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The song must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must present a brief introduction (not included in the overall performance time) of no more than 30 seconds, announcing the title, lyricist/composer, character and outlining the context of the song. A copy of the lyrics should be provided for the Examiner. |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 3 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical, written during any period. The performance must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The music and lyrics of the song may have been written during any period. The chosen song must be taken from a different musical from those selected for Song 1 and Song 2. The song must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than five minutes in performance time and must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The song must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must present a brief introduction (not included in the overall performance time) of no more than 30 seconds, announcing the title, lyricist/composer, character and outlining the context of the song. A copy of the lyrics should be provided for the Examiner |
| Knowledge | The Learner(s) will answer questions on the following: • The character’s objective in each chosen song • How the published or devised spoken dialogue was selected and developed for one of the chosen songs (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • The character’s role within the context of the musical or film musical as a whole (one character from the three performed will be selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • The musical genre to which each song belongs • The breathing techniques required to support the voice in song. |
| Note | For Song 1, Song 2 and Song 3, the Learner(s) must present published or devised spoken dialogue in character within the song. This must be a cohesive part of the performance, either leading naturally into the song and/or linking two sections of the song together and/or concluding the song. The spoken dialogue must be included in the overall performance time of each song and must be a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute in length. |
| Exam Duration | 40 minutes |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 1 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical, written before 1960. The performance must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The music and lyrics of the song must have been written on or before 31 December 1959. The chosen song must be taken from a different musical from those selected for Song 2 and Song 3. The song must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than five minutes in performance time and must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The song must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must present a brief introduction (not included in the overall performance time) of no more than 30 seconds, announcing the title, lyricist/composer, character and outlining the context of the song. A copy of the lyrics should be provided for the Examiner. |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 2 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical, written between 1960 and 1990. The performance must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The music and lyrics of the song must have been written between 01 January 1960 and 31 December 1989. The chosen song must be taken from a different musical from those selected for Song 1 and Song 3. The song must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than five minutes in performance time and must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The song must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must present a brief introduction (not included in the overall performance time) of no more than 30 seconds, announcing the title, lyricist/composer, character and outlining the context of the song. A copy of the lyrics should be provided for the Examiner. |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 3 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical, written in or after 1990. The performance must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The music and lyrics of the song must have been written on or after 01 January 1990. The chosen song must be taken from a different musical from those selected for Song 1 and Song 2. The song must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than five minutes in performance time and must include minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The song must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must present a brief introduction (not included in the overall performance time) of no more than 30 seconds, announcing the title, lyricist/composer, character and outlining the context of the song. A copy of the lyrics should be provided for the Examiner. |
| Knowledge | The Learner(s) will answer questions on the following: • The character’s objective in each chosen song • How the published or devised spoken dialogue was selected and developed for one of the chosen songs (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • The character’s role within the context of the musical or film musical as a whole (one character from the three performed will be selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • The work and influences on musical theatre of one of the composers, librettists or lyricists of the chosen songs (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • The vocal techniques required to perform one of the chosen songs (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination). |
| Note | For Song 1, Song 2 and Song 3, the Learner(s) must present published or devised spoken dialogue in character within the song. This must be a cohesive part of the performance, eitherr leading naturally into the song and/or linking two sections of the song together and/or concluding the song. The spoken dialogue must be included in the overall performance time of each song and must be a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute in length. |
| Exam Duration | 40 minutes |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 1 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical, written before 1960. The performance must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The music and lyrics of the song must have been written on or before 31 December 1959. The chosen song must be taken from a different musical from those selected for Song 2 and Song 3. The song must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than five minutes in performance time and must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The song must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must present a brief introduction (not included in the overall performance time) of no more than 30 seconds, announcing the title, lyricist/composer, character and outlining the context of the song. A copy of the lyrics should be provided for the Examiner. |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 2 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical, written between 1960 and 1990. The performance must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The music and lyrics of the song must have been written between 01 January 1960 and 31 December 1989. The song chosen must be taken from a different musical from those selected for Song 1 and Song 3. The song must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than five minutes in performance time and must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The song must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must present a brief introduction (not included in the overall performance time) of no more than 30 seconds, announcing the title, lyricist/composer, character and outlining the context of the song. A copy of the lyrics should be provided for the Examiner |
| Interpretation and Technique - Song 3 | perform from memory one solo song of their own choice taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical, written in or after 1990. The performance must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character The music and lyrics of the song must have been written on or after 01 January 1990. The chosen song must be taken from a different musical from those selected for Song 1 and Song 2. The song must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than five minutes in performance time and must include a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute of published or devised spoken dialogue in character. The song must be accompanied. The Learner(s) must present a brief introduction (not included in the overall performance time) of no more than 30 seconds, announcing the title, lyricist/composer, character and outlining the context of the song. A copy of the lyrics should be provided for the Examiner. |
| Knowledge | The Learner(s) will answer questions on the following: • The processes involved in developing the chosen songs for performance • How the published or devised spoken dialogue was selected and developed for one of the chosen songs (selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • The character’s role within the context of the musical or film musical as a whole (one character from the three performed will be selected by the Examiner at the time of the examination) • The influences on musical theatre of one of the following practitioners (chosen by the Learner): Bob Fosse, Sonia Friedman, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lin Manuel Miranda, Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber |
| Note | For Song 1, Song 2 and Song 3, the Learner(s) must present published or devised spoken dialogue in character within the song. This must be a cohesive part of the performance, either leading naturally into the song and/or linking two sections of the song together and/or concluding the song. The spoken dialogue must be included in the overall performance time of each song and must be a minimum of 30 seconds and no more than one minute in length. |