DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/QDR3-XQ93
Defense Date
2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Theatre
First Advisor
Janet Rodgers
Abstract
On September 24, 2009, Theatre VCU opened its production of Psycho Beach Party, written by Charles Busch and directed by Steve Perigard. In our production, two male actors, Tommy Callan and Kyle Cornell, were cross-sex cast to play female characters, Chicklet and Marvel Ann respectively. In addition to serving as vocal coach for the production, I was to help Callan and Cornell vocally transform into female characters. I have documented our exploration of gender, specifically the vocal transformation from male to female, in Theatre VCU’s production of Psycho Beach Party. Neither actor had played a female character onstage before, and Kyle Cornell had only just begun his vocal training at VCU. Both actors successfully embraced feminine vocal and physical characteristics to the point where many audience members believed them to be female actors.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
May 2010