Exploring Female Broadway Performers' Experiences of Singing in Mix:‘True Theatre Magic.’
In contemporary musical theatre, the ability of performers to sing in “mix” is paramount. This skill enables performers to seamlessly transition their singing voice between the chest and head registers, ensuring vocal consistency and preventing noticeable breaks or shifts in tone. Teaching “mix” can be challenging due to a lack of agreed terminology and understanding, compounded by a dearth of research on contemporary musical theatre voice, particularly research that involves professional performers as participants. This study investigated the lived experiences of female Broadway performers’ experiences of singing in a mix. A qualitative survey of 36 singers who self-identify as skilled in mixed voice yielded detailed descriptions and personal accounts. Using reflexive thematic analysis, survey data were systematically analyzed and interpreted to highlight patterns of meaning, foregrounding participants’ perceptions and experiences. Themes were constructed around technical adjustments, affective responses, and external influences. These findings shed light on the multifaceted nature of the “Broadway mix“ within contemporary musical theatre and its crucial role in shaping the expressive capabilities of performers at the highest professional levels.