Complex characters represented with sensitive and powerful performance is part of what draws audiences to drama, including live theatre.

This is no less the case for musical theatre — but what is the role of music in character development?

Part of my research has been concerned with developing a method for young actors to begin building characters that involves listening to subtle cues in the music. For example, a rising melodic line could be interpreted as reaching or pleading. A pause in the music could feel like doubt or hesitation.

I call this method score-based character analysis. I had the chance to apply it this past spring with a cohort of students at MacEwan University’s theatre department who presented the world premiere of the new musical Monoceros.

It’s based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Canadian author Suzette Mayr. The story follows a high school student, Faraday, on a journey of grief and discovery after the death of a fellow classmate, Nathan, whom she hardly knew.

Faraday, who is longing to find her purpose, gathers some of her school friends and they set off on an adventure to finish the quest Nathan never got to finish: acquiring a unicorn assistance certificate from the Unicorn Society of Lethbridge.

The show enjoyed a sold-out run this past March.

New roles and stories

Tackling a new role in an original musical can be a daunting challenge for any actor.

In addition to the performances, Monoceros‘s run was also recorded live by Bent River Records, which will release an original cast album........

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