Setting the Stage: 5 Music Orchestration Tips for Musical Theatre

Musical theatre is a unique and captivating art form that combines storytelling with music and drama. Your role as an orchestrator is to create an enchanting and immersive musical backdrop that enhances the story and engages the audience. In this article, we will explore five essential music orchestration tips tailored for the world of musical theatre.

1. Serve the Story
The music should always serve the story. Period. Your orchestration choices should reflect the characters’ emotions, plot developments, and the overall mood of the scene. Pay close attention to the lyrics, as they often contain vital cues for how the music should be orchestrated.

For example, a heartfelt love ballad might feature lush strings and gentle woodwinds. Or a lively ensemble number may call upon the brass or an aggressive rhythmic section. Always keep the story and narrative in mind when making orchestration decisions, and let the music enhance the drama and emotion of the moment.

2. Character-Centric Orchestration
Consider the personalities and motivations of the characters. For instance, a powerful and assertive character might be associated with bold brass and percussion, while subtle piano and strings could represent a delicate and introspective character. Certain instruments can also be used to associate a musical sound with a character. For example, the Thénardiers in Les Miserables are often accompanied by an accordion and harpsichord in the orchestra to give the sense of rugged sleaziness. This also occurs in our first introduction to Monsieur Thénardier in “The Innkeepers Song” when the trombone is scored with many pitch scoops and slides. This gives the audience a sense of sloppiness which serves the character. 

By tailoring your orchestration to match the characters, you can deepen the audience’s connection to the story and the individuals within it.

3. Create Vocal Space
The vocals are central to the storytelling. Be mindful of not overpowering the singers with a dense and loud arrangement. Leave enough “vocal space” for the performers to deliver their lines and melodies clearly and expressively.

Use orchestration to support the singers rather than compete with them. This might involve simplifying instrumental parts during vocal solos or using lighter instrumentation to accompany dialogue-heavy scenes. The goal is to ensure that every word and note is heard and understood by the audience.

4. Develop Musical Themes
Musical themes or motifs can be powerful tools in musical theatre orchestration. Themes can represent characters, emotions, or recurring motifs in the storyline. By developing and reprising these themes throughout the show, you can create a sense of continuity and emotional resonance.

For example, a haunting melody associated with a tragic character can be woven into various scenes, evolving as the character’s journey unfolds. Audiences will subconsciously connect these musical threads to the characters and their stories, adding depth and emotional impact to the production. This occurs many times throughout The Little Mermaid. Each instrument is playing some form of the melodic and rhythmic motifs peppered throughout that show. This puts the musical in a time and place that is constantly being saturated in recurring themes and feelings for the audience. 

5. Collaborate and Adapt
Collaboration is a cornerstone of successful musical theatre orchestration. Work closely with the director, choreographer, and performers to ensure that the music aligns seamlessly with the overall vision of the production. Be open to feedback and willing to adapt your orchestration to accommodate the needs of the performers and the staging.

Additionally, be prepared to make adjustments during rehearsals. Sometimes, what works on paper may not translate well to the stage, and you may need to revise your orchestration to better fit the practical realities of the production.

Music orchestration in musical theatre is a delicate dance between storytelling, character development, and musicality. By prioritizing the story, tailoring your orchestration to characters, creating vocal space, developing musical themes, and collaborating effectively, you can craft a musical score that enhances the theatrical experience and leaves a lasting impression on audiences. So, set the stage and let your orchestrations shine in the world of musical theatre!