Exploring Female Broadway Performers’ Experiences of Singing in Mix

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of 36 top-tier female musical theatre performers, each with at least one Broadway credit, who self-identify as highly skilled in singing with mix. The aim was to gain a nuanced understanding of their vocal mix in the context of their broader artistic practices. Using reflexive thematic analysis of survey data, five critical areas of focus were identified: the role of the mix in career success and longevity, affective experiences during performance, enduring adversity in professional practice, performers’ conceptualizations of mixing, and their methods for achieving a balanced vocal mix. The data suggests that most participants possessed natural skill in mixing prior to formal voice training, introducing the factor of innate talent into the discussion. Their mastery of mix appears to be largely experiential and intuitive, potentially shaped more by inherent ability than by explicit technical knowledge or formal instruction. These themes raise important questions about singing pedagogy and the integration of voice science, highlighting the need for further research into the interplay of innate talent, experiential learning, and formal training in developing top-tier musical theatre performers.