“THE SAVI SINGING ACTOR offers students and teachers an easy-to-grasp approach to some of the most common challenges singing actors face. In a series of handy exercises, loaded with mnemonic devices that make these techniques easy to understand and apply, author Charles Gilbert dissects and delivers the SAVI techniques in ways that translate quickly to classroom study and performance. Long a leader in Musical Theatre pedagogy, Charles Gilbert has finally delivered an essential text that belongs on every serious teacher’s shelf. His ideas and exercises are certain to find their way into your studio, as they have mine.”
Joe Deer, Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre
Chair, Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures
Wright State University
Author, Acting in Musical Theatre, Directing in Musical Theatre
“I’ve known Charlie Gilbert—as a producer, performer and pedagogue, as artist, academician and administrator—for 25 years and his SAVI tools are a perfect bridge to 21st century storytelling in musical theatre.”
Forrest McClendon
Tony Nominee, The Scottsboro Boys
Lunt Fontanne Fellow, Barrymore Award Winner
"The act of singing one’s thoughts is unnatural and yet, when done well, it’s the most powerful form of expression. Great musical actors have therefore always seemed a sort of enigma. We marvel at their ability to transition seamlessly from spoken dialogue into singing and back again—all without really knowing how they do it. That is, until now. The SAVI technique has finally demystified this art form. It is a codified and accessible technique for any person wanting to learn the skill of great musical storytelling. For myself, it has been an invaluable part of my success as both a performer and a coach. It is my anchor when building a performance of any new song. It ensures that my choices are beat-by-beat specific, authentic to my own truth, interestingly varied, and intensely powerful."
Kelli Barrett
singer, actress and coach
"Charlie Gilbert’s groundbreaking book gives any teacher, student, or professional artist a clear, step-by-step method! Using exercises that train and condition Specificity, Authenticity, Variety, and Intensity - anyone can now become 'The SAVI Singing Actor!'”
Lara Teeter
Professional Actor/Singer/Dancer
Professor of Theatre, Head of Musical Theatre, Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts
“A thorough and clear journey through the art of preparing both the singer and the song. The SAVI method is laid out in fun, easy-to-follow steps that illuminate the process of singing music theatre songs. The author draws from diverse sources and adds memorable axioms of his own to make this process both relatable and profound. With unique, original etudes and exercises, this is a valuable resource for anyone who teaches or performs in the music theatre.”
Tracey Moore
Author, Acting the Song
Professor of Theater, The Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford