IMPORTANT: Please note that this guidance pertains to the updated 2027 Musical Theatre Syllabus (for exams taken from 1st January 2027 onwards). For guidance relating to the 2021 Musical Theatre Syllabus (for exams taken before 31st December 2026), please see here: Musical Theatre Exams (Solo / Duo) - 2021 SYLLABUS
For Grade 6 Solo/Duo Musical Theatre examinations, the Learner(s) must perform from memory one solo/duo spoken song of their own choice, performed as a spoken dramatic monologue/duologue, without melody and rhythm.
The song must be taken from a published work of musical theatre or from a film musical.
The most important element of choosing a song to perform as a spoken song is to find a song with lyrics that are not repetitive and that tell a story. Always avoid choosing a song that has a repetitive chorus (such as the song Mamma Mia) as this is very difficult to speak believably as dialogue. Look for songs that change their tempo or rhythm pattern, as this will help the Learner(s) to avoid using a linear rhythm when speaking the words.
Songs written by Stephen Sondheim work well as spoken songs, as many of them tell stories without seeming repetitive or linear.
Songs from the following musicals also transfer well into drama:
- Ghost the Musical
- Gypsy
- Fame
- The King and I
- Calamity Jane
- Urinetown
- The Book of Mormon
- Blood Brothers
- Seussical
- Avenue Q
- My Fair Lady
- Merrily We Roll Along
- High Society
To prepare for this element of the examination, the Learner(s) should begin by writing down the lyrics of their chosen song in prose, as a monologue or duologue. They should study the grammar and change it to suit how they wish to tell the story. Encourage the Learner(s) to experiment with the mood and layout of the song, to find an interpretation that suits them.
Remember, this is an acting exercise. The aim of the spoken song is to convey the meaning of the text by removing the original rhythm and musical phrasing of the song.