Musical Theatre Masterclass in Universities: Hsing Wu University
Higher education institutions have long been essential in nurturing talents in the performing arts. They provide aspiring performers with professional training, valuable networking opportunities, and the foundation to launch their careers. So when we received an invitation from the Pop Music Department at Hsing Wu University to host a musical theatre masterclass, we were truly honoured.
This event was made possible thanks to Una Ho, who extended a warm invitation to Leon to share his insights as a musical theatre performer and conduct a live coaching session with the students.
From London to Taiwan: Bridging the Gap Between Pop and Musical Theatre
Leon first met Una in London, where she was travelling while continuing her vocal training. She took one-on-one singing lessons with two teachers, with Leon assisting as a translator. Una holds a Master’s degree in Classical Voice from the National Taiwan University of the Arts but later transitioned into pop music and is now a signed artist under Dmile Music, promoting contemporary Hakka songs.
Beyond performing, Una is also a dedicated vocal coach, teaching across multiple studios and music institutions. Her classes at Hsing Wu University are known for their diverse styles, covering pop, hip-hop, rock, country, and musical theatre. This term happened to focus on musical theatre, making Leon’s visit the perfect fit.
Stepping Out of Their Comfort Zone
As Leon entered the classroom, the students’ excitement was mixed with nervousness. Understandably so—many of them were used to closed-eye singing behind a microphone, whereas musical theatre requires acting, vocal projection, and singing in English and French.
To ease their tension, Leon first shared his journey—from studying drama at Taipei National University of the Arts, to an exchange programme at Shanghai Conservatory of Music, to earning a Master’s in Musical Theatre from the Royal Academy of Music, and finally, working as an East Asian performer in London’s competitive theatre industry.
Slowly, the students began to relax and connect with him. Leon then introduced the key differences between pop and musical theatre singing, led a vocal warm-up, and prepared for one-on-one coaching. However, when he asked, “Who would like to go first?” the classroom fell silent.
This scenario is common in many Asian learning environments—cultural modesty often makes students hesitant to step forward. Yet, in the performing arts, overcoming hesitation is crucial.
Opportunities Favour the Prepared
Leon shared his post-graduation experience of navigating London’s theatre industry. Like many actors, he took on restaurant jobs to cope with the city’s high cost of living, all while waiting for that one audition that could change everything.
One key lesson he learned: always be ready to be seen and heard.
The entertainment industry is highly competitive. Performers often face months without work, but every small opportunity—a workshop, a showcase, or a minor gig—could lead to valuable experiences, networking opportunities, and even a breakthrough role. Those who hesitate may miss out entirely.
Leon’s words struck a chord. Finally, a student from Hong Kong courageously raised their hand to go first. Once that barrier was broken, the rest of the students eagerly followed.
Learning to Own the Stage
These students possessed remarkable talent, with several showcasing exceptional vocal ability. However, each had different areas for improvement—some struggled with vocal folds closure due to excessive pop singing habits, while others needed to refine their English pronunciation and acting skills. Through targeted exercises and feedback, each student made noticeable progress in a short time.
By the end of the session, students were reluctant to leave and eagerly asked if Leon could return for more classes.
Yet, just like in the professional world, opportunities to learn and perform don’t come easily—they must be seized. We hope to collaborate with more universities and performing arts institutions in the future, bringing first-hand industry knowledge and practical training from London’s theatre scene to students across the world. Elevate your students' performing arts skills with our musical theatre masterclass. Contact us today to bring this enriching experience to your institution!