Acting Through Song & Audition Technique:
Vocal Storytelling and Belting Mastery
March 21st, 2026 | $50.00
Step into the world of professional musical theatre with this dynamic Stagelight masterclass, led by international musical director Michael Toolan and West End–trained performer Evie. Designed for developing artists ages 12 - 18 ready to elevate their audition game, this class blends industry-level vocal technique with powerful storytelling skills—giving students the tools they need to shine onstage and in the audition room.
Drawing on his experience across the West End, Europe, and the United States, Michael brings the expertise of over 30 musical productions and years of teaching at prestigious institutions including the London College of Music, Sylvia Young Theatre School, Goldsmiths University, Pineapple Dance Studios, and NOMEA in Italy. His approach focuses on unlocking healthy, sustainable belting, refining musical interpretation, and helping performers connect deeply with their material.
Evie, a London College of Music graduate and international vocalist with recent credits including Viking Cruises and the Camden Fringe, offers a performer’s perspective on truthful storytelling, stylistic versatility, and building confidence in both classic Musical Theatre and contemporary Pop/Rock repertoire. Together, Michael and Evie have taught masterclasses across England, Wales, Sicily, and the USA, bringing a collaborative, supportive energy that empowers students to take bold creative risks.
This masterclass offers an inspiring, high-level training experience rooted in real industry practice. Perfect for singers preparing for auditions, college prescreens, or performers eager to deepen their connection to material. In this class, students will:
• Strengthen vocal technique with a focus on safe, powerful belting
• Explore Acting Through Song methods used in top-tier musical theatre training
• Receive individual feedback on audition cuts and repertoire choices
• Learn strategies for making honest, compelling acting choices under audition pressure
• Develop musicality, interpretation, and professional readiness
This is a ONE DAY ONLY opportunity taking place on on March 21st, 2026 at our West Chester location (19 Hagerty Blvd) for students ages 12 - 18. COST for the session is a $50 registration fee, which is NONREFUNDABLE. Space is limited to 30 students.
Click the hyperlink below to add to your cart. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration has processed. A reminder email and class info will be sent one week prior to the start date. You can email Chelsea Barnett, Stagelight’s Operations Manager, with any questions at cbarnett@saltpa.com.
Learn more about the instructors:
Michael Toolan is an international musical director and educator whose work spans the West End, Europe, and the United States. With a career that includes over 30 musicals, Michael brings a wealth of professional experience to the rehearsal room. In the UK, he has worked with leading institutions such as the London College of Music, Sylvia Young Theatre School, Goldsmiths University of London, and Pineapple Dance Studios, where he leads masterclasses in West End repertoire, conducting, ensemble singing, and acting through song. As Direttore Musicale at the Nuovi Orientamenti Musical Entertainment Academy in Marsala, Sicily, Michael has taught and performed across Italy, sharing his expertise with emerging talent on an international stage. Beyond education, Michael has collaborated with artists including Lucie Jones, Richard Hinds, and Sarah Harlington, and has conducted sessions at iconic venues such as Abbey Road Studios and the West End’s Arts Theatre. His international credits also include guest conducting for the Welsh Musical Theatre Orchestra’s My Fair Lady and serving as Musical Assistant for the West End production of Les Misérables. Passionate about inspiring the next generation of performers, Michael’s masterclasses fuse his professional expertise with a dynamic, collaborative energy—empowering students to explore their artistry, sharpen their technique, and connect with the heart of storytelling in musical theatre.
Evie is a Musical Theatre performer and graduate of the London College of Music. Most recently, she completed a contract with Viking Cruises as Lead Vocalist, showcasing her talent to international audiences. Evie recently played the lead role in a new workshop musical, presented as part of the Camden Fringe. She has also travelled to both Sicily and the USA to deliver vocal masterclasses alongside renowned vocal coach Michael Toolan. Specialising in classic Musical Theatre and Pop/Rock, Evie brings these skills to her ‘Acting Through Song’ classes, which she teaches at Pineapple Studios in collaboration with Michael. In addition to her teaching and theatrical work, Evie performs regularly as a featured vocalist with events bands across England and Wales.
