Overview

Have you ever sat in a darkened theatre and not been able to take your eyes off one radiant performer as they drew you into their real yet imaginary world? If so, you were experiencing synergy, also known as the 'It' factor; that magical, ephemeral energy that has defied explanation - until now. Find Your 'It' Factor is an informative handbook for anyone seeking to explore their personal light or re-ignite their inner flame, onstage or off. Explored through musical theatre performance, this guide combines original research with practical application which in turn helps you understand the essential elements that make up the 'It' factor, elevating your performance beyond the ordinary. Drawing on years of practical experience within the professional world of musical theatre in the UK and Australia, Jacqui Hall Cuny introduces and unpacks the concept of 'It' in relation to performance. Using theory and primary research, she asks: what does it mean to have 'It'?; can 'It' be learned and commanded at will?; what can advance 'It' and what shuts it down?; and how can we use 'It' in our everyday lives? Featuring a foreword by Philip Quast and interviews from 42 Australian musical theatre actors and creative directors this is a unique and engaging must-have for those entering the industry. Whether you are a professional performer seeking to grow your existing skill base or a student seeking the confidence to express yourself freely, this book unlocks secrets to ensure you succeed. This book is accompanied by a companion website with videos of techniques and exercises used in the book.

Full Product Details

Author:   Dr Jacqui Hall Cuny
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint:   Methuen Drama
Dimensions:   Width: 18.90cm , Height: 2.50cm , Length: 24.60cm
Weight:   0.454kg
ISBN:  

9781350551442

ISBN 10:   1350551449
Pages:   240
Publication Date:   19 March 2026
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Foreword Preface PART ONE Chapter 1 - Introduction - All the World's a Stage Chapter 2 - Getting to Know It (Getting to Know All About It) Chapter 3 - Unpacking the Synergy Equation: Finding the Parts of the Sum Chapter 4 - Extrinsic Factors: Transactional Interactions Making Synergistic Connections Chapter 5 - Constructing the Sum From the Parts: Ways of Thinking, Being and Doing Chapter 6 - Making Synergy Magic: Creating the 'Greater Than' Aspect Chapter 7 - What It Is and What It Isn't Chapter 8 - Where Does It Come From, and Where Does It Go? PART TWO Chapter 9 - Unlocking your It - Introducing Your SASS Toolkit and Play Space Chapter 10 - Toolkit Techniques: Whole Self-Activation and Breathing Chapter 11 - Toolkit Techniques: Acting and Singing Chapter 12 - Toolkit Techniques - Physicality and Psychology Chapter 13 - Putting It Together: Tools, Song Study and Case Studies PART THREE Chapter 14 - Living Out Your It Factor: Five P's and Eleven C's Chapter 15 - Give Yourself Permission to Shine! Appendices Endnotes

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Author Information

Jacqui Hall Cuny is a Musical Theatre researcher, pedagogue, creative director, and performer with 44 years of professional experience in Australia and overseas. A graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, she has multi-disciplinary connections to the Australian performing arts industry. She has performed, taught and presented her research in Australia and internationally and maintains strong affiliations with the staff of Australia’s top tertiary musical theatre courses and currently coaches some of Australia’s professional actors.

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