The Commodification of the Actress: Gender, Body Image, and Perception in the American Musical Theatre

Open Access

Author:: Anantharaman, Lav
Area of Honors:: Musical Theatre
Degree:: Bachelor of Fine Arts
Document Type:: Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:: John Simpkins, Thesis Supervisor
Christine O'Grady Roberts, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:: Theatre
Gender
Body Image
Abstract:: We exist in a deeply gendered society. The gender binary is intertwined within many aspects of our lives, from the way we dress to the jobs we do. Musical theatre is not exempt to this phenomenon. Traditional gender roles have been present since the conception of theatre, and these roles can still be seen in shows today. Theatre today has become increasingly commercialized, with many theatrical decisions being made with audience perception and approval in mind. This has negatively affected many performers, particularly female presenting. This thesis will examine the intersection between the commodification of actress and gender, body image, and perception within the American musical theatre.