This course focuses on development of musical theatre performance skills. Topics to be investigated include techniques of musical storytelling, vocal techniques for musical theatre, singing, sight-reading, acting a song, and truth in musical theatre acting. Each student prepares and presents a series of performance projects including a repertoire of musical theatre songs. The major thrust of this class will focus on musical theatre literature as it pertains to the performer. Material will be selected from Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas to contemporary literature. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1650 Musical Theatre I, THTRE 2650 Musical Theatre II, and THTRE 3650 Musical Theatre III.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
THTRE 1650 Musical Theatre I (3 hours)
This course focuses on development of musical theatre performance skills in the areas of singing, acting, and truthfully bringing a character to life on stage through song. Topics to be investigated include foundational acting technique, techniques of musical storytelling, vocal techniques for musical theatre singing, acting a solo song, and truth in musical theatre acting/performance. Each student prepares and presents a series of performance solo projects, beginning to build a repertoire of musical theatre songs.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1060 Introduction to Musical Theatre.
(Normally offered every spring semester.)
THTRE 2650 Musical Theatre II (3 hours)
This course builds on the acting and musical techniques introduced in Musical Theatre II, Acting II, Music Theory and Musicianship I and II, and Musical Theatre Voice II. It focuses on continuing to develop musical theatre performance skills in the areas of acting and singing while beginning to work with a partner and/or small ensemble groups. Topics to be investigated include vocal techniques for musical theatre singing, truth in musical theatre acting and storytelling, and working with and off of a partner in musical theatre performance. Students will prepare scenes/songs with their partner(s) and continue to build their musical theatre solo repertoire.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1650 Musical Theatre I or permission of instructor.
THTRE 3650 Musical Theatre III (3 hours)
This advanced course focuses on development of musical theatre performance skills in the various styles of musical theatre literature. Topics to be investigated include building on fundamental acting techniques and their utilization in musical theatre styles, musical storytelling, vocal techniques for musical theatre, and truth in musical theatre acting as they relate to specific styles which may include Gilbert and Sullivan, Jazz Standards, Golden Age, Post-Golden Age, Pop/Rock, Sondheim, Musical Theatre comedy, Pop/Rock Opera, and Cabaret songs. Each student prepares and presents a series of performance projects, each of different style or genre. Two major focuses of this course will be on musical theatre literature as it pertains to the performer, and more quickly and deeply developing repertoire.
Prerequisite(s): THTRE 1650 Musical Theatre I, THTRE-2660.
