MUSICAL THEATRE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
(The following information on the Board Approved Courses in Musical Theatre of which I was co-author, is included for reference purposes only)
Course Outlines:
MUSICAL THEATRE 9 (BOARD APPROVED) XTP-09
Musical Theatre places its emphasis on experiential learning. The course is intended to provide students with an introduction to the elements of Musical Theatre, examining both performance and technical theatre within the framework of a Musical Theatre Production Company.
Musical Theatre 9 is a course that provides students with a basic introduction to the Musical Theatre concept, the history of Musical Theatre, elementary Musical Theatre performance and/or technical techniques, and offers students the opportunity to participate in a Musical Theatre production.
As an introductory, "sampler" course, Musical Theatre 9 is intended to allow students with little or no Musical Theatre experience or skills to "sample" the basic elements of Musical Theatre. Students completing the course would gain skills and techniques that would serve as a foundation for Musical Theatre 10 and subsequent levels of Musical Theatre instruction.
This course is offered two days per week "after hours" on a regular basis, primarily in the First Semester. Up to four rehearsals per week and a week of performances are a mandatory part of this course.
(For more detailed course description see Grade 9 XTP-09)
MUSICAL THEATRE 10 (BOARD APPROVED) YVPA-0AMTH
Musical theatre places its emphasis on experiential learning. The course is intended to provide students with an understanding of the elements of Musical theatre, examining both performance and technical theatre within the framework of a Musical Theatre Production Company. MUTH 10 is a course that provides students with a more advanced study of the Musical Theatre concept, a more in-depth study of the history of Musical Theatre, advanced Musical Theatre performance and/or technical techniques, and offers students the opportunity to participate in a Musical Theatre production.
This course is offered two days per week "after hours" on a regular basis, primarily in the First Semester. Up to four rehearsals per week and a week of performances are a mandatory part of this course.
(For more detailed course description see Grade 10 YVPA-0AMTH)
MUSICAL THEATRE 11 (BOARD APPROVED) YVPA-1AMTH
Musical Theatre places its emphasis on experiential learning. The course is intended to provide students with an understanding of the elements of Musical Theatre, examining both performance and technical theatre within the framework of a Musical Theatre Production Company. Musical Theatre provides a creative experience which fosters well-rounded growth in encouraging creativity, and strong emotional and physical release.
Musical Theatre 11 is a course that provides students with a more in-depth study of the Musical Theatre concept, the history of Musical Theatre, an 'intermediate level' of Musical Theatre performance and/or technical techniques, and offers students the opportunity to participate in a Musical Theatre production. The course curriculum shall include the following: utilization of advanced characterization, exploration of classical and contemporary musical theatre production styles, exploration of specialized musical theatre styles, attendance at live theatrical experiences, and analysis and evaluation of theatrical experiences. Musical Theatre 11 further develops and refines those acting and theatre concepts and skills outlined in the Musical Theatre 10 curriculum. This advanced course is designed for the highly-motivated theatre student who wishes to pursue the study of contemporary dramatic theory through individual study, group discussion, focused research, and performance.
At the Grade 11 level, students are exposed to introductory and intermediate level acting method but are still granted some opportunities for leadership and solo performance within the framework of a Musical Theatre production. Students will become more eligible and equipped for leading performance and/or technical roles in the production.
This course is offered two days per week "after hours" on a regular basis, primarily in the First Semester. Up to four rehearsals per week and a week of performances are a mandatory part of this course.
(For more detailed course description see Grade 11 YVPA-1AMTH)
MUSICAL THEATRE 12 (BOARD APPROVED) YVPA-2BMT
Musical Theatre places its emphasis on experiential learning. The course is intended to provide students with an understanding of the elements of Musical Theatre, examining both performance and technical theatre within the framework of a Musical Theatre Production Company. Musical Theatre provides a creative experience which fosters well-rounded growth in encouraging creativity, and strong emotional and physical release.
Musical Theatre 12 is a course that provides students with an in-depth study of the Musical Theatre concept, the history of Musical Theatre, advanced Musical Theatre performance and/or technical techniques, and offers students the opportunity to participate in a Musical Theatre production. The course curriculum shall include the following: utilization of advanced characterization, exploration of classical and contemporary musical theatre production styles, exploration of specialized musical theatre styles, attendance at live theatrical experiences, and analysis and evaluation of theatrical experiences. Musical Theatre 12 further develops and refines those acting and theatre concepts and skills outlined in the Musical Theatre 11 curriculum. This advanced course is designed for the highly-motivated theatre student who wishes to pursue the study of contemporary dramatic theory through individual study, group discussion, focused research, and performance.
At the Grade 12 level, students are exposed to higher level acting method and are granted opportunities for leadership and solo performances within the framework of a Musical.
This course is offered two days per week "after hours" on a regular basis, primarily in the First Semester. Up to four rehearsals per week and a week of performances are a mandatory part of this course.
(For more detailed course description see Grade 12 YVPA-2BMT)
MUSICAL THEATRE GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS
The Musical Theatre course is both a theoretical and practical study of Musical Theatre. The course examines both the technical and performance aspects of Musical Theatre within the framework of a musical theatre production company. Students are encouraged to participate in both technical and performance activities during the years in which they are involved with the Musical Theatre program although each student will be permitted to "specialize" in either one of the two course elements. Further details of the course content is provided later in this document.
As this is a performance course, regular attendance, a willingness to participate in class activities, and a dedication to the art of musical theatre are essential.
The Musical Theatre course has an attendance / rehearsal / performance requirement of approximately 115 hours. Although the class has "regularly scheduled" classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays "after hours" (usually 2.30-3.30 p.m.), class/rehearsal/work times will be "flexible". Class members must be prepared to accept this scheduling requirement. In 2018, the Musical Theatre class was included in the "daily" class schedule.
Attendance will be "taken" by means of a sign-in sheet. It is your responsibility to "sign-in" each and every class. If your signature is not on the sign-in sheet, you will marked absent.
To facilitate keeping a record of class hours spent and a record of accomplished class tasks and activities, all students will be required to keep a "Musical Theatre class log". These will be collected and evaluated on a regular basis. Please use the log format as provided in the sample. These Musical Theatre logs will be one portion of the marks allocated to this course.(see attached notes on the Logs)
It is essential that students "keep clear' the weeks of final rehearsal and performance of the production. the major production dates are in FEBRUARY . Allowances will be made for exam/study breaks during these times.
Recently, we introduced the Musical Theatre Awards. These included: "Most Promising New Performer" (first year Musical Theatre students only); Outstanding Musical Theatre Stagecraft (Junior); Outstanding Musical Theatre Stagecraft (Senior); Outstanding Acting (Junior); Outstanding Acting (Senior); Outstanding Orchestra. Keep these awards in mind!
Please read the course requirements notes and evaluation procedures carefully.
We hope that you enjoy your Musical Theatre year and that you will find this course to be an enjoyable, educational, and rewarding experience.
MUSICAL THEATRE TOPIC OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION: The concept of Musical Theatre
• terms and definitions essential for understanding
• Musical theatre
AN OUTLINE HISTORY OF MUSICAL THEATRE
MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION:
(A) the Musical Theatre production staff
(B) Budget considerations
(C) Cast requirements
(D) rehearsal process
DIRECTING THE MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION:
(A) constructing the play
(B) stage geography
(C) performing techniques and acting skills
(D) basic music reading
(E) vocal production
(F) interpretation and preparation of a song
(G) choreography
STAGING A MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION:
(A) sets and scenery decisions
(B) makeup and costumes
(C) lighting
(D) properties
(E) front of house
*** within the above listed general course contents the exact course content, assignments and requirements vary according to the student's grade level.
MUSICAL THEATRE COURSE MATERIALS
TEXTS:
The Stage and the School
Appreciating the Musical
Play Production Today
notebook
log book (see details on log book requirements)
MUSICAL THEATRE COURSE EVALUATION:
FIRST REPORT: an interim report mark will be issued. This mark will consist of first report evaluations based on the following:
tests and assignments (see attached lists) 20%
classwork including performance activities 50%
musical theatre log books 30%
SECOND REPORT: a report mark based upon second report evaluations based on the following:
classwork including final performance and in-class activities 70%
musical theatre logbooks 30%
PERFORMANCE:
A (90-100%) Superb performance; very good attendance; very good attitude; prompt and effective dialogue, song and choreography memorization.
B (75-85%) Good performance; good attendance; good attitude; timely and effective dialogue, song and choreography memorization
C (60-70%) Adequate performance; attendance at most rehearsals; satisfactory attitude; sufficient dialogue, song and choreography memorization
C- (50-59%) Passable performance; irregular attendance; poor attitude; insecure dialogue, song and choreography memorization
D (below 49%) inadequate performance; poor attendance; very poor attitude; inadequate dialogue, song and choreography memorization
FINAL MARK: a final Musical Theatre course mark based on the following: FIRST REPORT MARK 25% SECOND REPORT MARK 75%
MUSICAL THEATRE COURSE - AIMS & OBJECTIVES
| OBJECTIVES | GRADES 9 | GRADES 10 & 11 | GRADE 12 |
Development of | To develop the student's ability to use all five senses | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XX |
Personal Resources | ||||
To develop the student's kinesthetic awareness | ||||
of self in space and time | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XX | |
To foster in the student confidence in speech, | ||||
musical and/or technical performance, and movement | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XX | |
To inspire in the student a positive self-image | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XX | |
To inspire in the student imaginative and | ||||
creative thought | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XX | |
To encourage in the student the growth | ||||
of self-discipline | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XX | |
To develop the student's leadership potential | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
Acquisition of an | To increase an awareness in the student of self | |||
understanding of | and others | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XX | XX |
self in relation | ||||
to others | To ensure the student's understanding of personal | |||
and cultural heritage | XX | XX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
To extend the student's sensitivity to others | XX | XX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
To develop in the student a sense of responsibility | ||||
towards the community | XX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
To promote an awareness of diverse values in society | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
Practice of | To encourage constant improvement of the student's | |||
communication | skills on the verbal level - listening, reading, | |||
skills | writing and singing | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX |
To expand the student's facility in communication at | ||||
the non-verbal level | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XX | XX | |
To promote an understanding of groups and how | ||||
they function | XX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XX | |
To develop facility in group problem-solving | ||||
and decision - making | XX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XX | |
Stimulation of a | To increase the student's receptivity to learning | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XX | XX |
sense of inquiry | ||||
and a commitment | To strengthen the student's powers of concentration | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XX | XX |
to learning | ||||
To enhance the student's ability to conceptualize | ||||
and organize experience | XX | XX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
To develop the student's abilities to reflect on and | ||||
interpret experience | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
To enhance the student's powers of discrimination | ||||
and self-evaluation | XX | XX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
To enhance the student's ability to analyse and | ||||
synthesize experience | XX | XX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
The creation and | To provide the student with the opportunity to work | |||
appreciation of the | within the Musical Theatre art form as an | |||
Musical Theatre art | individual, as a member of a small group and as | |||
form | part of the whole | XX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX |
To encourage the student's understanding of the | ||||
conventions of Musical Theatre and to explore | ||||
new Musical Theatre structures and techniques | XX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
To involve the student in various specialized aspects | ||||
of Musical Theatre production | XX | XXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
To encourage the student to explore the processes of | ||||
the Musical Theatre composer's, librettist's | ||||
and choreographer's and performer's art | XX | XXXX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
To encourage the use of the Musical Theatre art | ||||
form as a medium of exchange between the | ||||
student and community | XX | XX | XXXXXXXXXXXX | |
