GRADE 11 (Detailed Course Description) YVPA-1AMTH
BAA Musical Theatre 11YVPA-1AMTH
District Name: Abbotsford
District Number: 034
Developed by: Allen Reynolds, Ray Dencer
Date Developed: Jan. 2005 (Revised 2009)
School Name: Yale Secondary
Principal's Name: Glen Roger
Board/Authority Approval Date: 2009
Board/Authority Signature:
Course Name: Musical Theatre
Grade Level of Course: Grade 11YVPA-1AMTH
Number of Course Credits: 4
Number of Hours of Instruction: 120
Prerequisite(s): None
Special Training, Facilities or Equipment Required:
Piano, Rehearsal space, Access to Fully Functional Theatre for performance, Props, Costumes, Sound Equipment, royalty-paid script and orchestration.
Teachers will need training and/or experience pertaining to music drama and stagecraft as it relates to musical theatre.
Course Synopsis:
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.
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.
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.
Rationale:
Musical Theatre 11 provides the opportunity to combine several arts: drama, music, dance and design. It explores the requirements and limitations peculiar to the genre, and offers a more advanced study of the elements of Musical Theatre. The course encompasses the study, rehearsal and public performance of musical works for the stage
Goals of the Program
- Understand the principles of the musical theatre performance
- Distinguish between styles of musical production
- Evaluate, analyze, and identify the unique and essential elements and problems
related to the performance of musical theatre
- Demonstrate the structure of mounting musical theatre productions in various
environments (community, professional etc.)
- Demonstrate presentational techniques of acting applicable to musical theatre style
- Develop an interest and love of musical theatre.
- To develop students' ability to be creative, communicative, and expressive,
interpretive and exploratory.
- To develop self-confidence, self discipline, and the skills and technical abilities
particular to this form of theatre.
- To develop leadership qualities.
- To provide a creative experience which fosters well-rounded growth in encouraging
creativity, and strong emotional and physical release.
Major Course Objectives
- allow students to explore the technical elements of musical theatre in depth.
- allow students to explore a variety of forms of musical theatre (opera, operetta,
musical comedy, etc.)
- allow students to assume responsibility for assuming significant tasks and roles
within the structure of a musical theatre production company.
- allow students to explore performance elements of musical theatre. (vocal, acting,
choreography, stagecraft, and/or orchestra) in depth
- demonstrate, through analysis and synthesis, the capability of evaluating the
medium of theatre in performance and in evaluating a play text
- demonstrate, through a performance the skills learned in performance classes
- demonstrate a knowledge of the continuing development of musical theatre form to
the present day
Organizational Structure:
Unit/Topic Title Time
Unit 1 Introduction 20 Hours
Unit 2 Auditions 5
Unit 3 Rehearsal Process 60
Unit 4 Performance 30
Unit 5 Log Book 5
Total Hours 120 hours
Unit/Topic/Module Descriptions:
Unit 1: (Introduction) Overview
Students will become familiar with the elements of Musical Theatre and the techniques needed to perform in a Musical theatre production in one of the following capacities: on-stage performance, orchestra, stagecraft. These elements include acting skills, vocal techniques and skills, stagecraft techniques, orchestra techniques and skills, and Musical Theatre terminology. In addition, students will learn aspects of the history of Musical Theatre. These are explored through research, classroom activities, and, where relevant, guest resource persons.
Curriculum Organizers and Learning Outcomes
PERFORMANCE OPTION:
Curriculum organizer - terms essential for understanding and performing Musical theatre
It is expected that students will:
• learn / become familiar with General Musical Theatre terminology to an advanced level
• learn / become familiar with Auditorium Musical Theatre terminology to an advanced level
• learn / become familiar with Backstage Musical Theatre terminology to an advanced level
• demonstrate, through a performance and application in rehearsal settings, an
understanding of Musical theatre terminology to an advanced level
Curriculum organizer - types of Musical Theatre Production
It is expected that students will:
• analyze what is musical comedy or musical drama
• explore the background of the musical chosen for performance
• evaluate the use of dialogue and recitative in the musical chosen for performance
• gain knowledge of how literature is transformed into musical theatre drama
Curriculum organizer - aspects of the history of Musical Theatre
It is expected that students will:
• identify the stage in the development of Musical Theatre where the musical chosen for
performance fits
• complete a webquest activity related to the history of Musical Theatre as relevant to the
the musical chosen for performance
• explore the background of the composer and author or librettist of the musical chosen for
performance
• analyze the music style and techniques used in the musical chosen for performance
• demonstrate an understanding the story of the musical chosen for performance
Curriculum organizer -the Musical Theatre team
It is expected that students will:
• identify the members of the Musical Theatre Production team
• understand the functions of each of the members of the Musical Theatre Production team
• prepare "applications/resumes" that demonstrate an understanding of the functions of each
of the members of the Musical Theatre Production team
• research the roles and responsibilities of the members of the production team as they are
relevant to the musical chosen for performance
Curriculum organizer - acting, music, and choreography activities
It is expected that students will:
• participate in a variety of activities relating to an advanced development of acting, music and choreography skills
• demonstrate an understanding of what takes to create a dramatic situation
Curriculum organizer - stage geography
It is expected that students will:
• identify the basic areas of a stage
• demonstrate a working understanding of the areas of a stage in rehearsal and
performance
• understand the functions of each stage area and how they may be utilized in the musical
chosen for performance
Curriculum organizer - performing techniques and acting skills
It is expected that students will:
• participate in a variety of activities relating to the further development of acting and skills
including use of the body and voice
• demonstrate skills in both verbal and nonverbal communication (projecting voice, speaking
clearly and physicalizing their emotions and thoughts)
• become familiar with the process of oral interpretation
• demonstrate an understanding of basic stage "positions"
• demonstrate an understanding of basic acting techniques
• learn ensemble cooperation through scene study
• participate in movement activities that connect to the different actions and emotions that are
presented as a major focus in the story of the musical chosen for performance
• participate in activities that help the actor to personalize and develop character (sensory
memory exercises etc.)
• participate in improvisation and theatre games selected to enhance cooperation among
students, provide optimal individual expression and further develop discipline as
individuals and as an ensemble
• focus on collaboration in their creative project, listen to feedback from others, and learn to
take pride in individual accomplishment through an understanding of human behavior
• learn to master the concept of spatial relationships and understand them in both abstract
and and practical terms
• understand how movement and group interaction create mood and evoke emotion
Curriculum organizer - vocal production
It is expected that students will:
• learn several vocal warmups
• participate in group vocal warmups
• participate in vocal production exercises
• learn and develop new levels of vocal production as they examine and perform songs
from the musical chosen for performance
• effectively use breath control, dynamics, phrasing and diction.
Curriculum organizer - preparation and interpretation of a song
It is expected that students will:
• learn songs appropriate to their role(s) in the drama
• express emotions appropriate to song(s)
• understand how music enhances the fundamental dramatic structure to create musical
theatre (initiating, reinforcing and heightening dramatic action in the play)
• understand how the initiating, reinforcing and heightening dramatic action in the play through
music is one of the unique characteristics of musical theatre that sets it apart as a dramatic
form
• become familiar with musical selections, the meanings of their lyrics, and how they add to
the dramatic and emotional dynamics of the musical
• become aware of how song and lyric reflect characters and their interactions with other
characters
• apply character development through song
• demonstrate an understanding of the functions of lyrics and melody and their relationship to
each other
• have the ability to participate and/or the opportunity to perform a musical theatre solo,
duet or ensemble number
• participate in in-class rehearsal and performance of song(s) in a final production
Curriculum organizer - choreography techniques
It is expected that students will:
• participate in a variety of choreography techniques
• demonstrate an understanding of basic choreography terminology
• learn basic dance and stage movement through solo and group routines chosen to
enhance individual strengths
• understand how dance enhances the fundamental dramatic structure to create musical
theatre (initiating, reinforcing and heightening dramatic action in the play)
• understand how the initiating, reinforcing and heightening dramatic action in the play through
music is one of the unique characteristics of musical theatre that sets it apart as a dramatic
form
• increase agility, flexibility and precision in the dance discipline
• develop and practice interpretive dance, character dance and dance improvisation.
• develop and demonstrate a simple choreographed movement sequence
Curriculum organizer - the book
It is expected that students will:
• understand what the "book" of the musical is
• demonstrate an understanding of the elements of "the book" (character, plot, situation,
dialogue, and theme) and how these create the play
TECH / STAGECRAFT OPTION:
Curriculum organizer - terms and definitions essential for understanding Musical theatre
It is expected that students will:
• learn / become familiar with General Musical Theatre terminology to an advanced level
• learn / become familiar with Auditorium Musical Theatre terminology to an advanced level
• learn / become familiar with Backstage Musical Theatre terminology to an advanced level
• demonstrate an understanding of Musical theatre terminology to an advanced level
Curriculum organizer - aspects of the history of Musical Theatre
It is expected that students will:
• identify the stage in the development of Musical Theatre where the musical chosen for
performance fits
• complete a webquest activity related to the history of Musical Theatre as relevant to the
the musical chosen for performance
• explore the background of the composer and author or librettist of the musical chosen for
performance
• analyze the "stagecraft" style and techniques used in the musical chosen for performance
• demonstrate an understanding the story of the musical chosen for performance
Curriculum organizer - stage geography
It is expected that students will:
• identify the basic areas of a stage
• demonstrate a working understanding of the areas of a stage
• understand the functions of each stage area and apply the knowledge to the musical
chosen for performance
Curriculum organizer - sets and scenery decisions
It is expected that students will:
• identify the key elements in making decisions about the set and scenery concepts and design by reading, analyzing, and discussing the script of the musical chosen for performance
• view examples of set designs and analyze their strengths and weaknesses
• demonstrate an understanding of the key elements in making decisions about the set and scenery concepts and design
• design a set and scenery plot for the current production
• demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of the person responsible for this aspect of the Musical Theatre production
• complete an application form for assuming the responsibilities for this aspect of the production (if interested in this aspect of the production)
Curriculum organizer - makeup and costumes
It is expected that students will:
• identify the key elements in making decisions about the make-up and costume concepts and design by reading, analyzing, and discussing the script of the musical chosen for performance
• view examples of make-up and costume designs and analyze their strengths and weaknesses
• demonstrate an understanding of the key elements in making decisions about the make-up and costume concepts and design
• design a make-up and costume plot for the current production
• demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of the person responsible for this aspect of the Musical Theatre production
• complete an application form for assuming the responsibilities for this aspect of the production (if interested in this aspect of the production)
Curriculum organizer - lighting and sound
It is expected that students will:
• identify the key elements in making decisions about the lighting and sound concepts and design by reading, analyzing, and discussing the script of the musical chosen for performance
• view examples of lighting and sound designs and analyze their strengths and weaknesses
• demonstrate an understanding of the key elements in making decisions about the lighting and sound concepts and design
• design a lighting and sound plot for the current production
• demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of the person responsible for this aspect of the Musical Theatre production
• complete an application form for assuming the responsibilities for this aspect of the production (if interested in this aspect of the production)
Curriculum organizer - properties
It is expected that students will:
• identify the key elements in making decisions about the properties concepts and design by reading, analyzing, and discussing the script of the musical chosen for performance
• view examples of properties designs and analyze their strengths and weaknesses
• demonstrate an understanding of the key elements in making decisions about the properties concepts and design
• design a properties plot for the current production
• demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of the person responsible for this aspect of the Musical Theatre production
• complete an application form for assuming the responsibilities for this aspect of the production (if interested in this aspect of the production)
Curriculum organizer - front of house
It is expected that students will:
• identify the front -of- house staff for a musical theatre production
• demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of the front -of- house staff for a musical theatre production
• demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of the person responsible for this aspect of the Musical Theatre production
• complete an application form for assuming the responsibilities for this aspect of the production (if interested in this aspect of the production)
Curriculum organizer - set construction diagrams and models
It is expected that students will:
• identify the key elements in making decisions about the construction of set models by reading, analyzing, and discussing the script of the musical chosen for performance
• view examples of set models and analyze their strengths and weaknesses
• demonstrate an understanding of the key elements in making decisions about the set models concepts and design
• design a set model for the current production
Curriculum organizer - tech specs. and prompt books
It is expected that students will:
• understand the function of set specs and prompt books
• demonstrate an understanding of set specs and prompt books
• prepare set specs and a prompt book for the element of the Musical Theatre production for which they are responsible (e.g. lighting, sound etc.)
• the Stage manager will prepare a complete prompt book that includes the entire sets of cues, notes etc. from all elements of the production
Curriculum organizer - theatre safety instruction course (Abbey Arts Centre staff)
It is expected that students will:
• attend the mandatory theatre safety course required by the theatre in which the final performances of the Musical Theatre production will be given
• demonstrate an understanding of theatre safety
Unit 2: (Auditions) Overview
Students in the on-stage performance option will learn about the "audition process" including the stages of the audition process, what constitutes a "good and bad audition", and how to prepare for an audition. Students in the on-stage performance option will participate in an audition. Students in the "stagecraft option" will learn about the job " qualifications" of the stagecraft aspect of a musical theatre production and will submit an "application" for the stagecraft responsibility in which they are interested in holding. Each "stagecraft option" student will attend an interview with the Director to complete the application for assuming responsibility for their chosen aspect of the production.
Curriculum Organizers and Learning Outcomes
Curriculum Organizer - Character Descriptions
It is expected that students will:
• determine the vocal, speaking and acting demands needed for the various roles in the
musical chosen for performance
• students will understand how to prepare for the audition by understanding character
requirements through: comments by the playwright, comments by other characters,
comments by the character in the script, comments by the directors
• demonstrate the understanding of character requirements through: comments by the
playwright, comments by other characters, comments by the character in the script,
comments by the directors
• demonstrate an awareness of the "objective" of the character in each scene
Curriculum Organizer - Cuttings
It is expected that students will:
• students will understand how to prepare for the audition by using cuttings (selected audition materials from the Musical to be presented)
• demonstrate an understanding of preparing for the audition by using cuttings (selected audition materials from the Musical to be presented)
Curriculum Organizer - Announcements
It is expected that students will:
• understand the importance of reading posted announcements for auditions
• demonstrate the reading of posted announcements for auditions
Curriculum Organizer - Audition Forms
It is expected that students will:
• demonstrate an understanding of what is required when completing the audition form
• complete an audition form
Curriculum Organizer - Auditions
It is expected that students will:
• demonstrate preparation for the audition (senior students auditioning for "lead roles" will
demonstrate an advanced level of preparation, character awareness, vocal, dance and
acting abilities)
• attend the audition
Curriculum Organizer - Callbacks
It is expected that students will:
• understand the function of the callback audition
• demonstrate preparation for the callback audition (if selected to do so)(senior students
auditioning for "lead roles" will demonstrate an advanced level of preparation, character
awareness, vocal, dance and acting abilities)
• attend the callback audition (if selected to do so)
Unit 3: (Rehearsal Process) Overview
Students in the on-stage performance option will learn about the rehearsal process including: rehearsal expectations, rehearsal format, warm-up activities, play orientation, blocking, developing character, read-throughs, blocking and line rehearsals, working rehearsals, run-throughs and polishing rehearsals, and dress rehearsals. The stagecraft option students will learn about and participate in "paper tech" preparations, "dry tech" rehearsals, "wet tech" rehearsals, and dress rehearsals. The Orchestra option will analyze the musical score and rehearse the score to performance standards.
Curriculum Organizers and Learning Outcomes
Curriculum Organizer - Rehearsal expectations
It is expected that students will:
• Understand the standard set of rules for conducting the rehearsals (rehearsal expectations)
• Demonstrate an understanding of the standard set of rules for conducting the rehearsals
• Demonstrate leadership in the development and maintenance of an appropriate rehearsal
"code of behavior"
Curriculum Organizer - Rehearsal Format
It is expected that students will:
• Understand the standard format for conducting the rehearsals
• Demonstrate an understanding of the format for conducting the rehearsals
Curriculum Organizer - Warm-up Activities
It is expected that students will:
• Understand the function of warm-up activities
• Participate in warmup activities
• lead warmup activities
Curriculum Organizer - Play Orientation
It is expected that students will:
• attend the initial gathering of the cast to explain policies, rehearsal schedules etc.
• discuss the concept of the production
• discuss the directing approach
• demonstrate an understanding of concept of the production and directing approach
• contribute to the orientation of the play by showing a knowledge and understanding of the
play at this initial stage of rehearsal
Curriculum Organizer - Blocking
It is expected that students will:
• develop an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal process
• demonstrate an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal process
Curriculum Organizer - Developing Character
It is expected that students will:
• develop an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal process
• demonstrate an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal process
• display the development of character through written, verbal and performance
demonstrations (write a character sketch, discuss the character etc.) - this will be repeated at a
later stage of the rehearsal process
• demonstrate an understanding of how dance and music enhance dramatic structure to
create musical theatre
• demonstrate an awareness of the "objective" of the character in each scene and throughout
the play as a whole
• demonstrate an understanding of the conflict between characters, and the various events
that bring about the resolution of that conflict
• become familiar with musical selections from the musical chosen for presentation, the
meanings of their lyrics, and how they add to the dramatic and emotional dynamics of the
musical
Curriculum Organizer - Read-Throughs
It is expected that students will:
• develop an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal process
• demonstrate an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal process
• conduct (lead) "read -throughs" in a formal or informal situation
Curriculum Organizer - Blocking and Line Rehearsals
It is expected that students will:
• develop an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal process
• demonstrate an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal process
• "lead through example" in learning blocking and lines
Curriculum Organizer - Working Rehearsals
It is expected that students will:
• develop an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal process
• demonstrate an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal process
• "lead through example" in conducting and/or participating in working rehearsals in an
efficient, productive manner
Curriculum Organizer - Run throughs, Polishing Rehearsals and Dress Rehearsals
It is expected that students will:
• develop an understanding of these phases of the rehearsal process
• demonstrate an understanding of these phases of the rehearsal process
• "lead through example" in conducting and/or participating in these rehearsals in an
efficient, productive manner
Curriculum Organizer - Technical/Stagecraft Option
It is expected that students will:
• understand the function of the paper tech, dry tech, and wet tech phases of rehearsals
• demonstrate an understanding of paper tech, dry tech, and wet tech phases of rehearsals
• attend all meetings and rehearsals relevant to these phases of the production
• develop a sense of teamwork and leadership
• realize that creating "art" for the stage is a collaboration of talents, people and teamwork
• demonstrate the collaboration of talents, people and teamwork
Curriculum Organizer - Orchestra Option
It is expected that students will:
• understand the function of the orchestra in a musical play
• engage in solo practice of the musical material for their instrument
• attend all orchestra rehearsals in preparation for the play
Unit 4: (Performance) Overview
Students will perform in a full - scale Musical Theatre performance. This includes "Preview performances" and final performances.
Curriculum Organizers and Learning Outcomes
Curriculum Organizer - Preview performances
It is expected that students will:
• participate in the preview performances of the musical theatre production
• participate in a post-preview assessment of the performance
• attend any post-preview rehearsals called by the Directors
Curriculum Organizer - Final performances
It is expected that students will:
• participate in the final performances of the musical theatre production
• participate in a post - performance assessment of the performance
• return all materials to the appropriate Directors or backstage staff
• complete a final log book analysis of their own and peers' performance
Unit 5: (Log Book) Overview
Throughout the course, students will be required to maintain a log book record of their Musical Theatre experience. This will include a time record, an activity record, and personal reflections.
Curriculum Organizers and Learning Outcomes
Curriculum Organizer - Musical Theatre Log Books
It is expected that students will:
• understand the function of the log book
• demonstrate an understanding of the function of the log book
• complete the log book
Instructional Components:
• direct instruction
• indirect instruction
• interactive instruction
• independent instruction
• modeling
• brainstorming
• individual and group work
• webquests
• videotape
• theatre visits
• analysis of own and classmates' work
• guest "resource persons"
Assessment Components:
First Report: An interim mark will be issued. This mark will consist of evaluations based on the following:
Tests and assignments 20%
Classwork including performance and/or technical stagecraft activities 50%
Musical Theatre Log Books 30%
Second Report: An second report mark will be issued. This mark will consist of evaluations based on the following:
Classwork including Final performance and/or technical/stagecraft activities 70%
Musical Theatre Log Books 30%
Final Mark: A final mark will be issued. This mark will consist of evaluations based on the following:
First Report mark 25%; Second Report mark 75%
Performance Methods
• Written work (e.g. character study, log book evaluation, play review) - teacher and / or peer evaluation
• Webquest research assignments (teacher evaluation)
• Peer evaluation memorization check.
• Scene presentation (student/teacher evaluation)
• Mime/improvs/acting and vocal skills/technical theatre projects (student/teacher/peer) participation
• Projects
• Students will keep a log book including time and activity accountability and personal reflections. (Teacher evaluation)
• Musical Theatre performance. (on stage, orchestral or back stage) - Teacher evaluation
Personal Communication
• Group dialogue
• student/instructor dialogue
• logbook reflection
• self-evaluation
• peer evaluation
Other
• tests/quizzes
• teacher records
• rubrics
Learning Resources: Texts: All About Musical Theatre, The Stage and The School, Appreciating Musicals
References:
Ganzl's Book of Musical Theatre
Internet resources
Additional Information:
As students gain basic knowledge and practical experience in Musical Theatre as they progress through the Grade 9 and 10 courses, it is expected that these students will proceed from chorus to lead/principal as they grow as performers. Similarly, the technical/stagecraft students will progress from "assistants" in their areas of technical application to designers and crew chiefs.
Musical Theatre 11 is the next to last in a progression of courses for students taking Musical Theatre 9 and 10 . While many points in the Musical Theatre 11 curriculum are similar to the Grade 9, and 10 courses, higher level expectations, specific responsibilities and more opportunity for lead/principal roles are included in the Grade 11 curriculum. The level of learning in Musical Theatre 11 will be greater and more challenging than that of the Grade 9 and 10 courses. In addition to the added rehearsal time, line and song learning requirements, and leadership responsibilities, it is expected that students will utilize a degree of higher level acting techniques, character development techniques requiring more time, maturity and a greater understanding.
While students may enter Musical Theatre 11 without having been enrolled in earlier Musical Theatre courses, the foundation work and experience gained in the earlier courses could make it difficult for newcomers to achieve the expectations required by the Grade 11 course.
