Theatre 492: Musical Theatre Performance
Spring 2005

Description:
A survey of the American Musical Theatre, its origins and development, and the acquisition of skills necessary to prepare a song and a role in an audition or a musical production.

Texts:
On Singing Onstage by David Craig (Applause Books, 1990)
A Performer Prepares by David Craig (Applause Books, 1993)

Objectives
This course will examine the philosophy of the American Musical Theatre and provide students with practical applications of dramatic, musical and choreographic techniques used in the Musical Theatre form and aid the student in the preparation of audition and performance materials by the integration of basic performance elements.

Grading
Grading is based on individual growth and development and on individual effort, class participation, character analysis, audition piece, scene work, and quizzes. The breakdown of the class grade is as follows:

1. Character Analysis-- 20%
2. Solo Piece-- 30%
3. Scene-- 30%
4. Musical Ensemble Work/Participation-- 10%
5. Quizzes (2)-- 10%

Requirements

1. Preparation and performance of one solo piece
2. Preparation and performance of one scene
3. Participation in a class musical ensemble number
4. Participation in an evening public Musical Theatre Showcase (April 27)
5. Two typewritten character analyses (5 pages in length) with beat and intention breakdown, personal paraphrase and phrasing of lyrics. (solo analysis due February 18, scene analysis due March 21)
   note: all songs, auditions pieces and analysis work must be kept in a three ring binder
6. Quizzes (February 7 and March 18)

Attendance
Since this is a practical performance course strongly oriented towards group activity, ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. A total of three (3) absences will be permitted. Each succeeding absence will lower the final course grade average by one point.