Musical Theater Syllabus Fall 2010

Musical Theater Syllabus – Fall 2010

Instructor: Mr. Scott Shively Email: [email protected]

Office phone: 720-424-1834 Period 5: Mon & Thurs - 11:30-1:00 and Wed – 10:47-11:30

Required Materials 1. Pencil or pen

2. Folder with pockets 3. Note paper

Description of Course This is a survey course of the history and repertoire of American Musical Theater (Broadway), culminating in a creative group project. Students will gain an understanding about major composers, songs, and shows of the Broadway genre from 1920-2010. Students will learn basic components of musical theater including techniques in singing, acting, dancing, and vocabulary associated with musical theater productions. Activities

1. Singing vocal repertoire from Broadway shows 2. Learning about the history or musical theater

3. Learning basic dance movement 4. Basic note and rhythm reading

5. Research project on a show 6. Group creation of a musical

Grading 1. Group participation and attendance (20%)

2. Research project (20%) 3. Song performance (10%)

4. Quizzes (20%) 5. Musical Questionnaires (10%) 6. Group creative project (20%)

Attendance Attendance is mandatory and students will be given 10 points daily for participation, attendance, punctuality, materials, and attitude. Students will be given one grace absence per quarter (no points deducted). If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to get work or notes missed. Lists

Students should keep a comprehensive list throughout the semester of the following:

1. Major composers 2. Major performers

3. Songs 4. Vocabulary

Questionnaires Students will be asked to see two live or recorded musicals during the semester and fill out a questionnaire given in class. The musical must be viewed during this semester and not a musical they saw in the past. Check your listings for your local community theaters, professional theaters, or your local high school. It must be a show that once existed on Broadway, rather than an adaptation.

Be aware that many film versions of shows are very different from the stage production. Sometimes the plot is changed completely different. Use the film as a guide, but check for differences with the stage version by doing your research.

Research Project

Students will submit a list of three musicals of their choice and present their musical to class orally. Use of visual and aural aids is required. Resources should include books, encyclopedias, CD/DVD jackets and internet. Students should cover the following topics: 1. Background of composer, lyricist, and story writer 2. Date and location of original premiere 3. Five song titles (bring 2 musical examples to play for class) 4. Major characters 5. Plot summary 6. Historical pictures of set, costumes, characters Visual and aural aids can include the following: 1. Poster board 2. Powerpoint 3. Handouts 4. CD samples 5. DVD samples Presentation should not exceed 15 minutes in length

Group Creative Project

Students will incorporate plot elements, songs, dance, and acting into an original musical. Students will be assigned into groups of 5 or 6, with each students taking on a specific role for their project. Musicals will be performed in front of class in mid-December during the final 3 days of class.