In this class, learners will get to explore their passion for musical theater in depth by focusing on a show a week and discussing what they love about it.  We will explore the plot, creative decisions, and history behind the show.  Learners will listen to the music and respond to it by posting weekly in the classroom and completing interactive Nearpod activities related to the history of the show and ways that learners interpret and critique it.  I teach flex classes by posting the Nearpod with embedded video weekly on Sunday.  Learners will complete and respond to each other and me in the classroom and on Nearpod throughout the week as they listen to that week's musical.  My teaching style is relaxed and Socratic.  I like to ask questions to get learners thinking and drawing their own conclusions!  The more interactive students are, the more enjoyable their class experience will be.  
Week 1:
We'll start with the musical Aida, which is based on the opera of the same name.  We'll tie in what learners already know about Egyptian history.
Week 2:
This week we will focus on Greek mythology and Hadestown:  The Musical.  We'll explore the themes and how they apply to ancient Greek culture.
Week 3:
This week we will focus on Six:  The Musical.  We'll look at Tudor history and apply it to the show.  We'll look at ways creators can add a modern twist to what we think we know about history.
Week 4:
This week, we'll explore Hamilton:  An American Musical and how it relates to the American Revolution.  We'll compare it to classic theater and discuss how what is popular changes over time.
Week 5:
This week, we'll learn a bit about French history with Les Miserables.  We'll explore the various themes and how they are portrayed in the show.
Week 6:
We'll explore the classic, Annie!
Week 7:
We'll look at the importance of fantasy this week with Into the Woods.  
Week 8:
We'll finish up this week with Wicked.  We'll explore some of the themes in this show.
There is no required prior knowledge here, although learners will be expected to have listened to the cast recording of the show prior to completing each week's Nearpod presentation.