Welcome to Musical Theatre 101: Building a Better Performer!

Being in a musical is FUN!   But before you put on the costumes and makeup and the curtain rises, you must know what it takes to be a successful performer.  This class will help students build a solid foundation for being a musical theatre performer. 
Through the use of lectures, games, slides, and discussion, we will cover the basic topics of singing, acting and dancing during this semester.  We will culminate our time together with the performance of a mini monologue and song by each student. 

(The order of each week is subject to change)  
*SUMMER CAMP EDITION WILL COMBINE THESE WEEKS*
Week 1 - Introductions and Discovering Musical Theatre - Students will discover how musical theatre is an exciting, contemporary art form that involves telling stories through the seamless integration of dialogue, song, and dance.
Week 2 - Storytelling in Musicals - Students will learn about the “emotional staircase” and how it’s the basis of storytelling in musical theatre.
Week 3 - Music in Musicals - Part 1 - Students will develop an understanding of how music is used to convey character and emotion, and how that understanding can help strengthen and inform their acting choices.
Week 4 - Music in Musicals - Part 2 - Students will continue their understanding of how to let the music inform their acting choices.
Week 5 - Singing in Musicals - Part 1 - Students will develop an understanding of how the voice works and basic vocal technique as it relates to singing musical theatre.
Week 6 - Singing in Musicals - Part 2 -  Students will continue their exploration of proper singing techniques with a focus on articulators (shaping the sound).
Week 7 - Dance and Movement - Part 1 - Students will explore how dance and movement contribute to storytelling in musical theatre. They will also become comfortable and familiar with basic choreography.
Week 8 - Dance and Movement - Part 2 - Students will add to their choreography toolkit, then use that toolkit to create original choreography and share it with the class.
Week 9 - Acting the Song - Part 1 - Students will explore the importance of “acting a song” as opposed to just performing a song. They will begin to integrate the skills they’ve learned so far into a cohesive, authentic performance.
Week 10 - Acting the Song - Part 2 - Students will continue their understanding of how to interpret a song with a focus on song structure, intent, and movement.
Week 11 - Choosing the Song - Students will begin to prepare for a small performance at the end of the semester by choosing a solo song and creating a performance rubric. (we will actually choose their performance song earlier in the semester)
Week 12 - Rehearsal - Students will continue to work on their solo numbers, and make preparations for their performance.
Week 13 - Performance - Students will present the song they have been working on throughout the semester.