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Sound · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Musical Theatre Performance

This intense studio course is designed for the “Triple Threat”—the performer who acts, sings, and dances. Students will learn to seamlessly integrate these three disciplines to tell a story. The curriculum focuses on vocal health, “Acting the Song” (treating lyrics as dialogue), and mastering the physical endurance required for high-energy ensemble numbers and solo ballads.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master the technique of "Acting the Song": Transitioning from speech to singing
  2. Develop vocal technique for longevity (Belting vs. Mixing vs. Legit)
  3. Execute standard musical theatre choreography and dance terminology
  4. Build a professional "Audition Book" with 16-bar and 32-bar cuts
  5. Analyze the history of the Broadway Musical from the Golden Age to Hamilton
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01Vocal Anatomy & Health for Singers
  2. 02The Golden Age: Rodgers & Hammerstein
  3. 03Acting the Song: Lyrics as Monologue
  4. 04Vocal Styles: Legit/Classical vs. Belt
  5. 05The Ballad: Stillness & Vulnerability
  6. 06The Up-Tempo: Energy & Focus
  7. 07Duets & Scene into Song Transitions
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Dance for Actors: The Broadway Jazz Style
  10. 10The "I Want" Song: Character Motivation
  11. 11Sondheim & Complexity: Rhythm & Patter
  12. 12The Pop/Rock Musical: Rent to Hamilton
  13. 13Audition Technique: The 16-Bar Cut
  14. 14Working with an Accompanist
  15. 15The Business of Broadway: Casting
  16. 16Final Project: Musical Showcase Performance

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: Musical Showcase Performance

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Acting the Song: Performance Skills for the Musical Theatre by Tracey Moore
  2. The Ensemblist's Guide to Musical Theatre
  3. Musical Theatre: A History by John Kenrick
  4. Singing in Musical Theatre: The Training of Singers and Actors by Joan Melton
  5. Get the Callback: The Art of Auditioning for Musical Theatre by Jonathan Flom
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