GRADE 10
(Detailed Course Description) YVPA-0AMTH
BAA Musical Theatre 10 YVPA-0AMTH
District Name: Abbotsford
District Number: 034
Developed by: Allen Reynolds, Ray Dencer
Date Developed: January 2004 (Revised 2009)
School Name: Yale Secondary
Principal's Name: Bruce Nicholson
Board/Authority Approval Date: Feb. 2004 (Revised 2009)
Board/Authority Signature:
Course Name: Musical Theatre
Grade Level of Course: Grade 10
Number of Course Credits: 4
Number of Hours of Instruction: 120
Prerequisite(s): None
Special Training, Facilities or Equipment Required:
Piano, Rehearsal space, Access to Fully Functional Theatre
for performance, Props, Costumes, Sound Equipment.
Teachers will need training and/or experience pertaining to
music drama and stagecraft as it relates to musical
theatre.
Course Synopsis:
Musical Theatre places its emphasis on experiential
learning. The course is intended to provide students with
an understanding of the elements of Musical Theatre,
examining both performance and technical theatre within the
framework of a Musical Theatre Production Company.
Musical Theatre 10 is a course that provides students with
an introduction to the Musical Theatre concept, the history
of Musical Theatre, elementary and / or more advanced
Musical Theatre performance and/or technical techniques,
and offers students the opportunity to participate in a
Musical Theatre production.
This course is offered two days per week "after hours" on a
regular basis, primarily
in the First Semester. Up to four rehearsals per week and a
week of performances are
a mandatory part of this course.
Rationale:
Musical Theatre 10 provides the opportunity to combine
several arts: drama, music, dance and design. It explores
the requirements and limitations peculiar to the genre, and
offers a study of the elements of Musical Theatre.
Goals of the Program
- Develop an interest and love of musical theatre.
- To develop students' ability to be creative,
communicative, and expressive,
interpretive and exploratory.
- To develop self-confidence, self discipline, and the
skills and technical abilities
particular to this form of theatre.
- To develop leadership qualities.
Major Course Objectives
- introduce students to the technical elements of musical
theatre.
- introduce students to a variety of forms of musical
theatre (opera, operetta,
musical comedy, etc.)
- introduce students to the structure of a musical theatre
production company.
- introduce students to performance elements of musical
theatre. (vocal, acting,
choreography, stagecraft, and/or orchestra)
Organizational Structure:
Unit/Topic Title Time
Unit 1 Introduction 20 Hours
Unit 2 Auditions 5
Unit 3 Rehearsal Process 60
Unit 4 Performance 30
Unit 5 Log Book 5
Total Hours 120 hours
Unit/Topic/Module Descriptions:
Unit 1: (Introduction) Overview
Students will become familiar with the elements of Musical
Theatre and the techniques needed to perform in a Musical
theatre production in one of the following capacities:
on-stage performance, orchestra, stagecraft. These elements
include acting skills, vocal techniques and skills,
stagecraft techniques, orchestra techniques and skills, and
Musical Theatre terminology. In addition, students will
learn aspects of the history of Musical Theatre.These are
explored through research, classroom activities, and, where
relevant, guest resource persons.
Curriculum Organizers and Learning Outcomes
PERFORMANCE OPTION:
Curriculum organizer - terms essential for understanding
and performing Musical theatre
It is expected that students will:
• learn / become familiar with General Musical Theatre
terminology
• learn / become familiar with Auditorium Musical Theatre
terminology
• learn / become familiar with Backstage Musical Theatre
terminology
• demonstrate an understanding of Musical theatre
terminology
Curriculum organizer - aspects of the history of Musical
Theatre
It is expected that students will:
• identify the key stages in the development of Musical
Theatre
• complete a webquest activity related to the history of
Musical Theatre
Curriculum organizer -the Musical Theatre team
It is expected that students will:
• identify the members of the Musical Theatre Production
team
• understand the functions of each of the members of the
Musical Theatre Production team
• demonstrate an understanding of the functions of each of
the members of the Musical Theatre Production team
Curriculum organizer - acting, music, and choreography
activities
It is expected that students will:
• participate in a variety of activities relating to the
introductory development of acting, music and choreography
skills
Curriculum organizer - stage geography
It is expected that students will:
• identify the basic areas of a stage
• demonstrate a working understanding of the areas of a
stage
• understand the functions of each stage area
Curriculum organizer - performing techniques and acting
skills
It is expected that students will:
• participate in a variety of activities relating to the
further development of acting and skills including use of
the body and voice
• demonstrate an understanding of basic stage "positions"
• demonstrate an understanding of basic acting techniques
Curriculum organizer - vocal production
It is expected that students will:
• learn several vocal warmups
• participate in group vocal warmups
• participate in vocal production exercises
Curriculum organizer - preparation and interpretation of a
song
It is expected that students will:
• learn songs appropriate to their role(s) in the drama
• express emotions appropriate to song(s)
• participate in in-class rehearsal and performance of
song(s)
Curriculum organizer - choreography techniques
It is expected that students will:
• participate in a variety of choreography techniques
• demonstrate an understanding of basic choreography
terminology
• develop and demonstrate a simple choreographed movement
sequence
TECH / STAGECRAFT OPTION:
Curriculum organizer - terms and definitions essential for
understanding Musical theatre
It is expected that students will:
• learn become familiar with General Musical Theatre
terminology
• learn become familiar with Auditorium Musical Theatre
terminology
• learn become familiar with Backstage Musical Theatre
terminology
• demonstrate an understanding of Musical theatre
terminology
Curriculum organizer - aspects of the history of Musical
Theatre
It is expected that students will:
• identify the key stages in the development of Musical
Theatre
• complete a webquest activity related to the history of
Musical Theatre
Curriculum organizer - stage geography
It is expected that students will:
• identify the basic areas of a stage
• demonstrate a working understanding of the areas of a
stage
• understand the functions of each stage area
Curriculum organizer - sets and scenery decisions
It is expected that students will:
• identify the key elements in making decisions about the
set and scenery concepts and design
• view examples of set designs and analyze their strengths
and weaknesses
• demonstrate an understanding of the key elements in
making decisions about the set and scenery concepts and
design
• design a set and scenery plot for the current production
• demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of
the person responsible for this aspect of the Musical
Theatre production
• complete an application form for assuming the
responsibilities for this aspect of the production (if
interested in this aspect of the production)
Curriculum organizer - makeup and costumes
It is expected that students will:
• identify the key elements in making decisions about the
make-up and costume concepts and design
• view examples of make-up and costume designs and analyze
their strengths and weaknesses
• demonstrate an understanding of the key elements in
making decisions about the make-up and costume concepts and
design
• design a make-up and costume plot for the current
production
• demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of
the person responsible for this aspect of the Musical
Theatre production
• complete an application form for assuming the
responsibilities for this aspect of the production (if
interested in this aspect of the production)
Curriculum organizer - lighting and sound
It is expected that students will:
• identify the key elements in making decisions about the
lighting and sound concepts and design
• view examples of lighting and sound designs and analyze
their strengths and weaknesses
• demonstrate an understanding of the key elements in
making decisions about the lighting and sound concepts and
design
• design a lighting and sound plot for the current
production
• demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of
the person responsible for this aspect of the Musical
Theatre production
• complete an application form for assuming the
responsibilities for this aspect of the production (if
interested in this aspect of the production)
Curriculum organizer - properties
It is expected that students will:
• identify the key elements in making decisions about the
properties concepts and design
• view examples of properties designs and analyze their
strengths and weaknesses
• demonstrate an understanding of the key elements in
making decisions about the properties concepts and design
• design a properties plot for the current production
• demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of
the person responsible for this aspect of the Musical
Theatre production
• complete an application form for assuming the
responsibilities for this aspect of the production (if
interested in this aspect of the production)
Curriculum organizer - front of house
It is expected that students will:
• identify the front -of- house staff for a musical theatre
production
• demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of
the front -of- house staff for a musical theatre production
• demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of
the person responsible for this aspect of the Musical
Theatre production
• complete an application form for assuming the
responsibilities for this aspect of the production (if
interested in this aspect of the production)
Curriculum organizer - set construction diagrams and models
It is expected that students will:
• identify the key elements in making decisions about the
construction of set models
• view examples of set models and analyze their strengths
and weaknesses
• demonstrate an understanding of the key elements in
making decisions about the set models concepts and design
• design a set model for the current production
Curriculum organizer - tech specs. and prompt books
It is expected that students will:
• understand the function of set specs and prompt books
• demonstrate an understanding of set specs and prompt
books
• prepare set specs and a prompt book for the element of
the Musical Theatre production for which they are
responsible (eg. lighting, sound etc)
Curriculum organizer - theatre safety instruction course
(Abbey Arts Centre staff)
It is expected that students will:
• attend the mandatory theatre safety course required by
the theatre in which the final performances of the Musical
Theatre production will be given
• demonstrate an understanding of theatre safety
Unit 2: (Auditions) Overview
Students in the on-stage performance option will learn
about the "audition process" including the stages of the
audition process, what constitutes a "good and bad
audition", and how to prepare for an audition.Students in
the on-stage performance option will participate in an
audition. Students in the "stagecraft option" will learn
about the job " qualifications" of the stagecraft aspect of
a musical theatre production and will submit an
"application" for the stagecraft responsibility in which
they are interested in holding.
Curriculum Organizers and Learning Outcomes
Curriculum Organizer - Character Descriptions
It is expected that students will:
• students will understand how to prepare for the audition
by understanding character requirements through: comments
by the playwright, comments by other characters, comments
by the character in the script, comments by the directors
• demonstrate the understanding of character requirements
through: comments by the playwright, comments by other
characters, comments by the character in the script,
comments by the directors
Curriculum Organizer - Cuttings
It is expected that students will:
• students will understand how to prepare for the audition
by using cuttings (selected audition materials from the
Musical to be presented)
•demonstrated an understanding of preparing for the
audition by using cuttings (selected audition materials
from the Musical to be presented)
Curriculum Organizer - Announcements
It is expected that students will:
• understand the importance of reading posted announcements
for auditions
• demonstrate the reading of posted announcements for
auditions
Curriculum Organizer - Audition Forms
It is expected that students will:
• demonstrate an understanding of what is required when
completing the audition form
• complete an audition form
Curriculum Organizer - Auditions
It is expected that students will:
• demonstrate preparation for the audition
• attend the audition
Curriculum Organizer - Callbacks
It is expected that students will:
• understand the function of the callback audition
• demonstrate preparation for the callback audition (if
selected to do so)
• attend the callback audition (if selected to do so)
Unit 3: (Rehearsal Process) Overview
Students in the on-stage performance option will learn
about the rehearsal process including: rehearsal
expectations, rehearsal format, warm-up activities, play
orientation, blocking, developing character, read-throughs,
blocking and line rehearsals, working rehearsals,
run-throughs and polishing rehearsals, and dress
rehearsals. The stagecraft option students will learn about
and participate in "paper tech" preparations, "dry tech"
rehearsals, "wet tech" rehearsals, and dress rehearsals.
The Orchestra option will analyze the musical score and
rehearse the score to performance standards.
Curriculum Organizers and Learning Outcomes
Curriculum Organizer - Rehearsal expectations
It is expected that students will:
• Understand the standard set of rules for conducting the
rehearsals (rehearsal expectations)
• Demonstrate an understanding of the standard set of rules
for conducting the rehearsals
Curriculum Organizer - Rehearsal Format
It is expected that students will:
• Understand the standard format for conducting the
rehearsals
• Demonstrate an understanding of the format for conducting
the rehearsals
Curriculum Organizer - Warm-up Activities
It is expected that students will:
• Understand the function of warm-up activities
• Participate in warmup activities
Curriculum Organizer - Play Orientation
It is expected that students will:
• attend the initial gathering of the cast to explain
policies, rehearsal schedules etc.
• discuss the concept of the production
• discuss the directing approach
• demonstrate an understanding of concept of the production
and directing approach
Curriculum Organizer - Blocking
It is expected that students will:
• develop an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal
process
• demonstrate an understanding of this phase of the
rehearsal process
Curriculum Organizer - Developing Character
It is expected that students will:
• develop an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal
process
• demonstrate an understanding of this phase of the
rehearsal process
• display the development of character through written,
verbal and performance demonstrations
Curriculum Organizer - Read-Throughs
It is expected that students will:
• develop an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal
process
• demonstrate an understanding of this phase of the
rehearsal process
Curriculum Organizer - Blocking and Line Rehearsals
It is expected that students will:
• develop an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal
process
• demonstrate an understanding of this phase of the
rehearsal process
Curriculum Organizer - Working Rehearsals
It is expected that students will:
• develop an understanding of this phase of the rehearsal
process
• demonstrate an understanding of this phase of the
rehearsal process
Curriculum Organizer - Run throughs, Polishing Rehearsals
and Dress Rehearsals
It is expected that students will:
• develop an understanding of these phases of the rehearsal
process
• demonstrate an understanding of these phases of the
rehearsal process
Curriculum Organizer - Technical/Stagecraft Option
It is expected that students will:
• understand the function of the paper tech, dry tech, and
wet tech phases of rehearsals
• demonstrate an understanding of paper tech, dry tech, and
wet tech phases of rehearsals
• attend all meetings and rehearsals relevant to these
phases of the production
• develop a sense of teamwork and leadership
Curriculum Organizer - Orchestra Option
It is expected that students will:
• understand the function of the orchestra in a musical
play
• engage in solo practice of the musical material for their
instrument
• attend all orchestra rehearsals in preparation for the
play
Unit 4: (Performance) Overview
Students will perform in a full - scale Musical Theatre
performance. This includes "Preview performances" and final
performances.
Curriculum Organizers and Learning Outcomes
Curriculum Organizer - Preview performances
It is expected that students will:
• participate in the preview performances of the musical
theatre production
• participate in a post-preview assessment of the
performance
• attend any post-preview rehearsals called by the
Directors
Curriculum Organizer - Final performances
It is expected that students will:
• participate in the final performances of the musical
theatre production
• participate in a post - performance assessment of the
performance
• return all materials to the appropriate Directors or
backstage staff
• complete a final log book analysis of their own and
peers' performance
Unit 5: (Log Book) Overview
Throughout the course, students will be required to
maintain a log book record of their Musical Theatre
experience. This will include a time record, an activity
record, and personal reflections.
Curriculum Organizers and Learning Outcomes
Curriculum Organizer - Musical Theatre Log Books
It is expected that students will:
• understand the function of the log book
• demonstrate an understanding of the function of the log
book
• complete the log book
Instructional Components:
• direct instruction
• indirect instruction
• interactive instruction
• independent instruction
• modeling
• brainstorming
• individual and group work
• webquests
• videotape
• theatre visits
• analysis of own and classmates' work
• guest "resource persons"
Assessment Components:
First Report: An interim mark will be issued. This mark
will consist of evaluations based on the following:
Tests and assignments 20%
Classwork including performance and/or technical stagecraft
activities 50%
Musical Theatre Log Books 30%
Second Report: An second report mark will be issued. This
mark will consist of evaluations based on the following:
Classwork including Final performance and/or
technical/stagecraft activities 70%
Musical Theatre Log Books 30%
Final Mark: A final mark will be issued. This mark will
consist of evaluations based on the following:
First Report mark 25%; Second Report mark 75%
Performance Methods
• Written work (eg. character study, log book evaluation,
play review) - teacher and / or peer evaluation
• Webquest research assignments (teacher evaluation)
• Peer evaluation memorization check.
• Scene presentation (student/teacher evaluation)
• Mime/improvs/acting and vocal skills/technical theatre
projects (student/teacher/peer) participation
• Projects
• Students will keep a log book including time and activity
accountability and personal reflections. (Teacher
evaluation)
• Musical Theatre performance. (on stage, orchestral or
back stage) - Teacher evaluation
Personal Communication
• Group dialogue
• student/instructor dialogue
• logbook reflection
• self-evaluation
• peer evaluation
Other
• tests/quizzes
• teacher records
• rubrics
Learning Resources:
Texts: All About Musical Theatre, The Stage and The School,
Appreciating Musicals
References:
Ganzl's Book of Musical Theatre
Internet resources
