Mus 330-MUSIC THEATER WORKSHOP

Quarter:
Time:
MUS 330
Room: Lincoln Hall / Instructor: Amy Jo Halliday
Office Hours:
Phone:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this workshop, we will identify and practice singing techniques (breath control, diction, timbre, style), acting techniques, character development, dance styles, ensemble work, and strategies for preparing a role in musical theater. Students will be cast in a variety of scenes and will prepare their roles for performance and assessment in subsequent class meetings. While solo scenes will be introduced on occasion, the majority will involve interaction with 1-3 other characters. Scenes will be chosen to illustrate different singing and acting styles: from operettas, the Era of Tin Pan Alley (Kern, Gershwin, Porter), and Mid-Century productions (Rodgers and Hammerstein), to “Classical” Approaches (Bernstein, Sondheim), the Sixties and Seventies (Rock-inspired), and contemporary productions (post-Rent). In addition, students will develop their roles with a full understanding of the production—its creators and historical context, characters, narrative, and landmark recordings and performances.

OBJECTIVES: To facilitate the student’s development as a creative artist with an ability to think critically, understand the historical context and stylistic considerations of a variety of musical theater works, and to foster a respect for peers and fellow performers.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will demonstrate knowledge of different singing, acting, and dancing styles in musical theater history; develop a process for preparing a role; learn to work with other actors collaboratively; and communicate effectively through song.

MATERIALS: Scores, readings, and audio examples will be distributed in class and made available on D2L. The textbook, Singing in Musical Theatre: The Training of Singers and Actors by Joan Melton is required.

SCHEDULE (subject to change):

Day / Date / Subjects / Assignment
1 / 9/28 / Introduction to course, Exercises in vocal technique / Melton readings
2 / 10/5 / Operetta / Lehár, Herbert
3 / 10/12 / The Era of Tin Pan Alley / Kern, Gershwin, Porter
4 / 10/19 / Mid-Century Productions / Rodgers and Hammerstein
5 / 10/26 / Mid-Century Productions / Rodgers and Hammerstein
6 / 11/2 / “Classical” Approaches / Bernstein, Sondheim
7 / 11/9 / Sixties and Seventies / Bock, Strouse
8 / 11/16 / Sixties and Seventies / MacDermot, Lloyd Webber
9 / 11/23 / Contemporary Productions / Larson, Disney
10 / 11/30 / Contemporary Productions / Trask, Sheik, Stew
TBD / Final performance and written exam

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION

Scenes (60%) / Performance and overall contribution to each scene. Students will be evaluated according to criteria sheet passed out in class.
Attendance and participation (10%) / Ongoing attendance and active participation in scenes.
Quizzes (15%) and Final Exam (15%) / Two graded quizzes related to your knowledge of assigned musical theater scenes. Final exam will assess your knowledge of assigned musical scenes from the entire quarter.

GRADING SCALE: This course utilizes the university’s differentiated grading system and specific letter grades are defined below. An overall grade of “Incomplete” will only be considered in extraordinary cases and needs to be requested.

A = 93+ A- = 90-92 B+ = 87-89 B = 83-86 B- = 80-82 C+ = 77-79

C = 73-76 C- = 70-72 D+ = 67-69 D = 63-66 D- = 60-62 F = 59 and below

ONLINE RESOURCES: Additional materials and music examples will be posted on the D2L website before each class meeting.

DISABILITY: If you need accommodations, please register with the Disability Resource Center and talk to me as soon as possible.

EXPECTATIONS: Students are expected to attend all classes, arrive on time, and remain for the entire class duration. Since each class will be devoted to performance and group assessment, your attendance is required at all class meetings. Previously scheduled performances will only be considered if you discuss the situation with me during the first week of the quarter. If other problems arise, please talk with me as soon as possible.

I expect you to observe normal classroom etiquette (e.g., paying attention, being courteous to other students, etc.). All students must abide by the “PSU Student Conduct Code”which strictly prohibits: “All forms of academic dishonesty, cheating, and fraud, including but not limited to: (a) plagiarism, (b) the buying and selling of course assignments and research papers, (c) performing academic assignments (including tests and examinations) for other persons, (d) unauthorized disclosure and receipt of academic information and (e) falsification of research data” (#577-031-0136). Finally, materials posted on the D2L website are meant for classroom use and studying. These materials should not be distributed to anyone outside of class or uploaded to other websites.