MUSICAL THEATRE SYLLABUS

James Bowie High School Theatre Department

Meeting Time: 5^th period

Betsy Cornwell and Marco Bazan, Instructors

dcornwell@austinisd.org mbazan@austinisd.org 512-414-2343

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The following are examples of topics to be covered by the course:

• Musical Theater and the expression of emotions
• Audition techniques for the musical theatre
• Musical Theatre staging principles
• Interpretation of music and dialogue
• Musical Theatre stage characterizations
• The rehearsal and performance of Musical Theatre
• Composers and their lyrics for musical theater
• The business of musical theater
• Musical comedy
• Musical theater in film
• Operas/ Operetta
• The history and social importance of musical theater

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Promptness is expected. No excuses.

Come prepared daily with all required materials and assignments.

Wear comfortable clothes that will facilitate, not hinder, movement.

Participation in all activities is required, not an option.

When in doubt, ask the instructor, Never assume.

The instructor dismisses you, not the bell. Work until that time.

No food or drinks in the classroom and theatre. Ever.

No cell phones during class time.

Respect the classroom space and everything in it, including your peers and instructor.

GRADING PROCEDURES

50 % TECHNIQUE-weekly participation grade for attendance and work on ALL activities

25% WRITTEN WORK- performance critiques, character analysis, compositions

25% PROJECTS- all performance and/or group projects as evaluated by instructors

ATTENDANCE

In-class rehearsal and performance, group projects, audio and video examples and discussion constitute a large portion of class assignments. Therefore, attendance is mandatory.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Student is required to participate in all Musical Theatre projects at James Bowie High School, either as a performer or member of stage crew.

Student must evaluate at least one (1) musical theatre or one (1) film musical performance each semester.

EXTRA CREDIT

Student may obtain extra credit by participating in a Starlight Theatre Company production as an usher or member of the cast or crew. Student may also receive extra credit for a STC production or any local theatrical production by proving attendance or participation.