KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY
KUTZTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
COLLEGE OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
MUP/THE 295: MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP
Approved by Department: May 4, 2010
I. Course Description
This is a workshop course in the preparation and presentation of live musical theatre
performances. The course is designed to offer opportunities for singers and instrumentalists to
engage in the experiences, and to develop the skills, associated with performing in musical
theatre productions. The course is open to all students by audition with the Instructor.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor
1 semester hour credit
1 clock hour minimum
II. Course Rationale
Students who are planning to pursue a career in the musical stage need the opportunity to
perform in live musical productions. Music education majors who may accept a teaching
position in which they are assigned to direct school musicals need the experience of being
involved in presenting live shows. Students may enroll in this course and receive credit for a
music ensemble. In addition, the Broadway musical is considered by many to be America’s
major contribution to the theatre world. As an art form, musicals need to be studied and
performed as with other genres of music. This course will fulfill those needs.
III. Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate improved vocal and/or instrumental technique.
2. Demonstrate advanced performance skills.
3. Demonstrate advanced collaborative skills working in ensemble and company.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of terminology and materials associated with musicals.
5. Analyze and describe music and performances.
6. Discuss the musical in relation to history and culture.
IV. Assessment
Assessment of each student’s level of accomplishment with reference to the course objectives
will be based upon a subset of the following:
1. Regular participation and performing.
2.
Level of preparation of the music performed.
3. Regular attendance at all meetings and rehearsals.
4. Attendance at all performances.
V. Course Outline
1.
Initial general full cast meeting. Presentation of the musical in a read-through.
Complete proposed rehearsal schedule. Student conflict sheets.
2. Vocal music rehearsals of the cast. Vocal coaching for individual members.
3. Sectional rehearsals for various individual groups and combinations of groups.
4. Separate rehearsals of the orchestra.
5. Blocking and choreography rehearsals of each scene.
6. Final full run-throughs, tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances of the show.
VI. Instructional Resources
Allensworth, C. The Complete Play Production Handbook. New York: Harper and Row, 1983.
Bering, Rudiger. Musicals: An Illustrated Historical Overview. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s,
1998.
Bloom, Ken, and Frank Vlastnik. Boadway Musicals: The 101 Greatest Shows of All Time.
New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publ., 2008.
Boardman, G. M. American Musical Theatre. New York: Oxford University Press, 1978.
Burgess, Thomas. The Singing and Acting Handbook. New York: Routledge, 1999.
Deer, Joe, and Rocco Dal Vera. Acting in Musical Theatre: A Comprehensive Course. New
York: Routledge, 2008.
Engle, L. Getting the Show On: The Complete Guidebook for Producing a Musical in Your
Theater. New York: Macmillan, 1983.
Flinn, Danny Martin. Musical! A Grand Tour. New York: Schirmer Books, 1997.
Green, Stanley. Broadway Musicals, Show by Show. Milwaukee: Hal Leonard, 2008.
Green, Stanley. Encyclopedia of the Musical Theatre. New York: Da Capo Press, 1980.
Hischak, Thomas. The Oxford Companion to the American Musical. New York: Oxford
University Press, 2008.
Kantor, Michael, and Laurence Maslon. Broadway: The American Musical. New York:
Bulfinch Press, 2004.
Kenrick, John. Musical Theatre: A History. New York: Continuum, 2010.
Kislan, Richard. The Musical: A Look at the American Musical Theater. New York: Applause
Books, 2000.
Melton, Joan. Singing in Musical Theater: The Training of Singers and Actors. New York:
Allworth Press, 2007.
Mitchell, L. A Practical handbook for Producing and Directing the Broadway Musical. Fort
Dodge, IA: Comedia Publishing, 2000.
Moore, Tracey, and Allison Bergman. Acting the Song: Performance Skills for the Musical
Theatre. New York: Allworth Press, 2008.
Sievers, W. D., H. E. Stiver Jr., and S. Kahan. Directing for the Theatre. Dubuque: Wm. C.
Brown, 1976.
Silver, Fred. Auditioning for the Musical Theatre. New York: Penguin, 1988.
Smith, Cecil, and Glenn Litton. Musical Comedy in America. New York: Methuen, 1987.
Tumbusch, Tom. Theatre Student: Complete Production Guide to Modern Musical Theatre.
New York: Richard Rosens Press, 1969.