Musical Theatre

Students will listen to and analyze a podcast musical called 36 Questions by Christopher Littler and Ellen Winter, starring Jonathan Groff and Jessie Shelton. This lesson is intended for senior grades only (11 & 12). Please see content warning in the lesson plan (p.1).

Students will understand how they can identify and create their own musical tactics and interpretation of a song by breaking down its music and lyrics. Students will build upon/review their understanding of basic music terminology and apply it to performance.

In musicals, it is important to remember that acting does not stop when the music begins. In this lesson, students will learn to find meaning behind the lyrics of a song so that they can convey the character’s feelings while performing.

Students will block/stage their original musicals by planning and rehearsing the movement for the dialogue.

In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 6.

In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 3.

In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 5.

Use this lesson plan as a response activity connected to viewing a video of a musical in class. For example: At the end of semester or if you need a lesson plan during tech week - watch the musical and then do the exercise.

After viewing a musical, students will exhibit their ability to analyze a specific character from a musical by creating a visual character profile.

Students will choreograph their original musicals by planning and rehearsing the movement for each song.

In this series of lessons, students will use class time to work in groups to create as many musical components as they can given the time available.

In this lesson, students will finish watching Dreamgirls (if you need additional time) and complete a devising activity based on the film.

In this lesson, students will finish watching Sweeney Todd (if you need additional time) and complete a devising activity based on the film.

In these two lessons, we continue viewing Dreamgirls. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.

In this ELP, students complete a Fallen Phrase Puzzle using quotes from musicals.

In this ELP, students participate in an online masterclass on directing and complete a viewing quiz.

Students will evaluate their performances in their original musicals.

Students will rehearse and perform a scene plus song incorporating specific movement. After the performance, students will complete a self-assessment checklist.

By viewing this documentary, students explore Broadway’s history from the vaudeville shows and operettas of the 20th century to 21st-century extravaganzas such as Hairspray and Wicked. In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 1.

Students will read the description of a musical then break into groups to create a poster for the show. Each group will present their poster to the class and explain their representation. Note: This lesson works well if students have had a basic introduction to musical theatre.

In this lesson, students will explore how to make their own Broadway musical through improvisation. Broadway musicals like The Book of Mormon, Urinetown, and Forbidden Broadway were developed from improvised work. Students will learn how to improvise an original musical in front of an
audience. There are excellent opportunities for both the singer and non-singer who wants to explore improv like never before. This is also a great opportunity for singers to become far more confident with their performances. There are hands-on activities for students at all levels.

This is the last lesson before students present their pieces for assessment.

Students will demonstrate an understanding of improv guidelines by using them in an exercise. This is an introductory improv lesson that is designed to build upon the actors’ tools in future lessons.

In this lesson, we define devised theatre and use a piece of music for students to create their own performance inspired by the music.

In this lesson, we define musical theatre and spend a little bit of time on the history and structure. Students also receive information on their performance and their independent written projects.

Students will explore the different theatre conventions through various activities and then apply this knowledge to musical theatre by viewing musical theatre numbers.

Students will demonstrate their understanding of actable verbs by using them in a scene. They will be introduced to the concepts of motivation, objective, and tactics.

Students will demonstrate their ability to move like an inanimate object by performing a scene.

Students will showcase what they have learned about their musical theatre topic in a museum exhibit. Students will also learn about additional musical theatre topics by viewing other exhibits and answering questions found in the Museum Exhibit Questionnaire Book.

In this lesson, we begin viewing Dreamgirls. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.

In this lesson, we begin viewing Sweeney Todd. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.

Students will demonstrate their ability to use physical variety by utilizing three levels of physicalizing emotions to music.

Students will demonstrate their ability to find occupation while waiting by performing a scene.

Students present their original musicals components for assessment.

Students will apply everything they have worked on throughout this unit: writing, choreography, blocking, and rehearsing.

Students will demonstrate their ability to physically achieve an objective by using their bodies in a musical scene.

In this lesson, we try a different devised theatre technique using a photograph to inspire students to create their own performance.

In this lesson, students will present their devising pieces and prepare to watch the next musical, Dreamgirls.

In this lesson, students will finish watching Singin’ in the Rain (if you need additional time) and complete a devising activity based on the film.

In this lesson, students will present their devising pieces and prepare to watch the next musical, Sweeney Todd.

In this lesson, students will present their devising pieces and prepare to create their own musicals.

Students will be able to identify musical dynamic markings that will allow them to vocally interpret the music effectively. Understanding musical dynamic markings will help you navigate a song, and you can do this even if you do not read music.

Students will rehearse their original musicals, putting finishing touches and memorizing lines, blocking, and movement.

Students will demonstrate their understanding of simple action by performing or coaching the performer to deliver a love poem while using three simple actions.

Students will demonstrate their understanding of situational movement by performing a scene.

In these two lessons, we continue viewing Sweeney Todd. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.

Students will demonstrate their understanding of the body’s importance to an actor.

In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 2.

In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 4.

Part of the audition process is preparation. And that is not just memorizing a single monologue or one song. It’s preparing a wide variety of material for a variety of situations. By preparing an audition portfolio, students will be ready for any type of audition that may arise. The portfolio will also help students explore different genres of musical theatre.

Making a first impression is the most important part of an audition. By learning to slate with confidence, students will learn how to introduce themselves in an musical theatre audition.

In these two lessons, we begin and continue viewing Singin’ in the Rain. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.

In Part Two of this unit, students will research the influence of a musical theatre topic in the past and present. Students will apply their knowledge by creating, designing, and presenting a musical theatre museum exhibit.

Students will write a musical by adding modern songs to a traditional fairy tale story.