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Unit in Musical Theatre Curriculum

Introduction to Musical Theatre

Created by Drama Teacher Academy

3 lessons

In this unit, students will be introduced to the musical theatre form by asking and answering the question “What is a musical?” They will learn and demonstrate knowledge of musical theatre vocabulary terms. They will be introduced to two foundational songs in the musical form: the “I want” song and the “I am” song and analyze an example of each song. They will also start to think about their own voices and reflect on their skill set and confidence level with regard to singing in front of others. Students will learn the musical theatre warm-up that will be used throughout the curriculum. This set of exercises will help students prepare to perform through a physical and voice warm-up. Finally, students will watch, discuss and analyze one or two musicals (depending on your time and access to materials).

Start here
The overview lays out the objective for the unit, including materials, assessment tools, and pacing.
  1. 1
    Lesson 1
    What is a Musical?
    In this lesson, students will establish a working definition of the musical theatre form as well as test their prior knowledge of musical theatre vocabulary terms. Students will explore three building blocks of the musical: different types of musicals; the concept of speak, sing, dance; and the difference between two key songs often found in the musical, the “I want” and the “I am” song. Lastly, students will start to think about their own voices and reflect on their skill set and confidence level with regard to singing in front of others.
  2. 2
    Lesson 2
    The Musical Theatre Warm-up
    In this lesson, you will guide students step by step through a full body musical theatre warm-up that will cover both physical and vocal warm-ups. Students will execute sections of this warm-up in every class, depending on what is expected in the lesson. Students will also be expected to teach sections of this warm-up in upcoming units.
  3. 3
    Lesson 3
    Musical Viewing, Discussion, and Analysis
    In this lesson, students will watch a musical (or two), complete a viewing quiz, and discuss what they observed.

Standards Addressed

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6

Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 8

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient

Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished

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