Reflection in Role: Musical Theatre in the Real World

The business of keeping a Broadway show (or any show that’s running for months or years like a national tour) running nonstop for a long period of time requires an extensive support system of people. This lesson offers four different looks into different areas of that extensive support system: Understudies, Swings, and Standbys; Dance Captains; Dressers and the Wardrobe Department; and the Sound Mixer in the Sound Department. Be aware that the roles presented are just a few of the possible theatre roles that can be shared. You may find, or have knowledge of, a different theatrical real-world role you wish to share with students. Use the provided lesson as a template and substitute your own material.

In this lesson, students will watch a variety of Broadway actors in the latest revival of Cabaret answer the question “What’s the best advice you have for someone who wants to perform on Broadway?” Students will analyze the advice given, look for similarities and differences, decide on the best piece of advice for them, and reflect on how this advice could apply to their current work in this class.

Students will, either individually or in groups, research a musical theatre performer and complete a project that demonstrates their knowledge (be it a written response, oral presentation with slide deck/physical display board, or a theatrical moment). As part of their presentation, students will have to perform, either through song or movement, something that the musical theatre performer is known for or has done (for example, a verse from a song in the latest show they were in).