Courses
Teaching Musical Theatre in the Drama Classroom
by Colin Oliver
Colin Oliver leads this introduction to teaching Musical Theatre in the Drama Classroom.
In this course, you will learn how to build musical theatre into your dramatic courses of study. “Why might you want to do that? Singing is scary! You want me to teach my students how to do it? I don’t even know how to do it.” This course approaches musical theatre preparation performance much as we would approach preparing a monologue in drama. If you use script analysis in monologue preparation in your class, you can teach musical theatre.
By the end of this course, you’ll have a great, full-body physical warm-up, a student-driven research assignment, character development exercises, a little bit of musical theory, and a performance assignment complete with assessment.
So, join us for teaching Musical Theatre in the Drama Classroom. It’s as easy as Do-Re-Mi!
Units
Musical Theatre
by Anna Porter
Musical Theatre has two components that separate it from straight plays: song and dance. This unit gives students the opportunity to try out both. In musical theatre, music signifies heightened emotion. We can’t express ourselves with just words, we need music (and through extension, song and dance) to take it further.
This unit includes three lesson plans:
1. Acting the Song - “Musical Tactics”
2. Acting the Song - “Textual Analysis”
3. Introduction to Dance
A solo performance assignment is also included, and the unit includes assessment tools - rubrics, reflections, and self-evaluations.
Improvisation in Musical Theatre
by Annie Dragoo
Understanding basic improvisation skills will help musical theatre performers understand that musical theatre is more than just singing and dancing. It’s about using all the tools (voice, body, and mind) an actor has at their disposal to create a character.
This unit focuses more on the improv aspect rather than the musical theatre aspects - in fact students need no prior musical theatre knowledge. Annie Dragoo, creator of the unit, uses this material as her first unit in her musical theatre class. It’s a great introduction and will get your students in the right frame of mind to approach musical theatre.
The lessons explore a variety of improv skills such as vocal responses, movement, character study, sensory awareness and culminate in an improv scene and unit essay.
Musical Theatre History Museum Project
by Annie Dragoo
Musical Theatre is a uniquely American art form, explored through this unique unit by instructor Annie Dragoo.
It is divided into two parts: first, students view a documentary called Broadway the American Musical - available on YouTube. Students will reflect after each episode and there is an available viewing quiz.
After viewing, discussing and reflecting on each episode of the PBS Documentary, Broadway: The American Musical, students will research a specific topic in order to create and design a musical theatre museum exhibit. It’s a great three-dimensional demonstration of knowledge, and there is a rubric provided for the completed exhibit.
This is not your traditional textbook history learning!
Creating a Musical: Project
by Annie Dragoo
Want a fun project that has your students collaborating and creating? In this unit by Annie Dragoo, students in groups will write and perform an original musical by adding modern songs to a traditional fairy tale story.
The six lessons take students from writing their script, to choreography and planned movement, to rehearsing, performing and evaluation.
The Rubric will focus on student performance. That means vocal delivery, emotional delivery, blocking/choreography, energy, focus, and characters.
Creating Your Own Musical
by Laramie Dean
Instructor Laramie Dean uses this unit as the final project for his Drama 2 students. Drawing upon any of the skills students have developed throughout they create a product that could be used within a new piece of musical theatre.
Students start by analyzing three musicals, study guides included, and practice creating musical elements. They are then giving class time to prepare in groups as many elements as their can for a new musical using devised theatre techniques.
There are 24 lessons in this unit which culminates in a final assessed performance.
Introduction to Musical Theatre: Movement
by Annie Dragoo
Musical theatre performers use their bodies to sing, to dance, and to act. We must think of our bodies as instruments and learn to use our instruments properly in order to be better musical theatre performers.
The overall objective with this unit, by Annie Dragoo, is for students to demonstrate an understanding of the use of good movement as it connects to musical theatre. Some of the activities include using action verbs, moving as animals and inanimate characters, nonverbal communication and situational movement. Students will then perform a scene that will allow them to put to practice all the movement techniques they have learned.
Lesson Plans
Emergency Lesson Plan: Fallen Phrase Puzzle - Musicals
by Lindsay Price
In this ELP, students complete a Fallen Phrase Puzzle using quotes from musicals.
Group Musical Poster
by Matthew Banaszynski
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.
Acting the Song - “Musical Tactics”
by Anna Porter
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.
Acting the Song - “Textual Analysis”
by Anna Porter
Students will understand how to analyze a song to find meaning, objective, and tactics through textual analysis.
Introduction to Dance
by Anna Porter
Students will understand the importance of endurance, emotion, and commitment in movement when performing. They will also gain an understanding of how to pick up choreography by learning the concepts of routine and anticipation.
Final Project
by Anna Porter
This unit includes the opportunity for students to choose and perform a musical theatre piece using the oral techniques and textual analysis that they learned in the lesson.
Emergency Lesson Plan: Musical Theatre Licensing Masterclass
by Lindsay Price
In this ELP, students participate in an online masterclass on directing and complete a viewing quiz.
Acting vs. Performing a Song
by Annie Dragoo
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.
Introduction to Musical Theatre Conventions
by Annie Dragoo
Students will explore the different theatre conventions through various activities and then apply this knowledge to musical theatre by viewing musical theatre numbers.
Intro to Improv for Musical Theatre
by Annie Dragoo
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.
Improv with Vocal Responses
by Annie Dragoo
Students will demonstrate ability to respond vocally by participating in various improvisation activities.
Improv with Movement
by Annie Dragoo
Students will demonstrate ability to improvise movement by participating in a various activities.
Improv for Character Study
by Annie Dragoo
Students will demonstrate ability to develop a character by participating in various improvisation exercises.
Improv Using Sensory Awareness
by Annie Dragoo
Students will demonstrate sensory awareness by improvising an everyday activity while paying attention to as many sensory details as possible.
Improvisation Scenes
by Annie Dragoo
Students will demonstrate ability to use voice, body, and imagination/mind together by planning and performing an improvised scene.
Unit Reflection (Essay)
by Annie Dragoo
Students will evaluate the value of improvisation in musical theatre by writing a five-paragraph essay.
Character Analysis - Musical Theatre Version
by Annie Dragoo
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.
The Musical Theatre Audition Slate
by Annie Dragoo
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.
A Podcast Musical Analysis
by Annie Dragoo
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).
Reading Basic Musical Dynamic Markings
by Annie Dragoo
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.
The Musical Theatre Audition Porfolio Project
by Annie Dragoo
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.
Give My Regards to Broadway
by Annie Dragoo
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.
The Charleston, Jazz, and the New American Slang
by Annie Dragoo
In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 2.
Broadway Gives Hope
by Annie Dragoo
In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 3.
The Golden Age
by Annie Dragoo
In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 4.
Broadway Reinvents Itself
by Annie Dragoo
In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 5.
Broadway and the Global Economy
by Annie Dragoo
In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 6.
Topic Research and Exhibit Planning
by Annie Dragoo
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.
Museum Day
by Annie Dragoo
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.
Writing the Musical
by Annie Dragoo
Students will write a musical by adding modern songs to a traditional fairy tale story.
Choreographing the Musical
by Annie Dragoo
Students will choreograph their original musicals by planning and rehearsing the movement for each song.
Blocking the Musical
by Annie Dragoo
Students will block/stage their original musicals by planning and rehearsing the movement for the dialogue.
Rehearsing the Musical
by Annie Dragoo
Students will rehearse their original musicals, putting finishing touches and memorizing lines, blocking, and movement.
Performing the Musical
by Annie Dragoo
Students will apply everything they have worked on throughout this unit: writing, choreography, blocking, and rehearsing.
Evaluating the Performance
by Annie Dragoo
Students will evaluate their performances in their original musicals.
Introducing Devised Theatre
by Laramie Dean
In this lesson, we define devised theatre and use a piece of music for students to create their own performance inspired by the music.
Practicing with Devised Theatre
by Laramie Dean
In this lesson, we try a different devised theatre technique using a photograph to inspire students to create their own performance.
Introducing the Musical Theatre Form
by Laramie Dean
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.
The Musical Theatre Form
by Laramie Dean
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.
Practicing with Devised Theatre; Singin' in the Rain
by Laramie Dean
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.
Practicing with Devised Theatre; Sweeney Todd
by Laramie Dean
In this lesson, students will present their devising pieces and prepare to watch the next musical, Sweeney Todd.
Musical Theatre Form; Sweeney Todd
by Laramie Dean
In this lesson, we begin viewing Sweeney Todd. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
Sweeney Todd, Continued
by Laramie Dean
In these two lessons, we continue viewing Sweeney Todd. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
Devising Activity; Sweeney Todd
by Laramie Dean
In this lesson, students will finish watching Sweeney Todd (if you need additional time) and complete a devising activity based on the film.
Practicing with Devised Theatre; Dreamgirls
by Laramie Dean
In this lesson, students will present their devising pieces and prepare to watch the next musical, Dreamgirls.
Musical Theatre Form; Dreamgirls
by Laramie Dean
In this lesson, we begin viewing Dreamgirls. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
Dreamgirls, Continued
by Laramie Dean
In these two lessons, we continue viewing Dreamgirls. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
Devising Activity; Dreamgirls
by Laramie Dean
In this lesson, students will finish watching Dreamgirls (if you need additional time) and complete a devising activity based on the film.
Presenting Devised Pieces
by Laramie Dean
In this lesson, students will present their devising pieces and prepare to create their own musicals.
Creating Musical Components
by Laramie Dean
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.
Independent Musical Project
by Laramie Dean
This is the last lesson before students present their pieces for assessment.
Original Musical Presentation & Final Assessment
by Laramie Dean
Students present their original musicals components for assessment.
The Body is Your Instrument
by Annie Dragoo
Students will demonstrate their understanding of the body’s importance to an actor.
Movement and Action Verbs
by Annie Dragoo
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.
Physicalizing an Objective
by Annie Dragoo
Students will demonstrate their ability to physically achieve an objective by using their bodies in a musical scene.
Movement for Inanimate/Animal Character
by Annie Dragoo
Students will demonstrate their ability to move like an inanimate object by performing a scene.
Nonverbal Communication
by Annie Dragoo
Students will demonstrate their ability to use physical variety by utilizing three levels of physicalizing emotions to music.
Simple Actions
by Annie Dragoo
Students will demonstrate their understanding of simple action by performing or coaching the performer to deliver a love poem while using three simple actions.
Situational Movement
by Annie Dragoo
Students will demonstrate their understanding of situational movement by performing a scene.
Occupation While Waiting
by Annie Dragoo
Students will demonstrate their ability to find occupation while waiting by performing a scene.
Final Movement Performance
by Annie Dragoo
Students will rehearse and perform a scene plus song incorporating specific movement. After the performance, students will complete a self-assessment checklist.
Resources
Masterclass with Jim Hoare: Musical Theatre Licensing
Masterclass is a series of one-on-one interviews with experts, creators and innovators in the world of Theatre that you can study in-depth, or share with your classes. Think of this series as ‘Inside the Actor’s Studio’ for Drama Teachers.
This Masterclass with Jim Hoare from Theatrical Rights Worldwide is all about Musical Theatre Licensing, and is hosted by Matt Webster.
Vocal Warm-up
Learn a great vocal warm-up "What a to-do" from DTA instructor Todd Espeland. It promotes diction, projection and breath control.
Musical Theatre Vocal Warm-Up
This warm-up takes students through the 3 key components of warming up the body before singing: Stretching, Breathing, and Resonator and Articulator exercises.
Cinderella Movie Viewing Quiz
The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is available to watch for free on Youtube. Have students research and answer
the questions below before they watch.
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xkQjuwihYI&t=25s&has_verified=1
PLCs
Musicals
Hosted by Matt Webster, Roxane Caravan, Tricia Oliver
Our host and panel discuss budgets, production options, student/parent contracts, and the tips that make staging a musical worthwhile.
Hosted by Matt Webster, joined by Tricia Oliver, Roxane Caravan, and Lindsay Price.
Recorded on January 12, 2016 at 8pm
Musicals: Rehearsals
Hosted by Matt Webster
You've got the rights, the music, the script... now where do you start with your student actors? Learn from Matt Webster, Craig Mason, Cindy Sams and Tricia Oliver as they lead you through how to get rehearsals started and the process up to opening night.
Recorded on March 8, 2016.