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!
The overview outlines the materials in the unit, which are divided into two parts: viewing a documentary and researching/creating a museum exhibit on a musical theatre topic.
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.
In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 2.
In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 3.
In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 4.
In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 5.
In this lesson, students will view, discuss, and reflect on Episode 6.
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 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.
TH:Re7.1.6.a - Describe and record personal reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Re7 - Describe and record personal reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
P.A.1.2 - Distinguish the evolution of written texts to theatrical performances.
A.CU.1.1 - Interpret theatre arts from personal, cultural, and historical contexts.
C.4.B - relate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
C.4.A - evaluate historical and cultural influences on theatre.
4 - recognize that drama exists in every culture
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists' intentions
Describe, interpret and respond to works of art and explore artists’ intent
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists’ intentions
Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists motivations and meanings
Evaluate the social, cultural, historical, environmental, and personal contexts of dramatic works
Reflect on aesthetic experiences and how they relate to a specific place, time, and context
Reflect on dramatic works and make connections with personal experiences