In this approximately seven and a half months curriculum, students will be exposed to the evolution of the musical theatre form and musical theatre in the real world while learning the foundations of using the voice to sing and the body to move and applying the fundamentals of musical theatre (singing, dance, and character development) through performance projects. There will even be a unit in musical theatre improv! Use what works for you; change out materials that don’t work for you, or substitute your own materials.

Start here

The overview lays out the structure of the entire curriculum, including a full outline of all materials, units, lessons, assessments and guides for the teacher.

Musical Theatre Curriculum Map
Song Suggestions
Resource Sheet
Community Building Exercises
Pre-Curriculum: Community Building, Expectations, Procedures
Musical Theatre Artists You Should Know

Next Unit »

Musical Theatre Overview

Next Unit »

Standards Addressed

Select a tab

National Core Arts Standards California VAPA Standards (2019) Colorado Academic Standards - Drama and Theatre Arts Florida Sunshine State Standards Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts North Carolina Essential Standards 2024 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts Alberta, Canada British Columbia (2018) Ontario, Canada Virginia Standards Of Learning (2020)

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7

TH:Cr2.1.7.b Demonstrate mutual respect for self and others and their roles in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8

TH:Cr2.1.8.b Share leadership and responsibilities to develop collaborative goals when preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Proficient

TH:Cr2.1.HSI.b Investigate the collaborative nature of the actor, director, playwright, and designers and explore their interdependent roles in a drama/theatre work.

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished

TH:Cr2.1.HSII.b Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.

Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Advanced

TH:Cr2.1.HSIII.b Collaborate as a creative team to discover artistic solutions and make interpretive choices in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.

7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

7.TH:Cr2.b Demonstrate mutual respect for self and others and their roles in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

8.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

8.TH:Cr2.b Share leadership and responsibilities to develop collaborative goals when preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

Prof.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

Prof.TH:Cr2.b Investigate the collaborative nature of the actor, director, playwright, and designers and their interdependent roles in a drama/theatre work.

Acc.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

Acc.TH:Cr2.b Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.

Adv.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

Adv.TH:Cr2.b Collaborate as a creative team to discover artistic solutions and make interpretive choices in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.

Seventh Grade

DT.7.1.2.b Students Can: Demonstrate mutual respect for self and others and their roles in preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

Eighth Grade

DT.8.1.2.b Students Can: Share leadership and responsibilities to develop collaborative goals when preparing or devising drama/theatre work.

High School - Fundamental Pathway

DT.H1.1.2.b Students Can: Investigate the collaborative nature of the actor, director, playwright, and designers to explore their interdependent roles in a drama/theatre work.

High School - Advanced Pathway

DT.H2.1.2.b Students Can: Cooperate as a creative team to make interpretive choices for a drama/theatre work.

High School - Professional Pathway

DT.H3.1.2.b Students Can: Collaborate as a creative team to discover artistic solutions and make interpretive choices in a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.

Critical Thinking & Reflection

TH.912.C.2.2 Construct imaginative, complex scripts and revise them in collaboration with actors to convey story and meaning to an audience.
TH.912.C.2.4 Collaborate with a team to outline several potential solutions to a design problem and rank them in order of likely success.

Organizational Structure

TH.68.O.3.3 Discuss the collaborative nature of theatre and work together to create a scene or play, respecting group members' ideas and differences.
TH.912.O.1.3 Execute the responsibilities of director, designer, manager, technician, or performer by applying standard theatrical conventions.
TH.912.O.3.1 Analyze the methods of communication among directors, designers, stage managers, technicians, and actors that establish the most effective support of the creative process.

Skills, Techniques & Processes

TH.68.S.2.1 Discuss the value of collaboration in theatre and work together to create a theatrical production.

Grade 7 - Creating

TA7.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work. a. Identify and rehearse effective communication skills. b. Compare and contrast character types and relationships by analyzing character motivations, objectives, and goals. c. Compare the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a character. d. Investigate the role and responsibility of the cast and crew. e. Identify and model ensemble skills in the rehearsal process. f. Utilize staging and blocking choices to enhance the performance. g. Compare, contrast, and design elements of technical theatre. h. Utilize theatre vocabulary throughout the rehearsal process.
TA7.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques. a. Create ideas for stories. b. Analyze the theme and structure of a play. c. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a script. d. Utilize dramatic conventions in the scriptwriting process (e.g. stage directions, dialogue, scenes).

Grade 8 - Creating

TA8.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work. a. Differentiate the physical, emotional, vocal, and social dimensions of a variety of characters. b. Compare the relationships and interactions between characters by analyzing character motivation (objectives, obstacles, strategy, action, stakes, outcome). c. Incorporate dramatic elements through improvisation. d. Connect theatre vocabulary to the application of theatre performance. e. Identify and demonstrate both ensemble and leadership skills in the rehearsal process. f. Evaluate the effectiveness of artistic and technical elements used in a theatre production. g. Design and create scenery, props, costumes, lighting, and sound. h. Assume different roles and responsibilities in the rehearsal process.

Grades 9-12 - ACTING LEVELS I-IV - Performing

TAHSA.PR.1 Act and direct by communicating and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments. a. Examine and implement the voice, body, observation, and imagination as tools of the actor in presentations of formal and informal theatre. b. Research and assess the development of acting skills for character creation and performance including historical movements, personal experience, and cultural influences. c. Act by developing, communicating, and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments. d. Identify and examine the responsibilities and tasks of an actor in relationship with directors, designers, and technical crew. e. Use the skills and tools of a director to conduct rehearsals for performance.

Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Performing

TAHSAD.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre. a. Engage as a creative team in script analysis to plan and create technical elements of a theatre production.

Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating

TAHSFT.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques. a. Differentiate between dramatic and traditional literary writing and utilize common steps of the playwriting process. b. Assess the need for script analysis, concept development, and directorial and technical concerns of a theatrical script. c. Construct and critique elements of dramatic structure, character, and dialogue. d. Create and perform scenes for audiences.

Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing

TAHSFT.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre. a. Identify and define the various collaborative roles and relationships of technical production personnel (e.g. sound, lighting, set, scenic, costume, dramaturge, makeup, marketing, business aspects) in relation to the directors and performers. b. Identify and apply the various aspects of directing, staging, performance spaces, and rehearsal management. c. Recognize and apply the basic elements and procedures involved in the construction of props, scenery, and platforms. d. Formulate effective theatrical designs in order to support the text and directorial concept.

Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Performing

TAHSMT.PR.1 Act and direct by communicating and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments. a. Examine and implement the skills and tasks associated with acting, singing, and dancing, incorporating vocal and movement technique, observation, and imagination to create characters for formal and informal performances. b. Identify and examine the responsibilities and tasks of an actor in relation to directors, designers, choreographers, technical crew, and production staff. c. Use the skills and tools of a director to develop a presentation of formal and informal musical theatre performances. d. Conduct rehearsals to present a musical theatre performance for a live audience.
TAHSMT.PR.2 Execute artistic and technical elements of theatre. a. Engage as a creative team in script analysis to plan and create technical elements of a theatre production, including sets, props, costumes, makeup, lighting, and sound.

Grades 9-12 - TECHNICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting

TAHSTT.CN.1 Connect technical elements of theatre. a. Explore and understand the collaborations between designers and directors to develop design elements. b. Investigate the history of theatre architecture, stage technology, and other technical elements. c. Understand technical theatre career options and various industry unions (e.g. International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Actor’s Equity, United Scenic Artists, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, League of Resident Theatres). d. Explore connections with other disciplines associated with technical theatre (e.g. scientific principles behind technical theatrical practices, physics of electricity and sound, basic structural engineering, load ratings, working load limits). e. Connect design themes with historical and social relevance using dramaturgical research and an understanding of historical and cultural artistic movements (e.g. expressionism, realism, Kabuki, Sanskrit Drama).

Grades 9-12 - THEATRE MANAGEMENT - Creating

TAHSTM.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine elements of theatre management (e.g. marketing/media, budgeting, ticketing/sales, house management). a. Utilize theatre content knowledge (e.g. script analysis) to contribute to the planning process for the areas of theatre management. b. Implement research based elements in a theatre management plan in order to develop a specific audience base.

Beginning High School Create

B.CR.2.1 Adapt theatrical works using personal experiences through a collaborative process.

MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production

C.3.C collaborate to plan brief dramatizations.

MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance

B.2.D create stories collaboratively and individually that have dramatic structure.

HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

C.1.H define the roles of and appreciate the collaborative relationships between all artistic partners such as playwrights, composers, directors, actors, designers, technicians, and audience.

HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

C.1.F relate the interdependence of all theatrical elements.

HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance

C.2.B explore creativity as it relates to self and ensemble.

HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: production

C.3.D perform a role such as actor, director, designer, technician, or editor in production decision making and collaborate with others to tell a story through live theatre or media performance.

HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production

C.3.D perform a role such as actor, director, designer, technician, or editor in production decision making and collaborate with others to tell a story through live theatre or media performance.
C.3.E perform the role of actor, director, or technician, demonstrating responsibility, artistic discipline, and creative problem solving.

Junior Orientation

support positively the work of others
work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups

Junior Goal I Objectives

develop the ability to interact effectively and constructively in a group process

Senior Goal I Objectives

demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process

Orientation Drama 10

display consideration and respect for self and others
offer and accept constructive criticism with a desire to progress
positively support the work of others
work cooperatively and productively

GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating

Create artistic works collaboratively and as an individual using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, experimentation, and purposeful play

GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating

Create artistic works collaboratively and as an individual using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, experimentation, and purposeful play

GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating

Create dramatic works both collaboratively and as an individual, using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, and purposeful play

GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding

Collaborate through reciprocal relationships during creative processes

GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create

Explore and create dramatic works to express ideas, meaning, and emotions

Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting

B1.3 plan and shape the direction of the drama by working with others, both in and out of role, to generate ideas and explore multiple perspectives

Grade 8 - Creating and Presenting

B1.3 plan and shape the direction of the drama by negotiating ideas and perspectives with others, both in and out of role

Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices

C.3.2 identify and apply the skills and attitudes needed to perform various tasks and responsibilities in producing drama works (e.g., use active listening and cooperative problem-solving skills; practise punctuality; use tact in suggesting changes and improvements; demonstrate willingness to accept criticism and build consensus)

Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Concepts and Terminology

C.1.3 demonstrate an understanding of production roles, practices, and terminology when planning and presenting drama works (e.g., set design, costume design, lighting plot, light cue sheet, sound cue sheet, prompt book, set sketch, set model)

Grades 9 & 10 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process

B.1.1 use the critical analysis process before and during drama projects to identify and assess individual and peer roles and responsibilities in producing drama works (e.g., identify and assess the contribution of leadership and supporting roles, group dynamics, and cooperative problem solving to their process of creating drama works)

Grade 11 - Foundations - Responsible Practices

C.3.2 demonstrate an understanding of the tasks and responsibilities involved in producing drama works

Grade 11 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process

B.1.1 use the critical analysis process before and during drama projects to assign roles within the group, monitor the group process, and modify the roles and process as needed

Grade 12 - Foundations - Responsible Practices

C.3.2 demonstrate an understanding of the tasks and responsibilities involved in producing drama works

Grade Seven

7.5 The student will identify and apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.

Grade Seven

7.15 The student will identify functions, skills, and responsibilities of the creative team and production staff.

Grade Eight

8.5 The student will apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.

Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre

TI.5 The student will apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.

Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre

TI.15 The student will understand roles and relationships for theatre production.

Theatre Arts II: Dramatic Literature And Theatre History

TII.5 The student will apply communication and collaboration skills for theatre experiences.

Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting

TIII.5 The student will exhibit collaboration skills for theatre productions and processes.

Theatre Arts III: Intermediate Acting & Playwriting

TIII.15 The student will identify leadership and production team roles for a variety of production types.

Theatre Arts IV: Advanced Acting And Directing

TIV.15 The student will demonstrate artistic leadership to develop an effective collaborative working relationship among cast and crew.

Get instant access to this and everything else in the Drama Teacher Academy

Join the DTA Today Already a member? Log in here.

The Drama Teacher Academy is brought to you by Theatrefolk, the Drama Teacher Resource Company.

Theatrefolk offers play scripts, teaching resources, and support for drama teachers all over the world.

Contact

Help & Support
Mailing Addresses

Consent Preferences

Terms Help