Overview
The minor in musical theatre is an interdisciplinary focus offered by the Department of Music in conjunction with the Department of Communication Studies. This minor works toward preparing students with skills needed for a career onstage with a professional specialty in performing musical theatre. The minor also complements other majors in the performing arts, such as music education, theatre education, dramatic arts, commercial music and music performance. Training is competitive and students gain useful, job-landing practical experience through both the classroom and onstage.
Faculty
News
Core Classes
Music Fundamentals
MUS 1000
A basic theory course designed for the non-music major or as a review for the prospective music major. Covers elementary problems in rhythm, time signatures, scales, intervals and chords.
Course Hours: 3
Keyboard Technique
MCM 1500
Designed as an introduction to the piano keyboard. Scales and basic chords will be used as tools to explore the use of the piano as a theoretical, performance and accompaniment medium.
Course Hours: 1
Private Voice Lower Division - First Semester Voice Study
MUS 2720
Course Hours: 2
Lyric Theatre Ensemble
MUS 3800
A performance class in which students prepare a variety of operatic and musical theatre scenes. Attention will be given to movement, diction, acting, singing, and vocal interpretation. The class will culminate in a public staged performance.
Course Hours: 1
Play Directing
COM 4040
An introductory examination of the directorial process beginning with textual analysis of dramatic action and covering such areas as production unity, stage movement and business, motivational analysis, and pictorial composition. Other areas of emphasis include a brief overview of directing history, types of directing theory and style, planning and rehearsal techniques, and the relationship of the director to other theatre artists. Student work includes selected scene work and directing projects prepared for class presentation culminating in a final scene presentation.
Course Hours: 3
Acting I: Theory and Practice
COM 2410
An introductory workshop course focusing on beginning acting techniques and scene study. Students will explore the actors' instrument and the use of space, relaxation, concentration, imagination, movement, and how to pursue an objective through physical and psychological actions in order to create a character.
Course Hours: 2
Movement I
COM 3430
Trains the actor to communicate expressively with the body. The work includes exploration of space, energy, dynamics, rhythm, and sensory response. Actors develop techniques to transform their physical and emotional energy into dramatic action and character development.
Course Hours: 2
Movement II
COM 3440
Focuses specifically on the basics of tap and jazz dancing as related to training for the actor. It is recommended that students take: COM 3430 as a foundation for the course.)
Course Hours: 2
Drama Practicum
COM 422A-F
Provides supervised participation and instruction in various aspects of theatre. Open to all students with the consent of the instructor. Dramatic Arts majors are required to take this one-hour practicum in three of the following areas: (A) Acting, (B) Stage Management, (C) Scenery and Props, (D) Costumes and Make-up, (E) Lighting and Sound, (F) Directing. Graded S/U.
Course Hours: 1
Overview
The minor in musical theatre is an interdisciplinary focus offered by the Department of Music in conjunction with the Department of Communication Studies. This minor works toward preparing students with skills needed for a career onstage with a professional specialty in performing musical theatre. The minor also complements other majors in the performing arts, such as music education, theatre education, dramatic arts, commercial music and music performance. Training is competitive and students gain useful, job-landing practical experience through both the classroom and onstage.