MUSICAL THEATER ELEMENTS
12 WEEK CLASS
This class will begin with an overview of musical theater and every aspect of auditioning, including the cold reading, prepared readings and monologues. Each student will have an audition piece of acting to work on in addition to the crux of the class, which is the musical number.
We will demonstrate and practice techniques for showcasing your talents, cover the kinds of materials that work well, and what doesn’t. Examples of how material can make or break an audition will be demonstrated.
We will cover the importance of stretching your voice daily and an overview of warm-up exercises that need to be completed for your voice to shine. Other health concerns that enhance good vocal health will also be covered.
The mechanics of singing to project will be taught, demonstrated and practiced
There will be a few songs that groups will work on for a few classes to demonstrate how to prepare a musical number including:
- Choosing the right key
- Dissecting a song for it’s meaning
- Understanding your “character” in the number
- Phrasing and diction
- Choosing the best section if you only get 16 or 32 bars of music to showcase
- Performing the number
Then students will have many different audition pieces to choose from, or bring in for approval, and the faculty will assist them making the best choices. Once a song is chosen each student will have the opportunity to work their number with accompaniment, tracks if available or tape recording to keep for their library.
Students will begin to perform for their peers and hone their performance. Depending on student, there may be time to move on to another number.
The class will conclude with a performance for parents and friends.