Created 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!
7 Modules
1 hours, 51 minutes
4 Credit Hours
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National Core Arts Standards
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
TH:Cr1.1.6.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
TH:Pr4.1.7.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Re7.1.8.a - Apply criteria to the evaluation of artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 6
TH:Pr5.1.6.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade 8
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 7
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 8
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Proficient
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Advanced
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Advanced
Florida Sunshine State Standards
Critical Thinking & Reflection
Historical & Global Connections
Innovation, Technology & the Future
California VAPA Standards (2019)
6.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Cr1.a - Identify possible solutions to staging challenges in a drama/theatre work.
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
7.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
7.TH:Pr4.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
8.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
8.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
8.TH:Re7 - Apply appropriate criteria to the evaluation of artistic choices in a drama/theatre work.
Prof.TH:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
6.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Pr5.a - Recognize how acting exercises and techniques can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
7.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
8.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
8.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Prof.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Acc.TH:Pr5 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
6.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
6.TH:Cr3.b - Identify effective physical and vocal traits of characters in a drama/theatre work.
7.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
7.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
67TH:Pr6 - Create through improvisation a drama/theatre work that will be shared with an audience.
8.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
8.TH:Pr6 - Perform a rehearsed, scripted scene from a drama/theatre work for an audience.
Prof.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Acc.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Adv.TH:Cr3 Refine and complete artistic work.
Adv.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Common Core
Speaking and Listening
Language
Reading: Literature
Reading: Informational Text
Georgia Performance Standards - Theatre Arts
Grades 9-12 - MUSICAL THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Creating
North Carolina Essential Standards 2024
Beginning High School Create
B.CR.1.1 - Devise a variety of scenarios and scenes through improvised and scripted activities.
B.CR.2.1 - Adapt theatrical works using personal experiences through a collaborative process.
Beginning High School Present
Intermediate High School Create
I.CR.1.1 - Develop a variety of unique characters within given situations through improvisation.
Intermediate High School Present
I.PR.2.1 - Develop scenes for formal or informal presentations.
Accomplished High School Create
Accomplished High School Present
AC.PR.1.2 - Display a progression of character moments within the performance of theatrical texts.
AC.PR.2.1 - Develop theatrical works for a specific audience, audition, or production.
Advanced High School Connect
Advanced High School Present
AD.PR.1.1 - Implement justified choices made in response to feedback and specific criteria.
North Carolina Essential Standards 2010
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
B.C.1.2 - Apply vocal elements of volume, pitch, rate, tone, articulation, and vocal expression.
Intermediate High School Standards - Communication
I.C.2.2 - Interpret scenes through formal and informal presentations.
Proficient High School Standards - Communication
P.C.2.2 - Interpret monologues through formal and informal presentations.
Advanced High School Standards - Communication
A.C.1.3 - Use constructive criticism to improve original works both written and read orally.
A.C.2.2 - Interpret scripts through formal and informal presentations.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Theatre Arts
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.D - develop an understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
C.1.E - identify theatrical vocabulary and terminology, including basic anatomy of theatre spaces.
MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: performance
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.A - identify and apply audience etiquette at all performances.
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.B - develop and apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
B.1.D - develop an increased understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
B.1.E - demonstrate knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.C - select movements and dialogue to portray a character appropriately.
B.2.E - apply knowledge of effective voice and diction techniques to express thoughts and feelings.
MS 117.212 LII - Critical evaluation and response
B.5.A - understand and demonstrate appropriate audience etiquette at various types of performances.
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
B.1.B - explore preparation and warm-up techniques.
B.1.D - demonstrate an increased understanding of the mechanisms of vocal production.
B.1.E - apply knowledge of theatrical vocabulary and terminology.
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
B.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
B.2.B - portray characters through familiar movements and dialogue.
B.2.D - express thoughts and feelings using effective voice and diction.
MS 117.213 LIII - Critical evaluation and response
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.B - develop and practice theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
C.1.D - develop and practice effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.315 LI - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - demonstrate safe use of the voice and body.
C.2.C - employ effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.315 LI - Historical and cultural relevance
HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.C - offer and receive constructive criticism of peer performances.
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - model safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
C.2.B - explore creativity as it relates to self and ensemble.
C.2.C - demonstrate effective voice and diction to express thoughts and feelings.
HS 117.316 LII - Historical and cultural relevance
HS 117.316 LII - Critical evaluation and response
C.5.C - offer and receive constructive criticism of peer performances.
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.A - apply theatre preparation and warm-up techniques effectively.
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - employ safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
HS 117.317 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
HS 117.318 LIV - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
C.1.A - create and demonstrate theatre preparation and warm-up techniques.
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
C.2.A - model safe, appropriate techniques to allow for physical, vocal, and emotional expression.
C.2.B - demonstrate creativity as it relates to self and ensemble and its effect on audience.
C.2.D - interpret scripted scenes of various styles to portray believable characters.
Alberta, Canada
Speech Drama 10
1 - demonstrate vocal relaxation and warmup techniques
10 - demonstrate safe and appropriate projection
11 - demonstrate how phrasing and pausing, intonation, rate and rhythm affect meaning
2 - apply effective breathing techniques
5 - recognize how the jaw, lips, tongue, teeth and velum play an important role in articulation
6 - perform exercises to relax and improve the movement of the articulators
Speech Drama 30
Improvisation Drama 10
1 - use warmup techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
10 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal methods
14 - discover how various emotions affect one vocally and physically
20 - critique the work of self and others through observation and expression of specific detail
24 - select and use vocal techniques appropriate to a character
3 - maintain concentration during exercises
30 - demonstrate understanding of and apply the concepts of a character’s objectives and motivation
31 - demonstrate the ability to focus on, and achieve, the objective of a scene
Acting Drama 20
1 - analyze a script for explicit character clues
10 - critique the work of self and others through observation of specific details
14 - identify and use operative words in a script
2 - create, select and sustain physical details of the character from scripted material
Acting Drama 30
20 - physicalize character through selected and economical movement and gesture
21 - create appropriate stage business
22 - display appropriate character relationships with all other characters in a scene
Movement Drama 10
10 - demonstrate focus, concentration and energy in all movement and gesture
3 - recognize the necessity for physical warmups
Improvisation/Acting Level III - Advanced
Junior Goal II Objectives
become familiar with dramatic terminology and script format
develop the body and voice as tools of communication
explore specific techniques demanded by various dramatic forms
Junior Goal III Objectives
develop awareness of various conventions of theatre
develop recognition of and respect for excellence in drama and theatre
Junior Orientation
communicate through use of voice and body
demonstrate a willingness to take calculated and reasonable risks
focus concentration on one task at a time
generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
investigate a variety of roles and situations
meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
share ideas confidently with others
Movement Level I - Beginning
1 - demonstrate understanding of and apply appropriate safety procedures
2 - demonstrate awareness of personal and shared space
4 - recognize the need for and demonstrate warmup activities
Speech Level I - Beginning
2 - use vocal relaxation and warm-up techniques
3 - use effective breathing techniques
4 - use techniques of storytelling
5 - recognize the need to control and protect the voice
6 - use volume appropriate to situation
8 - understand volume, articulation, projection, rate, pause, phrasing, pitch and intonation
Speech Level II - Intermediate
10 - demonstrate effects of intonation, rate, pause and phrasing on the meaning of words
11 - use pitch to effect quality of voice production
13 - use voice to communicate mood and emotion
9 - use volume, articulation and projection to achieve clarity
Speech Level III - Advanced
16 - use movement and gesture to clarify and enhance speech and character
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
1 - use warm-up techniques for preparation of body, voice and mind
7 - use stage vocabulary: stage areas, body positions and crosses
8 - demonstrate appropriate rehearsal behaviours and routines
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
18 - use voice variety to enhance a character
21 - sustain a character throughout an exercise or scene
Junior Goal I Objectives
develop a sense of responsibility and commitment
develop the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
develop the ability to offer and accept constructive criticism
develop the willingness to make a decision, act upon it and accept the results
explore and develop physical and vocal capabilities
extend the ability to explore meaning through abstract concepts
extend the ability to explore, control and express emotions
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
8 - demonstrate understanding of directions used in a script
Senior Goal I Objectives
apply imaginative and creative thought to problem-solving situations
demonstrate a sense of inquiry and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
demonstrate the ability to considered decisions, act upon them and accept the results
demonstrate the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
demonstrate the ability to offer, accept, and reflect upon, constructive criticism
develop a positive and realistic self-image
develop a sense of inquiry and commitment to learning
extend physical and vocal capabilities
Senior Goal II Objectives
be capable of creating and expressing a believable character from scripted and non-scripted material
demonstrate understanding of integration of disciplines to enrich a theatrical presentation
develop techniques that enhance vocal and physical communication
gain knowledge of disciplines that enhance dramatic process and product
Senior Goal III Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
concentrate on the task at hand
demonstrate behaviour appropriate to given circumstances
demonstrate effective use and management of time
demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
make effective decisions or choices
offer and accept constructive criticism with a desire to progress
positively support the work of others
solve problems imaginatively and creatively
British Columbia (2018)
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
Interpret works of art using knowledge and skills from various areas of learning
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Describe, interpret and respond to works of art and explore artists’ intent
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Express, feelings, ideas, and experiences through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
Interpret and communicate ideas using symbols and elements to express meaning through the arts
Take creative risks to express feelings, ideas, and experiences
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
Take creative risks to experience and express thoughts, emotions, and meaning
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
Demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the audience
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop performance skills in a variety of contexts
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Apply feedback to develop and refine ideas
Describe, analyze, and respond using drama-specific language
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Purposefully select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
Develop and refine performance skills in a variety of contexts
Intentionally select and combine dramatic elements and conventions
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
Receive, provide, and apply constructive feedback to refine dramatic works
Use self-reflection and awareness of audience to refine ideas
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Ontario, Canada
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Our parent company Theatrefolk offers a fantastic selection of plays written specifically for high school and middle school students.
Whether for performances or class study, there's something for everyone: relevant & relatable themes, simple sets & costumes, flexible casting options and much more - a perfect addition to any drama program!