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Creating Your Own Musical

Created by Laramie Dean

Instructor Laramie Dean uses this unit as the final project for his Drama 2 students. Drawing upon any of the skills students have developed throughout they create a product that could be used within a new piece of musical theatre.

Students start by analyzing three musicals, study guides included, and practice creating musical elements. They are then giving class time to prepare in groups as many elements as their can for a new musical using devised theatre techniques.

There are 24 lessons in this unit which culminates in a final assessed performance.

musical theatre
Overview
The overview outlines the guidelines for the unit, including a full list of lessons, time management tips, and learning targets.
1: Introducing Devised Theatre
In this lesson, we define devised theatre and use a piece of music for students to create their own performance inspired by the music.
2: Practicing with Devised Theatre
In this lesson, we try a different devised theatre technique using a photograph to inspire students to create their own performance.
3: Introducing the Musical Theatre Form
In this lesson, we define musical theatre and spend a little bit of time on the history and structure. Students also receive information on their performance and their independent written projects.
4-5: The Musical Theatre Form
In these two lessons, we begin and continue viewing Singin’ in the Rain. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
6: Practicing with Devised Theatre; Singin' in the Rain
In this lesson, students will finish watching Singin’ in the Rain (if you need additional time) and complete a devising activity based on the film.
7: Practicing with Devised Theatre; Sweeney Todd
In this lesson, students will present their devising pieces and prepare to watch the next musical, Sweeney Todd.
8: Musical Theatre Form; Sweeney Todd
In this lesson, we begin viewing Sweeney Todd. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
9-10: Sweeney Todd, Continued
In these two lessons, we continue viewing Sweeney Todd. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
11: Devising Activity; Sweeney Todd
In this lesson, students will finish watching Sweeney Todd (if you need additional time) and complete a devising activity based on the film.
12: Practicing with Devised Theatre; Dreamgirls
In this lesson, students will present their devising pieces and prepare to watch the next musical, Dreamgirls.
13: Musical Theatre Form; Dreamgirls
In this lesson, we begin viewing Dreamgirls. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
14-15: Dreamgirls, Continued
In these two lessons, we continue viewing Dreamgirls. Students will watch carefully in order to complete the required sections in their study guide.
16: Devising Activity; Dreamgirls
In this lesson, students will finish watching Dreamgirls (if you need additional time) and complete a devising activity based on the film.
17: Presenting Devised Pieces
In this lesson, students will present their devising pieces and prepare to create their own musicals.
18-22: Creating Musical Components
In this series of lessons, students will use class time to work in groups to create as many musical components as they can given the time available.
23: Independent Musical Project
This is the last lesson before students present their pieces for assessment.
24: Original Musical Presentation & Final Assessment
Students present their original musicals components for assessment.

Standards Addressed

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