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Academy for Performing Arts: Musical Theatre

Academy for Performing Arts: Musical Theatre

Fundamental Requirements

The Musical Theatre program develops comprehensive performance skills through immersive training in acting, singing, and movement. Students learn the triple-threat abilities essential for theatre arts success, including memorizing lines, music, and choreography while demonstrating proficiency across all three disciplines. The curriculum encompasses scene work, vocal exercises, movement training, and full-scale performances.

Learning Experience

Students actively participate in all facets of the curriculum through physical, vocal, and movement exercises, collaborative projects, and live performances. The program emphasizes real-world application through presentations before peers, instructors, and diverse audiences, building confidence and stage presence essential for professional success.

Skills and Prerequisites for Success

Prospective students should be prepared to immerse themselves fully in the demanding musical theatre curriculum. The program requires individuals who can work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrate versatility across multiple performance disciplines, and confidently present work to various audiences.

Important Considerations

  • Active Participation: Full engagement in physical, vocal, and movement exercises across all curriculum components
  • Memorization Skills: Ability to memorize and retain lines, music, and choreography for multiple productions
  • Triple-Threat Development: Proficiency required in acting, singing, and movement/dance
  • Professional Standards: Adherence to program guidelines and maintenance of appropriate attire and equipment
  • Performance Confidence: Willingness to perform for peers, instructors, and public audiences
  • Constructive Feedback: Ability to give and receive criticism constructively for continuous improvement
  • Critical Analysis: Skills in evaluating and analyzing performance work across all musical theatre disciplines
  • Independent Practice: Commitment to reinforcing learned skills through individual study and practice

This program is ideal for students who are passionate about theatre arts, committed to developing skills in acting, singing, and dance, and prepared to meet the rigorous demands of professional-level training and performance.

Career Field -Performing Arts: Musical Theatre

Career Pathways in Performing Arts: Musical Theatre (included but are not limited to):

Performing Arts: ♦ Actor ♦ Performer ♦ Choreographer ♦ Music Instructor ♦ Theatre instructor ♦ Producer ♦ Production Manager or Assistant - Digital, Video, Stage ♦ Cinematographer/Film/Video Editor ♦ Playwriter, Scriptwriter, Screenwriter    ♦ Director ♦ Make-up artists ♦ Costume designer ♦ Stagecraft ♦ Lighting Designer ♦ Set designer ♦ Composer / Conductor

Academy Course of Study

 Our 4-year sequence for musical theatre is designed to provide a thorough and comprehensive education in all aspects of the art form, ensuring that students are well-prepared for a successful career in the field.

9th Grade:

Acting 1/Musical Theatre Honors

  • This foundational year-long course will introduce students to the essential elements of musical theatre performance through integrated study of acting, voice, movement, and choral singing. Students will explore classical acting methodologies while developing their vocal technique and musicianship through the lens of Golden Age musical theatre repertoire. 

Concert Choir

  • In this course, students will develop their music reading skills and vocal ensemble techniques. Voice building and vocal technique are taught through the study of breath control, vocal production, diction, diatonic/chromatic scales, and sight-singing/ear training. Students are required to attend a designated amount of choral lessons during the lunch blocks each marking period. Concert Choir members perform at evening concerts and festivals. Opportunities exist for students who are highly motivated to advance onto Advanced Concert Choir and audition for a number of co-curricular and extra-curricular vocal groups in the high school, the school musical, and Region I and State Honors Choirs.

Technical Theatre 1 Honors

  • In this asynchronous course, students will explore the various production roles of Sound and Lighting, Production Operations, Costuming, Makeup and Hair, and Set Construction. Students will also demonstrate understanding of fundamental industry language and terminology of practices and apply them. Students will have the opportunity to complete Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Training for Theatre and Live Entertainment and earn valuable industry-recognized credentials. 

10th Grade:

Acting 2/Musical Theatre Honors

  • In this course, students will delve into scene study, rehearsal techniques, and the fundamentals of the acting process through the exploration of monologues and scripted scenes. Students will examine works from a variety of world theatre traditions, explore the methodologies of influential theatre practitioners, and build an understanding of theatre history to support their development as informed and versatile performers. Technical theatre concepts will be infused throughout the course to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theatrical production. 

Vocal/Piano Studio Honors

  • In this course, students will strengthen their vocal performance skills through the study of vocal technique, diction and language, repertoire, rehearsal strategies, and performance preparation while exploring contemporary musical theatre songs and vocal styles. Students will also develop musicianship through advanced music theory, notation, aural skills, piano and keyboard proficiency, accompaniment techniques, and opportunities in composition and songwriting, while fostering the independence and pedagogical understanding needed for continued artistic growth. 

11th Grade:

Acting 3/Musical Theatre Production Honors

  • In this double-block course, students will explore a variety of musical theatre styles, composers, and lyricists while developing their vocal, acting, and performance skills. Through lyric analysis, collaborative creation, and the study of the musical theatre production process, students will work as a production team to either create and present an original musical theatre piece or stage scenes from a licensed musical. This course will prepare students for college auditions and industry-level responsibilities. Technical theatre concepts will be infused throughout the course to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theatrical production.
 

12th Grade:

  • College Option:  Providing students meet the academic criteria, they may attend County College of Morris for earn up to 24 credits, paid for by MCST.
  • STRUCTURED LEARNING EXPERIENCE (SLE) :  Required 120 hour Internship