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 musical theatre 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 musical theatre, 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
Comprehensively introduces theatre arts, covering voice and movement techniques, theatre history from ancient to modern periods, improvisation, acting methods, and performance skills. Students learn various methodologies, including Bartenieff Fundamentals, Alexander Technique, and Laban Movement Theory. The course explores acting processes based on Stanislavski, Meisner, and Hagan methods and includes theatre terminology, etiquette, and play analysis. It culminates in winter and spring showcases, allowing students to apply their skills in practical settings.
Vocal Performance I
Offers a comprehensive foundation in vocal techniques, music theory, and performance skills. It covers vocal health, pedagogy, language studies, music fundamentals, and keyboard skills. The course includes vocal training, exploring production techniques, and Golden Age Musicals. Students also learn acting through song, focusing on characterization and staging. The curriculum culminates in winter and spring showcases, featuring classical works, Italian art songs, and Golden Age Musical duets, allowing students to apply their skills in practical settings.
10th Grade:
Acting II
Foundations of Scene Study expands on Acting 1, focusing on advanced acting techniques and their practical application. The course covers in-depth script analysis, character development, and the study of major theatre theorists. It incorporates movement training to enhance physical expressiveness. Students learn playwriting, directing, and explore developmental theatre concepts. The curriculum also introduces on-camera acting techniques, including film history, screenplay adaptation, and auditioning for screen. Students prepare for two showcases throughout the course: a winter performance of 10-minute plays and art songs and a spring Film Festival. This comprehensive approach bridges stage and screen acting, providing students with a versatile skill set for their acting careers.
Vocal Performance II
Offers advanced vocal training and comprehensive musical education. It covers advanced vocal health, French and German art songs, contemporary musical theatre, and complex music theory. The course emphasizes aural skills, keyboard proficiency, and basic accompaniment techniques. Students explore music composition, technology, and advanced acting through song. Language studies focus on French and German pronunciation for singing. The curriculum culminates in winter and spring showcases, featuring a mix of classical and contemporary pieces, aiming to produce versatile vocal performers skilled in various musical styles and performance techniques.
11th Grade:
Acting III
Musical theatre history and Broadway basics combines theory and practice in advanced musical theatre. It covers musical theatre history, advanced dance techniques, and technical theatre aspects. The core project involves creating and performing an original musical for the winter showcase. The course then shifts to advanced scene study, contemporary acting techniques, and career preparation, including resume building and industry insights. It concludes with a spring showcase for industry professionals and college scouts. This comprehensive approach, utilizing various performance spaces, prepares students for diverse careers in theatre arts.
Grade 11 Vocal Performance III
Vocal Performance III: Advanced vocal pedagogy and training offers comprehensive vocal and theatre education. It covers advanced vocal techniques, anatomy, and musical theatre skills. Students engage in creating and performing an original musical for the winter showcase. The course then focuses on advanced music theory, aural skills, and keyboard proficiency, including non-Western music study. Career preparation is emphasized, covering resume-building and audition techniques. The curriculum culminates in a spring showcase for industry professionals and college scouts. Using various performance spaces, this course prepares students for diverse vocal performance and musical theatre careers.
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