CURRICULUM MAP: 10291.map

Introduction to Musical Theater (SCP) 921
Audtion and Performance Techniques

TIME FRAME: on going
GRADE: 9-12
CONTACT:

         MAP LEVEL: 1

01.2 THE ARTS - MUSIC --- 01.2.1.0.1 --- 01.2.1.0.2 --- 01.2.7.0.1 --- 01.2.7.0.2 --- 01.2.7.5.1 --- 01.2.7.5.2
01.2 THE ARTS - MUSIC --- 01.2.1.5.1 --- 01.2.1.5.2 --- 01.2.1.5.3 --- 01.2.6.0.3 --- 01.2.6.9.2 --- 01.2.7.9.2
01.3 THE ARTS - THEATRE --- 01.3.6.0.5 --- 01.3.7.0.2 --- 01.3.8.9.3 --- 01.3.8.9.4
01.3 THE ARTS - THEATRE --- 01.3.1.0.2 --- 01.3.2.0.1 --- 01.3.2.0.2 --- 01.3.2.5.3 --- 01.3.3.0.2 --- 01.3.6.0.2
23.1 LANGUAGE ARTS - READING AND RESPONDING --- 23.1.4.00.1 --- 23.1.4.0.1 --- 23.1.4.5.2 --- 23.1.4.9.2



How does one present themselves in the best possible way in an audition?

What constitutes characteristically healthy singing?

How does the performer communicate different emotions and ideas through singing and acting?

How does one provide constructive criticism for a performance?

What factors should be considered when choosing a musical?




The purpose of this unit is to help the students become better and more confident performers. Each student will be required to act and sing by themselves and with their peers. We will discuss and execute:
* the do's and don'ts of an audition situation.
* How to write a performance resume
*Special attention will also be paid to the singing voice: what are the characteristics of a healthy sound, what is the correct singing posture, what is the difference between breath support and breath control, how does one project the singing voice?
*Spoken and sung articulation
*How one would approach a ballad differently than a comic or up tempo song
*What are the important things to be aware of when singing a duet
*Memorization techniques
*Stage directions and blocking
*How to add expression to songs and spoken dialogue
*How body language can help or hurt a performance
*How to write a theatrical review
*What factors to consider when choosing a musical for your venue



IN this unit, the student will be able to:
*demonstrate healthy singing
*perform using good sung or spoken diction
*Compose a performance resume
*Discuss and demonstrate the do's and don'ts in an audition situation
*Perform from memory solos, duets, monologues and scenes of contrasting styles and emotions
*Analyze a performance and provide constructive criticism using appropriate theatrical and musical terminology
*Examine and draw conclusions as to what type of musical would suit your venue best




In this unit, each student will:
*Discuss and demonstrate the "do's and don'ts" in an audition situation
*Prepare and perform at least two solos and one duet of their choosing from a musical. If the size of the class and time permits, it is preferable to have the students perform a ballad and an up tempo piece. These performances are spread out over the semester
*Prepare and perform a solo or duet from an assigned compser- entire class sings Rogers and Hammerstein, Sondheim, etc.
*Prepare and perform in a mock audition- including filling out audition sheets, presenting a resume and headshot
*Perform a monologue
*Perform in a short scene with their classmates- incorporating props, costumes and minimal set
*Have constructive criticism presented to their performances via class discussions
*Learn how to write a theaterical review
*Choose a musical that will be appropriate for a given venue. The students will work in groups for their final project.




Assessments for this unit will be as follows:
*Solo and duet performances: Did they sing the correct pitches and rhythms? Did they project their voice? Was the song sung with a characteristically warm, healthy singing voice? Was the emotion of the song expressed in the voice, on the face and with the body? Did the student use correct singing posture? In a duet, did the two performers interact with each other? Was the song/duet memorized?

*Monologues and short scenes: Did the student project their voice? Was the emotion of the monologue or scene expressed in the voice, on the face and with the body? Did the student (s) use correct stage movement: i.e. not up staging, turning the wrong way, using the correct hand to gesture, etc.? In a scene, did the actors interact well with each other? Was the monologue/scene memorized?

*Mock Audition: Did the student present him/herself in a confident manner? Did the student project his/her voice? Did the student perform the audition material in a strong and confident manner? Was the student's resume well contruced and easy to read? Was the student articulate when speaking to the "audition committee"?

*Theatrical Review- student will be required to write theatrical reviews on performances watched during class as well as for a live performance.



If time permits, it is a great experience for the students to take turns directing a short scene staring their peers. If the class size is too large, this is very difficult to incorparate into the semester. However, with smaller classes, this can be feasible and a wonderful experience for all.



Music Theater Vocal Anthologies