Program Requirements

Theater Attendance

Each music theater major is expected to attend theatrical performances during each semester. These may be on or off-campus, and may be Equity or non-Equity events. Attendance at Equity performances is strongly encouraged. Please keep all programs from these performances for your Sophomore Review.
 

Skills Assessment

All students will receive grades for applied study, dance, and acting classes. In addition, the faculty for those classes will be asked to complete a Skills Assessment form for each student each semester. The Skills Assessment Forms will be retained by the Music Theater Program Director.
 

Sophomore Review

Each student must pass a Sophomore Review no later than the end of four semesters of full-time enrollment in the program. The requirements for both parts of the Review are listed below.

I. The Portfolio

You must present documentation of:

• Theatrical events you have attended (represented by programs);
• A current resume highlighting music theater experience, including backstage work, roles performed, including chorus, work as an accompanist or as an instrumentalist for music theater performances, and any other relevant music theater experience; and
• Any of your own written work pertaining to music theater, such as reviews, analyses, journal or blog entries.

The material should be presented in a three-ring binder, organized and indexed for easy reference. It is recommended that you review your documentation with your advisor at every meeting prior to the Sophomore Review.

II. The Performance

Singers must present a performance including the following:

• Sing two musical numbers, one ballad and one up-tempo number. At least one of the selections must come from a musical written before 1970.  Additionally, one of the chosen numbers must be staged (the use of props and/or costume pieces is allowed).
• One monologue.

Pianists must present a performance including the following:

• Accompany a singer (or two singers) in two contrasting music theater selections.
• One monologue.

As noted above, skills assessment forms will be reviewed and taken into consideration for the Sophomore Review.
 

Expectations for the Sophomore Review

Although it is understood that students’ gifts vary widely, the faculty does expect that, in addition to the technical and musical requirements specific to the applied study, the student demonstrate a synthesis of skills reflected in, and required of, the music theater curriculum (speech, movement and acting).
 

Participation in a Music Theater Production

1. Students in the cast or chorus of a Music Theater production will be expected to sign a form, listing any known conflicts and committing otherwise to all scheduled rehearsals (barring emergencies).
    
2. Students in the cast or chorus must register for Music Theater Production, MT493, for credit and will therefore receive a grade. The administration guarantees that no student will be charged an overload caused by adding the two credits for Music Theater Production.
    
3. Students must enroll in Music Theater Production, MT493, for credit to serve as stage manager, assistant stage manager, or lighting designer/technician. Students will interview for these positions with the director and music director. The director and music director of the production will present a written explanation of the duties for each position, and evaluate the student’s performance in fulfilling these duties after the production.