Courses

MT101 Body Awareness (2)
The student will learn to free the body through improvisation and movement exploration. Physical awareness will be explored through experiential anatomy, movement fundamentals, Alexander Technique, and yogic methods of posture, relaxation and breathing. From this body awareness the student will begin to connect music with movement and learn methods to refine the use of the body as an instrument of communication.

MT102 Fundamentals of Dance Technique (2)
A practical course designed to provide understanding of universal principles underlying alignment, support, strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and endurance applicable to western theatrical dance forms. Through dance kinesiology, movement analysis and fundamentals, and the latest research on fitness training for dancers, students will gain knowledge of how to improve their movement skills, no matter what level of training they have acquired prior to the course. It is suggested that the course, “Body Awareness MMT101)” be taken prior to taking this course.

MT109 Ballet I (2 credits, 3 hours per week)
This course will introduce the basic elements of ballet technique. This technique is based on the five positions of the legs and feet, coupled with appropriate arm positions. The class will consist of a basic ballet barre warm-up. This warm-up will include stretching and developing strength and turn-out used in dance positions and combinations. Instruction will include jumping, turning, and connecting steps with movement. Ballet terminology will be addressed.

MT110 Ballet II (2 credits, 3 hours per week)
This course is a continuation of MT109, Beginning Ballet I. Students will build upon the techniques learned in the previous course. Prerequisite: MT109.

MT207 Music Theater Vocal Coaching (3)
Master classes and private instruction in music theater solo and ensemble performance. Open to Music Theater majors only. Prerequisite: MT101.

MT209 Tap Dance I (2 credits, 3 hours per week)
Introduction to the basic elements of tap dancing. Tap technique is geared to enhance rhythm and motor skills. These basic elements will be used to connect several steps and movements into combinations. Other variations such as “soft shoe” or “clogging” will be included.

MT210 Tap Dance II (2 credits, 3 hours per week)
Continuation of MT209. Combinations most often used in music theater productions are emphasized. Prerequisite: MT209.

MT216 Acting for the Music Theater Major I (3)
This professional skills course, intended for Music Theater majors, is designed to meet the needs of students aiming for a career on the professional stage. This course integrates the student’s previous acting training in MT101 and MT335 to further develop skills for the actor.

MT217 Acting for the Music Theater Major II (3)
Acontinuation of the skills and exercises covered in MT216, with the addition of scene study, script analysis, and preparation for scene performance. Prerequisite: MT216.

MT309 Jazz Dance I (2 credits, 3 hours per week)
With a foundation of ballet technique, this course will explore the expressive style of jazz dance. Further exploration into basic Western theatrical dance forms and social dances used most often on the stage will be made. Prerequisite: MT109.

MT310 Jazz Dance II (2 credits, 3 hours per week)
Continuation of MT309. Prerequisite: MT309.

MT335 Speech for the Actor (3)
This course deals with the basic tools and concepts required for effective speech for the stage. Exercises will increase flexibility and range of speaking and will foster heightened responsiveness to imagery and rhythm. Important elements include body movement, breathing, support for the voice, dialect, and characterization. There will be regular practice in the delivery of both impromptu and prepared speeches. The course will provide students with an understanding of how to project the voice clearly and forcefully.

MT401 Choreography (3)
This elective course will study the relationship between music, text, and movement. Choreography will be approached through exploration of various resources, including improvisation, use or ideas, knowledge of forms, and development of craft. The creative process will include movement using the various styles of dance used in music theater. It is recommended that students complete MT480 before taking MT401.

MT402 Directing Music Theater and Opera (3)
This elective course will investigate how conceptual ideas and the process of script analysis are used in putting together a music theater production for performance. Instruction will include staging ideas and elements needed for a complete production. Other theatrical aspects of choreography, properties, costumes, lighting, and set design will be addressed. It is recommended that students complete MT496 before taking MT402.

MT480 Dance for the Performing Artist (3)
This course is a culmination of the dance elements and forms studied in ballet, tap, and jazz dance. Context areas will include movement used most often in performance of music theater and movement fundamentals applicable to all aspects of presentation and principle to refine and articulate the performer’s awareness and use of the body through singing and dance. Examination of performance issues and of movement as a basis for music and sound production will be addressed. Prerequisites: MT209, 309.

MT492 The Singing Actor: Music Theater (3)
This course synthesizes acting, movement, and musical skills to prepare students for effective music theater performance. The course may include improvisation, movement, acting exercise, and scene work. Written assignments will involve character study as well as script and scene analysis for scenes studied in class. Prerequisite: MT217.

MT493 Music Theater Production (2)
Preparation and performance of a solo or ensemble role in a fully staged music theater production. Concurrent participation in stage crew activities is required.

MT496 Workshop in Music Theater (3)
This performance-oriented class will explore many facets of producing music theater. Areas of instruction will include performance, audition techniques, the music theater process, and analysis. Stage direction, choreography, stage management, properties, costume, ighting, and set design will be addressed. The course will conclude with the performance of a one-act play, several scenes, or a musical revue. Prerequisites: MT480, 492.