MTR 101 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.

MTR 102 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 learn 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 (MTR 101)” be taken prior to taking this course.

MTR 109 Ballet I (1 credit, 3 hours per week)
This course introduces the basic elements of ballet technique. Technique is based on the five positions of the legs and feet, coupled with appropriate arm positions. The class consists of a basic ballet barre warm-up that includes stretching and developing strength and turn-out used in dance positions and combinations. Instruction includes jumping, turning, and connecting steps with movement. Ballet terminology is addressed.

MTR 110 Ballet II (1 credit, 3 hours per week)
Continuation of MT109, Beginning Ballet I, building upon techniques learned in that course. Prerequisite: MTR 109.

MTR 207 Music Theater Vocal Coaching (3)
Vocal coaching and repertoire preparation with a focus in developing the skill sets required to research and prepare music theater repertoire. Special emphasis is given to creating and maintaining the professional audition book. Open to Music Theater majors only. Prerequisite: MTR 101.

MTR 209 Tap Dance I (1 credit, 3 hours per week)
Introduction to the basic elements of tap dancing. Tap technique is geared to enhance rhythm and motor skills, basic elements that will be used to connect several steps and movements into combinations. Other variations such as “soft shoe” or “clogging” are included.

MTR 210 Tap Dance II (1 credit, 3 hours per week)
Continuation of MTR 209. Combinations most often used in music theater productions are emphasized. Prerequisite: MTR 209.

MTR 211 Ballet III (1 credit, 3 hours per week)
Intermediate ballet, expanding upon Ballet II and concentrating upon the American lineage of ballet training. Prerequisite: MTR 110     

MTR 212 Ballet IV (1 credit, 3 hours per week)
of MT211. Intermediate ballet, expanding upon Ballet III and concentrating upon the American lineage of ballet training. Prerequisite: MTR 211         

MTR 216 Acting for the Music Theater Major I (3)
This professional skills course, intended for Music Theater majors, builds upon the student’s previous acting training. Through various exercises and activities (both individual and group), the student will begin to develop a clear method for preparation that addresses first their own instrument, and then (through various methods of analysis) the character and the play.  Students will begin to utilize and apply the studied techniques and exercises to simple monologues and a scene.  Behavioral truth will precede the more sophisticated studies of emotional truth.
 
MTR 217 Acting for the Music Theater Major II (3)
Continuation of MT 216.  Methods for preparation are expanded, as students learn and experience techniques for exploring and developing characters.  This semester will focus on the application of the skills and acting techniques studied in the first semester to the needs of dramatic and sung material. Students are expected to synthesize content and skills acquired in the Speech for the Actor, Body Awareness and Movement classes. Prerequisite: MTR 216.

MTR 251 Styles and Genres I (3)
Focuses teaching and learning on the ways in which musical and textual understanding inform the interpretation and performing of representative composers from the Standard, Classical, and Traditional periods of music theater.  Composers to be studied will include Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Kern, Berlin, Gershwin, Porter, Arlen, Blitzstein and Weill. Prerequisites: MUS 111 and MUS 111L, THE 107, MTR 216.

MTR 252 Styles and Genres II (3)
Focuses teaching and learning on the ways in which musical and textual understanding inform the interpretation and performing of representative composers from the Contemporary (Non-Pop/Rock) period of music theater.  Composers to be studied will include Sondheim, Styne, Kander and Ebb, Guettel, Maltby and Shire, and Bernstein. Prerequisites: MUS 111 and MUS 111L, THE 107, MTR 216.

MTR 253 Styles and Genres III (3)
Focuses teaching and learning on the ways in which musical and textual understanding inform the interpretation and performing of representative composers from the Contemporary, Pop/Rock period of music theater.  Composers to be studied will include Webber, Schwartz, Fenn, Flaherty, Menkin, Brown, LaChiusa, and Lippa. Prerequisites: MUS 111 and MUS 111L, THE 107, MTR 216.

MTR 309 Jazz Dance I (1 credit, 3 hours per week)
Based upon the ballet foundation, this course explores the expressive style of jazz dance, and basic Western theatrical dance forms and social dances used most often on the stage. Prerequisite: MTR 109.

MTR 310 Jazz Dance II (1 credit, 3 hours per week)
Continuation of MTR 309. Prerequisite: MTR 309.

MTR 313 Ballet V (1 credit, 3 hours per week)
Advanced ballet, expanding upon Ballet IV and concentrating upon the American lineage of ballet training.  Inclusion of advanced combinations, physical development and coordination skills. Prerequisite: MTR 212     

MTR 314 Ballet VI (1 credit, 3 hours per week)
Advanced ballet, expanding upon Ballet IV and concentrating upon the American lineage of ballet training.  Inclusion of advanced combinations, physical development and coordination skills. Prerequisite: MTR 313    

MTR 317 Music Theater Auditions: Preparation and Technique (3)
This course, building upon skill-sets established in the Music Theater singer-actor curriculum, introduces and hones the skill-sets critical to preparing for auditions. Genres and styles of music most often required for auditioning in the industry will be prepared and explored. An audition “book,” based upon the demands of the industry, as well as the most suitable material for each student will be built. When appropriate, guests from the industry will be invited to present master classes and evaluations in a “mock audition” process. Prerequisites: MTR 207, MTR 216, MTR 217, MTR 492, and MTR 496.

MTR 335 Speech for the Actor (3)
This course introduces and develops speech techniques, specifically in the areas of relaxation, posture and alignment, respiration, phonation, support, registration, resonance, and articulation. Students learn to consistently produce a free, resonant, fully supported speaking voice.  Exercises will increase flexibility and range of speaking and will foster heightened responsiveness to feeling. Regular practice in the delivery of both impromptu and prepared monologues is required.  This course includes studies in Neutral American Speech.

MTR 401 Choreography (3)
This elective course studies the relationship between music, text, and movement, approached through exploration of various resources, including improvisation, use or ideas, knowledge of forms, and development of craft. The creative process includes movement using the various styles of dance used in music theater. It is recommended that students complete MTR 480 before taking MTR 401.

MTR 402 Directing Music Theater and Opera (3)
This elective course investigates how conceptual ideas and the process of script analysis are used in putting together a music theater production for performance. Instruction includes staging ideas and elements needed for a complete production. Other theatrical aspects of choreography, properties, costumes, lighting, and set design are addressed. It is recommended that students complete MTR 496 before taking MTR 402.

MTR 480 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 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. Performance issues and movement as a basis for music and sound production are addressed. Prerequisites: MTR 209, MTR 309.

MTR 492 The Singing Actor: Music Theater (3)
This semester combines all dramatic and musical studies to create an authentic and believable character that is both emotionally truthful and musically expressive.  Music is studied as “script,” and dramatic choices are prepared in relationship to all elements present in the score. Prerequisites: MTR 216 and MTR 217

MTR 493 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.

MTR 496 Music Theater Workshop (3)
This class, building upon the foundational studies associated with preparation and exploration (both dramatic and musical), focuses on performance.  Students are taught methods for synthesizing all former training in acting, music, and movement to the needs of the character and the play/score.  Each student fully prepares at least two complete roles from the music theater repertoire.  The class culminates in a performance of scenes – The Junior Cabaret! Prerequisites: MTR 216, MTR 217, MTR 492

MTR 511 Music Theater Ensemble (1 credit, 3 hours per week)
The performance-based, auditioned music theater ensemble engages multiple singers/actors/dancers in performance, utilizing scenes from music theater literature as the primary material. Emphasis is placed upon group interaction and building an ensemble.  This ensemble often is asked to perform for University sponsored events.