Musical Theater
There are many types of Musical Theater. In class we will be studying the three basic forms: ballets, operas, and “Broadway” musicals. After discussing each type in detail and viewing some examples, you will show that you have an understanding of Musical Theater by completing the projects in this packet to turn in for a grade. Projects will be graded as described in the packet.
Definitions:
Musical Theater— A staged performance of a story featuring music, actors, costumes, sets, scenery, props, and lighting.
Ballet— A form of musical theater in which the story is told through dancing. Ballets DO NOT contain singing or spoken dialogue between the actors, but a narrator may paraphrase the story. Examples: The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and The Firebird.
Opera— A form of musical theater in which the story (called the libretto) is told through singing. Sometimes dancing is included. There is no spoken dialogue between the actors, although sometimes the story is narrated. Examples: Aida, The Magic Flute, Carmen, and Madame Butterfly.
“Broadway” Musical— A form of musical theater (sometimes called “Operetta”) in which the story is told through singing, dancing, and speaking lines. A musical is usually NOT narrated. The story usually has a happy ending. Examples: Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Grease, and The Wizard of Oz.
Here are some examples of Musical Theatre, which will help you complete all your projects:
Cinderella, by Prokofiev
The Magic Flute, by W. Mozart
The Music Man, by Meredith Willson
Want to learn more?
Click here and go to an awesome website with tons of information: Musicals 101
Each type of musical theater has several defining characteristics. While they are similar, there are also differences. In this task, you will write a report on musical theater, comparing and contrasting the three basic types (ballet, opera, and “Broadway” musical).
Use the notes you were given and any research you find online, you will write three paragraphs and use at least one specific example from the videos for each type of musical theater. (3 in all!) The report will be graded as follows.
(20) The report has a minimum of three paragraphs.
(25) Each type of musical theater is accurately explained using
comparison and contrast.
(15) A specific example from the viewing is used for each form of
musical theater.
(20) Correct grammar and writing style are used.
(20) The report is neat and handed in on time.
Project A: Summary Report
Project B: The Poster
This is your chance to get in depth into one of the forms of musical theatre. Each type of musical theater has several defining characteristics, (i.e. song, dance, acting, dialogue, etc.) Choose one form of musical theater (ballet, opera, “Broadway” musical), research it further and design a poster going in depth regarding one of the types of musical theatre. Your poster will address at least 4 characteristics of the chosen form of musical theater and contain at least 3 specific examples. The final product should be completed on posterboard. Your poster will be graded as follows.
(20) The poster addresses at least 4 characteristics of the chosen form of musical theater, explaining them in detail.
(25) The viewing examples are accurately in its category based on its characteristics.
(15) At least 3 specific examples are used.
(20) The poster is visually pleasing, neat, and correct spelling is used.
(20) The poster is handed in on time.
Project C: Make your Own Short Musical
Each form of musical theater has several defining characteristics, (i.e. song, dance, acting, dialogue, etc.) Using the notes you took and what you know about musical theatre, as well as further research online, choose one form of musical theater with singing and acting (not just dance) and use it as a base for your final product.
Read through your tale of choice (tales can be found by looking for Brothers Grimm tales at Project Gutenberg, or following the link below).
Project Gutenberg Tales
Rewrite it as a play – adding a cast sheet, separating the lines for each character and adding a narrator as needed.
Divide the story into three acts. Create two songs for each of the acts, for a total of six songs. You can use existing music and change the lyrics to match your story; just make sure to add the name of the source music/song on your final product. You can also write original music for your musical. It will be graded as follows.
(25) The play has been successfully transformed into a musical (3 minutes long).
(15) The play has three acts with two songs minimum per act.
(20) Correct grammar and writing style are used.
(20) Songs are adequate and match the sentiment of the scene.
(20) Songs in which the musical was based are properly cited.
Project D: Movie Report
Watch "The Music Man" (see video on Youtube above) in its entirety. Write a short movie report (one page long) regarding the story,and clearly explaining the plot, listing characters, setting and any important twists and turns. Finally, complete the quiz on "The Music Man" below.
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Music Man Test
Musical Theater
Hansel and Gretel