Postgraduate MA Musical Theatre Creative Practice - Curriculum

Term 1

Analysis of Performance Techniques in Musical Theatre

From dreams to reality: in order to develop original ideas into vibrant, illuminating and innovative musical theatre, directors, choreographers and music directors need a profound understanding of the capabilities of musical theatre performers.  Students will take part in seminars, workshops, tutorials, rehearsals and class observations to develop their understanding of the skills and techniques required of actors, singers and dancers in musical theatre, and the opportunities and boundaries these present to musical theatre practitioners in the creation of original work. 

All students will be exploring the philosophy of training for performers in musical theatre, including seminars and class observations in the following teaching techniques:
• technical singing lessons, taught in the Estill method
• musical theatre singing repertoire classes
• voice and speech
• acting through song
• acting through dance
• improvisation and storytelling
• audition procedures

In addition, students will gain practical experience in their chosen pathway by taking part in the following seminars and projects for the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (validated by City University):

Direction:
Students will observe and assist a professional director on the Year 1 storytelling project, and Year 2 scene study projects.  They will have a seminar in acting for dancers, and character development and physical characterisation in ensemble work.

Choreography:
Students will assist professional dance tutors and choreographers on Year 1 and Year 2 Song and Dance projects and in pas de deux classes.  They will have a seminar in either a) working with inexperienced dancers or b) the use of contemporary dance techniques in musical theatre choreography.

Music Direction
Students will assist and observe a professional music director on Year 1 and Year 2 Song and Dance projects and ensemble singing classes.  They will have a seminar on conducting an orchestra/band, which will also cover the techniques necessary for productions in which MDs are expected to play as part of the band at the same time as giving music direction.

Approaches to Research

This module provides an essential foundation for the whole course, and will be particularly useful to those students who are coming back to study after a number of years.    Students will be given the opportunity to enhance their research skills and extend their knowledge of recent thought and scholarship in the field of musical theatre research. 

This module is ongoing throughout the course, and comprises seminars and tutorials in research methodologies, essay writing, preparation for the dissertation, and guidance for the pathway project.

Term 2

Professional Practice Project

Students will have the opportunity to apply their growing technical and creative skills by taking part in placements on 3rd year public productions on the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre programme.  They will be mentored by professional practitioners in their chosen pathway, and will observe and assist their mentors throughout the pre-production and rehearsal period and into performance.  Students will write a critical analysis reflecting on the process, procedure and efficacy of the project.

Term 3

Development of Current Musical Theatre Practice

From knowledge comes inspiration: artists can only begin to create innovative work once they have synthesised a profound understanding of the historical and socio-political contexts, and the technical and practical developments that led to current musical theatre practices in their chosen field. 

Students will take part in professional practice workshops with current musical theatre practitioners including agents, casting directors and producers.  They will also take part in tutor and student-led seminars in the theory and creative practice of musical theatre in Britain, Europe and the United States.  Students will collaborate with each other to workshop new musicals.  Material will be supplied by production companies such as Perfect Pitch or Mercury.

The Pathway Project
Either alone or in collaboration with other students on the course, students will create a final project for presentation at the end of an extended summer term.  Armed with well developed practical skills, a clear understanding of the history, context and challenges of their own chosen pathway, and advised by experienced practitioners, the students will conceive, manage, create, execute, and evaluate a substantial piece of original work in their chosen pathway. 

Performance
With tutorial support, students will each produce a pathway project for presentation, sourcing their own materials, creative collaborators, performers, production and technical support. 

Journal
The pathway project will be supported by a 5,000 to 5,500 word research journal containing critical analysis of the creative process.

Viva Voce
Following presentation of the pathway project, each student will be subject to a Viva Voce.

Students will apply their research-based knowledge and acquired skills to the creation of either:
• An original piece of work at least 45 minutes in length, in collaboration with fellow students on the programme
• A substantial piece of professional work, e.g. direction, choreography or music direction of a professional production of a full length musical