THTR 222 Ensemble Performance: Musical Theatre
Members of the musical theatre ensemble are essential in bringing the world of the musical to life. Although the roles are often unnamed, each is integral to theatrical community and storytelling. Chorus members are the backbone of musical theatre productions, being required to sing, act, and dance. They play a variety of roles in support of the story and musical production. The ensemble is filling in the holes of the world that is presented to make it believable and relatable. In this course students engage in the collaborative work unique to the musical theatre ensemble. While exploring varying styles of musical theatre material from across the history of the genre, students will engage in character development within the context of an ensemble while learning to use the body as an extension of character through movement and choreography. The course also requires students to exercise their sight singing skills, sustain individual harmonies, work on vocal blend in an ensemble setting, and put to use essential terminology and music literacy through ensemble performance.