Musical Theatre Major (B.F.A.) - Undergraduate - 2010 University Catalog

You are viewing the 2010 University Catalog. Please see the newest version of the University Catalog for the most current version of this program's requirements.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre provides rigorous training with a concentrated focus in acting, dance and music, preparing students to work in the musical theatre industry. Musical Theatre majors develop exceptional performance skills through a combination of intense classroom work and production opportunities.  (note: Students in all Theatre & Dance majors must pass yearly juries/portfolio reviews for continuation in the pre-professional programs.)

The BFA in Musical Theatre is a program of the Department of Theatre & Dance.  For further information, click here.  

Curriculum Requirements:  All university students must fulfill the set of General Education Requirements  applicable to their degree.  In addition, students pursuing the Musical Theatre Major (BFA) must complete the requirements listed below:

MUSICAL THEATRE MAJOR

Complete 92 semester hours including the following 3 requirement(s):

  1. REQUIRED THEATRE COURSES

    Complete 3 requirement(s):

    1. THEATRE COURSES

      Complete the following 11 courses:

      THTR 115 Acting I - B.F.A.: Theatre Games/Improvisation I 3
      THTR 130 Acting II - B.F.A.: Theatre Games/Improvisation II 3
      THTR 210 Theatre History: Classical to Elizabethan 3
      THTR 222 Acting III - B.F.A.: Scene Study I 3
      THTR 223 Acting IV - B.F.A.: Scene Study II 3
      THTR 238 Musical Theatre I 3
      THTR 278 Stage Make-Up 3
      THTR 322 Acting V - B.F.A.: Classical Acting I 3
      THTR 323 Acting VI - B.F.A.: Classical Acting II 3
      THTR 338 Musical Theatre II 3
      THTR 425 Senior Showcase for Actors 3

    2. PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS

      1. Complete the following for 1 semester hours:

        THTR 200 Production Stagecraft 1

      2. Complete the following for 1 semester hours:

        THTR 201 Production Operations 1

      3. Complete the following for 1 semester hours:

        THTR 202 Production Costumes 1

    3. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

      Complete 3 semester hours from the following:

      THTR 204 Performance Production I 1
      THTR 206 Performance: Production II 1
      THTR 207 Performance: Production III 1

  2. REQUIRED MUSIC COURSES

    Complete 4 requirement(s):

    1. MUSIC COURSES

      Complete the following 13 courses:

      MSSN 101 Keyboard Musicianship I 1
      MSSN 102 Keyboard Musicianship II 1
      MTTH 131 Freshman Studio I 1
      MTTH 132 Acting for the Singer I 2
      MTTH 133 Vocal Technique for Musical Theatre 2
      MTTH 231 Acting for the Singer II 2
      MUAP 121 Applied Music I 2
      MUAP 122 Applied Music II 2
      MUAP 223 Applied Music III 2
      MUAP 224 Applied Music IV 2
      MUAP 325 Applied Music V 2
      MUAP 326 Applied Music VI 2
      MUGN 236 The History of Broadway 3

    2. THEORY/AURAL SKILLS I

      Complete 1 of the following:

      1. Complete 1 course for 4 semester hours:

        MUCP 121 Music Theory and Aural Skills for Musical Theatre I 4

      2. Complete 2 courses for 4 semester hours:

        MUCP 101 Theory I 3
        MUCP 103 Aural Skills I 1

    3. THEORY/AURAL SKILLS II

      Complete 1 of the following:

      1. Complete 1 course for 4 semester hours:

        MUCP 122 Music Theory and Aural Skills for Musical Theatre II 4

      2. Complete 2 courses for 4 semester hours:

        MUCP 102 Theory II 3
        MUCP 104 Aural Skills II 1

    4. MUSIC PERFORMANCE COURSES

      1. Complete a total of 1 semester hours from the following (MUPR 199 must be taken as a co-requisite with MUPR 034):

        MUPR 020 Montclair State University Singers 0.5
        MUPR 030 Montclair State University Chorale 0.5
        MUPR 034 Opera Workshop 0.5

      2. Complete the following course for a total of 3 semester hours:

        MUPR 040 Performance Practicum for Performance Majors 0.5

  3. REQUIRED DANCE COURSES

    Complete 3 requirement(s):

    1. BALLET REQUIREMENT I

      Complete the following 1 course for 3 semester hours:

      DNCE 155 Dance Technique: Ballet I 3

    2. BALLET REQUIREMENT II

      Complete 4 semester hours from the following:

      DNCE 255 Dance Technique: Ballet II 2-3
      DNCE 355 Dance Technique: Ballet III 2-3

    3. Complete 10 semester hours from the following:

      DNCE 121 Musical Theatre Dance I 2
      DNCE 221 Musical Theatre Dance II 2
      DNCE 321 Musical Theatre Dance III 2

Course Descriptions:

DNCE121: Musical Theatre Dance I

A dance studio focusing on jazz and tap technique with strong emphasis on style, terminology and skill preparation for musical theatre performance. 2 sh.

DNCE155: Dance Technique: Ballet I

Study of basic ballet terminology, barre work, center floor exercises. May be repeated for a maximum of twelve credits. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Fine and Performing Arts. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Electives, Creative Expression. 3 sh.

DNCE221: Musical Theatre Dance II

An intermediate/advanced dance studio, focusing on dance styles found within the musical theatre repertoire with a strong emphasis on thorough, efficient and elevated technical proficiency associated with original Broadway choreography. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: DNCE 121.

DNCE255: Dance Technique: Ballet II

Further study of beginning ballet with emphasis on structural alignment, barre work and center floor exercises. DNCE majors: 3 credits. THMT majors: 2-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of twenty-four credits. 2 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Dance and Musical Theatre majors and minors only.

DNCE321: Musical Theatre Dance III

An advanced level performance studio focusing on dance styles found within the musical theatre repertoire. With strong emphasis on thorough, efficient and elevated technical proficiency and heightened musicianship skills associated with Broadway style musical sequences. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: DNCE121, DNCE221 or permission from instructor.

DNCE355: Dance Technique: Ballet III

Advanced technique in ballet with emphasis on individualized placement. Work on musicality, line, dynamics and stylistic refinement. DNCE majors: 3 credits. THMT majors: 2-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of twenty-four credits. 2 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Musical Theatre Majors/Minors, Dance majors and minors only, DNCE 255, or by audition.

MSSN101: Keyboard Musicianship I

Keyboard skills including major and minor scales, arpeggios and chord progressions, sightreading, transposition, harmonization, improvisation. Group instruction. 1 sh.

MSSN102: Keyboard Musicianship II

Continuation of MSSN 101. Group instruction. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: MSSN 101; Music majors or minors only.

MTTH131: Freshman Studio I

A rehearsal and performance laboratory, focusing on musical theatre material with an emphasis on thorough and efficeint preparation as the student develops movement and musicianship skills and ensemble performance technique. 1 sh.

MTTH132: Acting for the Singer I

Acting for the singer is a music performance course focused on the issues of acting in musical/dramatic works. Students will learn an analytical process for the construction and performance of a dramatically viable character within a musical/dramatic work, and apply this process to the preparation of 4-5 songs/arias/duets during the course of each semester. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: MUCP 050 (or equivalent).

MTTH133: Vocal Technique for Musical Theatre

Vocal technique class for first year Musical Theatre majors. Study of basic anatomy and function of the voice. Study of singing through vocal exercises and healthy and optimal production including breath management, resonance, projection, and good lyric diction. 2 sh.

MTTH231: Acting for the Singer II

Acting for the Singer II is a continuation of Acting for the Singer I, a musical performance course focused on the issues of acting in musical/dramatic works. Students will continue to practice an analytical process for the construction and performance of a dramatically viable character within a musical/dramatic work, and apply this process to the preparation of 4-5 songs/arias/duets during the course of each semester. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: MTTH 132.

MUAP121: Applied Music I

Fifteen one-hour lessons per semester, private instruction. May not be repeated for credit. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Majors only, John J Cali School of Music approval.

MUAP122: Applied Music II

Fifteen one-hour lessons per semester, private instruction. May not be repeated for credit. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Majors only; MUAP 121.

MUAP223: Applied Music III

Fifteen one-hour lessons per semester, private instruction. May not be repeated for credit. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Majors only; MUAP 122.

MUAP224: Applied Music IV

Fifteen one-hour lessons per semester, private instruction. May not be repeated for credit. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Majors only; MUAP 223.

MUAP325: Applied Music V

Fifteen one-hour lessons per semester, private instruction. May not be repeated for credit. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Majors only; MUAP 224.

MUAP326: Applied Music VI

Fifteen one-hour lessons per semester, private instruction. May not be repeated for credit. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Majors only; MUAP 325.

MUCP101: Theory I

Study of harmony, counterpoint and musical analysis of small forms. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Music majors or minors only.

MUCP102: Theory II

Continuation of MUCP 101. Must be taken with MUCP 104. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: MUCP 101; Music majors or minors only.

MUCP103: Aural Skills I

Sight reading and dictation in major and minor modes, using diatonic chord progressions. Basic solfeggio. Must be taken with MUCP 101. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: Music majors or minors only.

MUCP104: Aural Skills II

Continuation of MUCP 103; must be taken with MUCP 102. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: MUCP 103; Music majors or minors only.

MUCP121: Music Theory and Aural Skills for Musical Theatre I

Study of concepts and skills in music theory and aural training for the musical theatre student, including music reading, melodic and harmonic analysis, form, sightsinging, music dictation, transposition and improvisation using literature from the musical theatre canon. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: Musical Theatre majors only

MUCP122: Music Theory and Aural Skills for Musical Theatre II

Continued study of concepts and skills in music theory and aural training for the musical theatre student, including music reading, melodic and harmonic analysis, form, sightsinging, music dictation, transposition and improvisation using literature from the musical theatre canon. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MUCP 121.

MUGN236: The History of Broadway

Introduction to the varieties of style in music for the purpose of extending dramatic action, characterization and atmosphere in musicals, operettas and musical comedies. Representative works from 1927 to present. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Fine and Performing Arts. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Fine and Performing Arts: Art Appreciation. 3 sh.

MUPR020: Montclair State University Singers

Study through rehearsal and performance of madrigals. Open to all through audition. May be repeated for credit. 0.5 sh.

Prerequisites: John J Cali School of Music approval (audition).

MUPR030: Montclair State University Chorale

0.5 sh.

MUPR034: Opera Workshop

Opera studied through performance. Nature of dramatic music, problems of movement, make-up, costuming, props and scenery. May be repeated for credit. 0.5 sh.

Prerequisites: John J Cali School of Music approval.

MUPR040: Performance Practicum for Performance Majors

Performance of repertoire for coaching in interpretation, style, analysis, technique, etc. Required in conjunction with each course in the primary and major instrument. 0.5 sh.

Prerequisites: Music performance majors only.

THTR115: Acting I - B.F.A.: Theatre Games/Improvisation I

Work on the actor's instrument; use of the senses, involvement with the environment and other actors; concentration, honesty, and work with freeing the body, voice and imagination. Improvisation is the primary tool used for developing the actor's instrument and shaping material. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: B.F.A. in Theatre, Acting concentration only.

THTR130: Acting II - B.F.A.: Theatre Games/Improvisation II

A continuation of Acting I with more advanced work on the actor's instrument. Improvisation and theatre games used in developing a workshop for public presentation. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: THTR 115; B.F.A. in Theatre, Acting Concentration majors only.

THTR200: Production Stagecraft

The application of principles learned in THTR 150 (Stagecraft) to the building and mounting of Theatre Series productions. Taken concurrently with THTR 150. 1 sh.

THTR201: Production Operations

The application of principles involving lighting, sound and props to the creation and mounting of non-scenic elements and/or the running crew for Theatre Series productions. May be repeated seven times for a maximum of 8.0 credits. 1 sh.

THTR202: Production Costumes

The application of costuming principles and techniques to the building of costumes, mounting Theatre Series productions and/or costume running crew for Theatre Series productions. May be repeated seven times for a maximum of 8.0 credits. 1 sh.

THTR204: Performance Production I

Rehearsal, performance and strike for the first Theatre Series production in a given semester. May be repeated twice for a total of 3.0 credits. 1 sh.

THTR206: Performance: Production II

Rehearsal, performance and strike for the second Theatre Series in a given semester. May be repeated twice for a total of 3.0 credits. 1 sh.

THTR207: Performance: Production III

Rehearsal, performance and strike for the third Theatre Series production in a given semester. May be repeated twice for a total of 3.0 credits. 1 sh.

THTR210: Theatre History: Classical to Elizabethan

The development of the theatre from the Classical Greek through the Elizabethan period. Attention to plays, playwrights, theatre architecture, scenery, costuming, styles of acting and presentations; oral reports, lectures and demonstrations.Meets the University Writing Requirement for THAC, THMT, THPD and THST majors. 3 sh.

THTR222: Acting III - B.F.A.: Scene Study I

Introduction to Stanislavskian objectives, obstacles and actions in order to create stage truth and to generate physical and emotional involvement. Students explore psychophysical action to project character choices in nonverbal and scripted scene work. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: THTR 130; B.F.A. in Theatre, Acting Concentration majors only.

THTR223: Acting IV - B.F.A.: Scene Study II

A continuation of the study of psychophysical action and the use of objectives and actions to investigate and master stage truth. Students explore advanced character work through more challenging scene study. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: THTR 222; B.F.A. in Theatre, Acting Concentration majors only.

THTR238: Musical Theatre I

Production styles, techniques and dramatic conventions used in the musical theatre in relation to direction, music, dance and design. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: THTR 105 or 115.

THTR278: Stage Make-Up

Appreciation of make-up through symbolic aspects and historic differences with regard to theatrical productions. Make-up materials and their uses; creating corrective and character make-up, mustaches and beards for a research or creative experience to compile a practical resource file. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: B. A. in Theatre Studies majors, or B. F. A. in Theatre, Acting concentration majors, or B. F. A. in Theatre, Production/Design concentration majors, or Theatre minors only.

THTR322: Acting V - B.F.A.: Classical Acting I

An introduction to work on classical material with an emphasis on Shakespearean texts. New acting demands are layered onto a Stanislavskian base of action and objectives, including physical, vocal, imaginative and analytical work. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: THTR 115 and THTR 130 and THTR 222 and THTR 223 and B.F.A.Theatre, Acting concentration majors only.

THTR323: Acting VI - B.F.A.: Classical Acting II

A continuation of the study of classical work, culminating in a practical demonstration of the actors' engagement with heightened language in an extended project designed to provide students individual assessments of their progress. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: THTR 322 and B.F.A.Theatre, Acting Concentration majors only.

THTR338: Musical Theatre II

This course explores the role of the singing actor, including characterization and performance skills. It examines the functions of music, lyrics, and script, and how they are integrated into one dramatic effort. It addresses the differences in styles between older presentational musicals and newer musical dramas. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: THTR 115 and THTR 130 and THTR 222 and THTR 223; and Musical Theatre majors only.

THTR425: Senior Showcase for Actors

Preparation and performance of showcases for industry representatives to introduce students to the professional theatre. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Senior level Theatre majors only; and by invitation only.

Output generated in 0.06142 seconds.