Courses and Descriptions
MTR 105 Musical Theatre Practicum 1 Credits
This course explores the literature of musical theatre vocal ensembles. It emphasizes examining a wide range of styles. This is a studio/academic class, not a performance ensemble.
MTR 109 Beginning Ballet I 1 Credits
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 111 Musical Theatre Lab 0 Credits
MTR 112 Advanced Ballet I 1 Credits
Continuation of MTR 109, building upon techniques learned in that course.
MTR 113 Beginning Ballet II 1 Credits
Intermediate ballet, expanding upon Ballet I and concentrating upon the American lineage of ballet training.
MTR 114 Advanced Ballet II 1 Credits
Continuation of MTR 113. Intermediate ballet, expanding upon Ballet I and concentrating upon the American lineage of ballet training.
MTR 120 Hist of American Music Theater 3 Credits
The history of the American Musical from the first American production in 1750 of Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera up to the present will be traced. Emphasis will be placed upon those common elements which are solely intrinsic to the American stage.
Developments and imported ideas (e.g., The British Invasion) will be highlighted.
MTR 131 Music Theory for MT 3 Credits
Teaches students to understand musical form, structure, melody, rhythm and harmony by applying these concepts to musical theatre literature. Includes full analysis of musical theatre songs. Required in the first year.
MTR 132 Group Piano 1 Credits
Offers the musical theatre student appropriate keyboard technique to play any vocal part and to play a rudimentary accompaniment. Required of all second-year students.
Prerequisite(s): MTR 131.
MTR 133 Sight Singing for MT 3 Credits
Intensive class in reading music, designed for musical theatre students. Traditional solfeggio techniques used with musical theatre texts whenever possible. Required of first-year students.
Prerequisite(s): MTR 131.
MTR 209 Tap Dance I 1 Credits
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 Credits
Continuation of MTR 209. Combinations most often used in music theater productions are emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): MTR 209.
MTR 211 Ballet III 1 Credits
Intermediate ballet, expending upon Ballet II and concentrating upon the American lineage of ballet training.
Prerequisite(s): MTR 114.
MTR 212 Ballet IV 1 Credits
Continuation of MTR 211. Intermediate ballet, expanding upon Ballet III and concentrating upon the American lineage of ballet training.
Prerequisite(s): MTR 211.
MTR 215 MT Performance: Song as Text 3 Credits
In this course the student will learn how to develop a performance of musical text by making doable, actable choices and applying those choices to musical monologues – solo songs.
Prerequisite(s): THE 110.
MTR 216 Acting for Music Theater I 3 Credits
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 Music Theater Major II 3 Credits
Continuation of MTR 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(s): MTR 216.
MTR 218 Musical Theatre Scene Study I 3 Credits
Scene study class exploring the literature of the musical theatre – emphasis placed on two- and three-character scenes. Required of all second-year students.
Prerequisite(s): MTR 215.
MTR 219 Musical Theatre Scene Study II 3 Credits
Further exploration of scenes in the musical theatre literature – emphasis on more complex scenes. Required of all third-year students.
Prerequisite(s): MTR 218.
MTR 251 Styles and Genres I 3 Credits
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 musical theater. Composers to be studied will include Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Kern, Berlin, Gershwin, Porter, Arlen, Blitstein and Weill.
MTR 252 Styles and Genres II 3 Credits
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, Matby and Shire, and Bernstein.
MTR 253 Styles and Genres III 3 Credits
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.
MTR 255 Musical Theatre Repertoire I 3 Credits
This course provides the opportunity to encounter/examine the repertoire of the major musical theatre writers through the 1950s. The thrust of this class is split between studio work and academic work.
Prerequisite(s): THE 106 with a minimum grade of D and THE 311 with a minimum grade of D.
MTR 256 Musical Theater Repertoire II 3 Credits
This course provides the opportunity to encounter/examine the repertoire of the major musical theatre writers since the 1950s. The thrust of this class is split between studio work and academic work.
MTR 307 Tap III 1 Credits
This course is designed for the moderately advanced tap dancer. Course to be taken in the fall.
Prerequisite(s): MTR 210.
MTR 308 Tap IV 1 Credits
The course will allow the more advanced student to complete the work begun in Tap III.
Prerequisite(s): MTR 307.
MTR 309 Beginning Jazz Dance I 1 Credits
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(s): MTR 109.
MTR 313 Ballet V 1 Credits
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(s): MTR 212.
MTR 314 Ballet VI 1 Credits
Continuation of MTR 313. 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(s): MTR 313.
MTR 315 Advanced Jazz Dance I 1 Credits
Continuation of work begun in MTR 309.
MTR 316 Beginning Jazz Dance II 1 Credits
This course continues the work begun in MTR 309 and MTR 315.
MTR 317 MT Auditions:Preparation/Tech 3 Credits
This course, building upon skill-sets established in the Music Theatre singer-actor curriculum, will introduce and hone the required skill-sets for preparing to audition in Music Theatre. 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.
MTR 318 Advanced Jazz Dance II 1 Credits
This course continues the work begun in MTR 309, MTR 315 and MTR 316.
Prerequisite(s): MTR 211.
MTR 319 Jazz Dance III 1 Credits
This course continues the work begun in MTR 318.
MTR 320 Jazz Dance IV 1 Credits
This course continues the work begun in MTR 319.
MTR 335 Speech for the Actor 3 Credits
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 402 Directing Music Theater/Opera 3 Credits
This elective course investigates how conceptual ideas and the process of script analysis are used in putting together a music theatre 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 411 Musical Theatre Ensemble 1 Credits
MTR 415 Musical Theatre Dance I 1 Credits
This is the first capstone course in the Musical Theatre dance sequence. Practical and historical study of Broadway dance styles; main focus on jazz idiom. Emphasis placed on performance quality, auditioning skills, self-taping, and “how to swing/dance captain".
Prerequisite(s): Completion of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz requirements; senior standing.
MTR 416 Musical Theatre Dance II 1 Credits
This is the second capstone course in the Musical Theatre dance sequence. Emphasis is placed on other dance styles used on stage, film, music videos, and television. Primary focus is on Hip Hop and Street Jazz.
Prerequisite(s): MTR 415 with a minimum grade of C.
MTR 480 Dance for Performing Artist 3 Credits
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.
MTR 490 Independent Research and Study 1-4 Credits
Students may pursue a special topic for which they have prepared through prior course work. Only one project may be scheduled in a semester. The project may involve 1-4 Credit hours. Approval of the faculty sponsor, department chair, and dean required prior to enrollment.
Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing, good academic standing.
MTR 491 Internship in Music Theater 1-12 Credits
Provides junior or senior musical theatre majors with the opportunity to gain practical experience working within a professional environment. Students must be sponsored by a musical theatre or theatre professor. For each academic credit, interns must work 48 hours for the semester, or approximately 3.7 hours each week.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.
MTR 492 Singing Actor: Music Theater 3 Credits
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.
MTR 493 Music Theater Production 1 Credits
Preparation and performance of a solo or ensemble role in a fully staged music theatre production. Concurrent participation in stage crew activities is required.
MTR 495 Special Topics in Theater Dance 1 Credits
This class covers discrete movement styles, techniques, or forms for the advanced dancer such as the choreography and techniques of Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, Jack Cole, and other theatrical dance choreographers.
MTR 496 Music Theater Workshop 3 Credits
This class, building upon the foundational studies associated with preparation and exploration (both dramatic and musical), focuses on performances. 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!
MTR 497 Musical Theatre Senior Showcase 1 Credits
This course is a senior level capstone experience for BFA Musical Theatre students, and acts as a bridge between life in the university and life as a professional musical theatre performer. Through this course the students will, in collaboration with the teacher, compile and put together a showcase to introduce the students to casting and agent professionals in the industry by way of getting the showcase performance in front of a diverse range of industry professionals who will be useful in both casting and representing recently graduated talent. Only students who have successfully completed ALL prerequisite coursework may participate in the Senior Showcase. BA Theatre students with Musical Theatre Concentration may participate only if the prerequisites are met.
Prerequisite(s): MTR 415, MTR 207, MTR 216, MTR 217, MTR 492.