MUSTHEAT 1001 - Music Theatre Performance 1A

Ballet: An introduction to the basic concepts and principles of classical ballet. Development of postural alignment, strength, flexibility, coordination and musicality incorporating barre work and centre work. Pas de deux will be incorporated into this class and focuses on partnered dance forms. Jazz: An introduction to fundamental jazz technique including core engagement and proper alignment. Exploring the use of dynamics (tempo, weight, force, space, flow, and release of energy) and how these dynamics can be used to express emotion. Investigating creating character and conveying a story through movement. Tap: An introduction to the basic steps of tap technique and how it applies to musical theatre. Students learn coordination, rhythmic variations, the relationship between music, rhythm, and syncopation, become knowledgeable of important tap dancers and their influence on the art form. Voice/Movement: A series of exercises designed to liberate the actor from the restrictive habits and tensions that prevent freedom of expression. Students will develop the capacity to draw on a wide vocal range to ensure a rich, flexible and expressive voice, through an exploration of awareness of self, study of breath, vocal anatomy, and release of unnecessary tension in relationship to space, time, body and text as a core discipline. Acting: A foundational class on awareness of the performing self. A variety of strategies for approaching written texts, beginning with a fundamental understanding of text analysis: how a text may be mined for relevant information; how this information can be ordered and translated into rehearsal strategies; how it may ultimately be utilized in performance. The basic threads of given circumstance, action\objective, character and situation will find further definition within the context of text.