Musical Theatre Course Outline 2013-14

Instructors: Mr. Brian Toms / Mrs. Alice Russell Credit Value: 1.0 credit
Course Description: This course will give the students an opportunity to perform the
musical “Legally Blonde” The musical numbers and dialogue are in classical musical
theater canon. Students will act, sing, dance as performers in the production as well as
help out with production requirements as needed.
Course Objectives: The students will:
1) Develop self-expression and creativity through the experience of singing,
acting, and dancing. 2) Gain an understanding of the link between music and
movement. 3) Learn the values of performance and group co-operation. 4) Develop a
communication skill through group performance and co-operation.
Students will be working on the production; learning lines, dances, and music. Some
students will also be assisting with the technical aspects of production. Through the
preparation of the musical, students will develop an understanding of blocking,
prompting, line memorization, script adaptation, voice projection, choreography, stage
presence, make-up, costumes, lighting, sound, set construction, set up and tear down.
Through practical experience the students will develop a vocabulary of stage
terminology.
Course Evaluation: Legally Blonde Tests/ Quizzes/Projects 30% Self-
Evaluation (x2) 15% Skill Acquisition 30% Performance 25%
Tests / Quizzes / Projects (30%) – Students will be assigned a variety of evaluations
throughout the course that require them to memorize and demonstrate mastery of stage
craft, production and the musical itself.
Self Evaluation (15%) – Students are responsible for completing two self- evaluations
throughout the course. Self-assessments are will be assigned during each grading
period. Because they are time-sensitive, self assessments cannot be handed in late.
Students who do not hand in their assessments before the mark cutoff for that reporting
period will receive a zero on that evaluation. (DUE DATES: November 1st and
December 18th)
Skill Acquisition (30%) – Students will be marked by course instructors regularly on their
rehearsal skills using the attached Skill Acquisition Rubric.
Performance (25%) – At the end of the course students will be marked using the
attached Performance Rubric.
Additional Information
➢ The Musical Theatre class runs every week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from
3:45-6:30.

REHEARSALS September 5 Thursday 3:45-6:30 September 10

Tuesday 3:45-6:30 September 12 Thursday 3:45-6:30 September
17 Tuesday 3:45-6:30 September 19 Thursday 3:45-6:30
September 24 Tuesday 3:45-6:30 September 26 Thursday 3:45-
6:30
October 1 Tuesday 3:45-6:30 October 3 Thursday 3:45-6:30
OCTOBER 6 SUNDAY 1:00 – 3:30 October 8 Tuesday 3:45-6:30
October 10 Thursday 3:45-6:30 OCTOBER 13 SUNDAY 1:00 –
3:30 October 15 Tuesday 3:45-6:30 October 17 Thursday 3:45-
6:30 OCTOBER 20 SUNDAY 1:00 – 3:30 October 22 Tuesday
3:45-6:30 October 24 Thursday 3:45-6:30 OCTOBER 27
SUNDAY 1:00 – 3:30
October 29 Tuesday 3:45-6:30 October 31 Thursday No
Rehearsal
NOVEMBER 3 SUNDAY 1:00 – 3:30 November 5 Tuesday 3:45-
6:30 November 7 Thursday 3:45-6:30 NOVEMBER 10 SUNDAY
1:00 – 3:30 November 12 Tuesday 3:45-6:30 November 14
Thursday 3:45-6:30 NOVEMBER 17 SUNDAY 1:00 – 3:30
November 19 Tuesday 3:45-6:30 November 21 Thursday 3:45-
6:30 NOVEMBER 23 SATURDAY 1:00 – 7:00 NOVEMBER 24
SUNDAY 1:00 – 7:00 November 25 MONDAY ALL DAY IN
SCHOOL FIELD TRIP November 26 Tuesday 3:45-6:30
November 28 Thursday 3:45-6:30 NOVEMBER 30 SATURDAY
1:00-7:00 DECEMBER 1 SUNDAY 1:00-7:00 December 3
Tuesday 3:45-6:30 December 5 Thursday 3:45-6:30
SHOW TIMES December 6th at 7:00 PM December 7th at 7:00
PM December 10th at 1:00 PM December 11th at 7:00 PM
December 12th at 7:00 PM December 13th at 7:00 PM December
14th at 7:00 PM
**NOTE Blackout dates are called for December
8th and 9th, 2013
:
Mrs. Russell arussell@sjsd.net
Mr. Toms btoms@sjsd.net Musical Theatre Self-Evaluation The Westwood Collegiate
Musical Theatre production strives to offer the very best learning situation possible. This
report is an effort on our part to involve you, the student, in the evaluation process. We
want to help in every way possible to ensure that this program continues to be a positive
experience. If you have any questions about this evaluation or how you can improve
your standing, please contact Mrs. Russell or Mr. Toms
• Please keep this form in your journal.
• DO NOT FILL IN THIS SHEET.
• Use a separate sheet of paper to write your assessment.
A: Focus in Rehearsal
1. I am learning to focus in rehearsal. I frequently interrupt the concentration of self
and others by talking to peers, fidgeting, giggling, hesitating or acting out of character. I
tend to daydream or not pay attention to what is going on.
2. I am able to focus, but don’t always do it. I sometimes break concentration by
talking to peers, speaking or acting out of character, etc. I occasionally daydream or
fade out of rehearsal.
3. I have a good ability to focus. I can maintain concentration through an entire
rehearsal, usually speaking and acting in character. It’s pretty unusually for me to space
out.
4. I have a very strong ability to focus. I concentrate through every rehearsal, speaking
and acting in character the whole time. I am mentally present for rehearsals.
B: Listening and Taking Direction – Listening actively (making eye contact, appropriate
verbal and physical responses) to support and not contradict input from others
(directors, stage managers, fellow actors)
1. I make little use of input from others to change my acting. People give me
suggestions, but I don’t do anything about it. I contradict the feedback I get from others.
2. I alter my role a bit using the input I get from others. I consider suggestions that other
 people offer. I question the reliability of the feedback I get from others.
3. I use input from others to change my character or responses during a scene. I try
to use the suggestions others offer me. I am willing to seek feedback from others.
4. I refine my role by integrating input from others. I use suggestions from others. I
actively seek feedback from others.
C: Collaboration
1. I am not pulling my weight in rehearsal. Others are working harder or more than
me. I don’t know the material as well as others. When we are given time to rehearse
ourselves I slack off. If I’m having trouble, I don’t ask anyone for extra rehearsal.
2. I work with other people in rehearsal. I put in effort to meet my responsibilities,
and I often ask for help. I am putting in enough work to get by.
3. I contribute during the rehearsal process. I make sure my responsibilities are
fulfilled by knowing my lines, songs, dances, etc. I sometimes offer suggestions or help
to others. I work hard.
4. I am a big contributor in rehearsals. I make sure my responsibilities are fulfilled
and help others to fulfill theirs. I offer suggestions and help to others. I set the bar for
how hard everyone should work.
D: Risk Taking as a Performer
1. I use few gestures or facial expressions to show the thoughts and feelings of my
character. I don’t know how to reflect character’s thoughts and feelings through my
movements. I wait to be told what is happening in the scene and do not respond
appropriately to input from other characters. I choose movement and actions unrelated
to cues from other players.
2. I use some gestures to express thoughts and feelings, most of which are
appropriate to my character. I think about how my position or movements show the
thoughts and feelings of my character, but I am afraid to try my ideas. I try to
listen and react appropriately to other characters. I respond physically to movement and
actions of other players.
3. I work on showing the thoughts and feelings of my character through gestures and
facial expressions appropriate to my character. I am not afraid to move around the
stage and place myself appropriately to engage the audience. I usually make
appropriate responses to other characters. I usually adjust stage position, gestures and
actions to movements and actions of others.
4. I vividly show the thoughts and feelings of my character through unique gestures
and non verbal communication. I am very comfortable moving around the stage and
placing myself to enhance my character and the scene. I am always reacting
appropriately to other characters and actions taking place on the stage.
E: Productivity – achieving schedule set for rehearsal, using time efficiently, use all of
the time given to me
1. I have trouble getting things done. I slow down the rehearsal process for myself
and others. I require supervision to work.
2. I am trying to keep up in rehearsals. I sometimes have trouble understanding or
learning new material, but with practice I get it. Sometimes I need to be reminded to
stay on task.
3. I keep up in rehearsals. I am ready to go with the group and am generally on task.
I use my time effectively, rehearsing on my own and with the group.
4. I set the pace in rehearsals. I work hard to learn new things quickly and am ready
to move on. I am able to accomplish goals set for rehearsal. I use my time effectively,
rehearsing on my own and with the group.
F: Independent Work
1. I do not review material outside of class time.
2. I sometimes review material outside of class time. I join others who are
rehearsing, but don’t necessarily plan to rehearse either with the group or on my own.
My independent rehearsals are usually run-throughs of the material we’ve covered as a
group.
3. I usually review material outside of class time. My independent rehearsals are
productive, and my performance in group rehearsals is better because of the time I
spent practising. I am willing to rehearse with others and on my own. I use my
independent rehearsals to improve the material we’ve covered as a group.
4. I always review material outside of class time. My independent rehearsals are
productive and add new dimensions to my performance. I organize rehearsals with others
and on my own.
The mark you give yourself on these evaluations will constitute 20% of your mark for
this course. This assignment is time sensitive: if it is not handed in on time you will not
be eligible to complete this assignment; you will be assigned a research essay to make
up the marks.
25
4
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support with clear and
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evidence, Length
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met. evidence. Length
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requirement met.
Length requirement met.

requirement not met. Musical Theatre

Expectations
1. Be on time: There are no excuses for lateness to a rehearsal or
performance. There are moments when a real crisis may disrupt you from your appointed arrival
time, so PLAN for those moments by arriving well before the designated time. Those extra
minutes will allow more time to warm up and get into character. If lateness is truly unavoidable,
you must call Mr. Toms at 888-7650 at least half an hour before the scheduled rehearsal start
time and let him/her know when you plan to arrive. If you are going to be late consistently on
certain days due to work issues, such issues need to be arranged with the director prior to the
rehearsal run
2. Rehearsal attendance: You are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals. This is a
time to explore your character and his/her motivation. In the event that you must miss a
rehearsal because of work, or a family emergency, you must contact Mr. Toms at 888-
7650 as soon as you are aware of the situation and at least half an hour before the start
of rehearsal.
3. Be involved: Whenever possible, cast members should assist in
costuming, set construction and painting, props, and, most of all, publicity. None of these can be
done by one person alone.
4. Be prepared: Always bring a pencil to rehearsal and write down your
blocking, choreography, etc. Memorize your lines on time. Practice and study outside of
rehearsal.
5. Cell phones: Turn them off when entering a rehearsal or performance space. Cell phone use
will be dealt with according to school policy.
6. GUM CHEWING IS NEVER PERMITTED IN REHEARSAL OR ON STAGE!
7. Obey your directors: If your director asks you to do something, do it.
Never tell a director you “won’t” do something he/she feels will enhance the production. Never
say you “can’t” do something without honestly attempting it first.
8. Notes – Getting them: Always be gracious, even if you disagree. Say,
“thank you” after the director gives you the note, or “May we speak about this later?” if you don’t
understand or disagree. The note session is not therapy for your character, but rather a session
of quick fixes for MANY elements of the show. Find time for you and the director to solve issues
that affect you or your character only.
9. Notes – Giving them: It’s quite simple – don’t do it. This includes feeding
another actor his/her line. Furthermore, don’t take notes from another actor. A response could
be, “Thanks for your help, but I think it’s best we do this kind of thing through the stage manager
or director.”
10.Gossip: You know it’s wrong. We heard you say it.
11.Backstage noise: It should be nonexistent. That means you should avoid
all talking, whispering, and laughter while in the wings, green room, and dressing room areas. In
addition to this, full cooperation with the stage manager is mandatory.
12.Tech rehearsals: ALL cast members are expected to attend tech
rehearsals. During these rehearsals, you are expected to pay attention, not disrupt the
rehearsal, and stay close to the stage, because you never know when they will go back a few
scenes to fine tune timing. Be advised that these rehearsals often run late; the more the cast
cooperates, the earlier you get to go home.
13.Backstage drama: Just because we play dramatic characters onstage does
NOT mean we must portray them offstage. When you are in a show, the theatre becomes a tiny
universe. If love should bloom while in a show, great! Keep it outside. If you a have a personal
struggle, sorry, but keep it outside. You were cast for your performance abilities; perform.
Everything will still be there when the show is over.
14.Props: Never play with a prop – your own or someone else’s. In fact, never
touch someone else’s prop at all. Furthermore, it is not the stage manager’s job to keep track of
your props. Always check your own props before each rehearsal and show.
15.Ad-libs and changes to the script: Unauthorized ad-libbing or line
alteration is a violation of the author's copyright. The only acceptable changes to dialogue are
those made by the director to update time references or to eradicate objectionable language or
content. Perform what the playwright has written; that's why you auditioned in the first place.
16.Performances: Call time before a performance is a minimum of one hour before start time.
You are required to be at all performances. You have a responsibility to all involved to perform
the show as rehearsed and to do your best. The closing night audience members paid the same
ticket price as the opening night audience. You should always give your best possible
performance.
17.Professionalism: Take up all disputes with the director before or after
rehearsal, or during a rehearsal break. Never argue with the director from on stage or during a
scheduled rehearsal. If you have a dispute with a cast or crewmember, take up your concerns
with the director before getting anyone else involved. Furthermore, no matter how disappointed
you may be in a production, NEVER speak ill of a show in which you are involved in public. We
are a team; if someone asks you how a show is going and you don’t have anything positive to
say, just say “fine” or “I don’t want to talk about it right now.”
18.Makeup: All cast members are expected to wear makeup during
performances and designated rehearsals to get the maximum effect out of your facial
expressions. It is your responsibility to provide your own eye makeup. Never share sponges,
lipsticks, or eye make-up and applicators with other cast members – this is a great way to
prevent the spread of infection.

BEAR IN MIND THAT EVERYONE IS REPLACEABLE,

Rudeness and Disrespect will not be tolerated, Gossip
destroys a production and ABOVE ALL ELSE, HAVE
FUN!!!