Musical Theater

What is a Musical TheaterMusical theatre is a form of

theatre combining music, songs, spoken dialogue and dance.

The emotional content of the piece – humor, pathos, love, anger – as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an integrated whole.

Writing a Play

SubjectsEveryday Happenings

Dream World, Fantasy

Things to Remember When

Writing a Play1. You can only tell the story through the words spoken by the character.

2. Think of how many characters should you include.

3. A play must have a beginning, middle and end.

A. Beginning- sets the scene and introduces the characters

1. Who are these people?2. What are they doing?

B. Middle- is considered to be the heart of the story

1. What’s the problem?2. How are they going to

solve it?

C. End- the last part of the play provides the answer.

4. Include some actions ( mock fight or a chase)

5.Give your audience some surprises.

6. Don’t be afraid to rewrite again and again until you’re happy with your effort.

Choosing Songs for the Play

• Ballads - usually love songs ("On the Street Where You Live"), but they can also philosophize about any strong emotion ("Accustomed to Her Face").

• Charm Songs - let a character beguile an audience ("Wouldn't It Be Loverly").

• Comedy Numbers - aim for laughs ("A Little Bit of Luck").

• Musical Scenes - seamlessly blend dialogue and song, usually with two or more characters ("You Did It").

Song PlacementThe Opening Number sets

the tone for the rest of the show. It is not unusual for this song to be written after the rest of a show is in place.

From the moment the new opening is introduced, the entire show will get a better reception.

Song PlacementThe Main "I Want" Song

comes early in the first act, with one or more of the main characters singing about the key motivating desire that will propel everyone (including the audience) through the remainder of the show.

In many cases, these songs literally include the words "I want," "I wish" or "I've got to."

Song Placement

The Eleven O'clock Number takes place about midway through Act Two. It can be a ballad, charm or comedy.

It does not necessarily have to mark a climactic moment in the plot, but it must be strong enough to energize the audience for the final scenes.

Song Placement

The Finale should carry an emotional wallop,, leaving audiences with a powerful last impression. This is usually done by reprising one of score's most emotion-packed numbers.

Showboat closes with a family reunion as Joe sings another chorus of "Old Man River," and Les Miserables brings on ghosts of the past to sing an encore of "Do You Hear the People Sing?" The far less frequently used alternative approach is to introduce The Finale should carry an emotional wallopa rousing new song, like "You Can't Stop the Beat" in Hairspray.

RepriseA reprise is when all or

part of a song is repeated to make a dramatic point and (usually) to energize the end of a scene.

Preparing for a Performance

1. Learning the linesActors do this by saying the

lines over and over again.2. Remembering the lines

Actors also forget their lines, but just in case the worst happens, there is usually a prompter to help out.

Directing a Play

Organizing the Team

A director serves as the manager of the theatrical team.

He organizes the performers, makes sure that they know what to do and when to do it.

Interpreting the Script The director has to find the

best ways of bringing the writer’s words to life on stage.

The director must study the script carefully and must need to get to know the characters and understand their actions and the reasons they behave the way they do.

As they read the script over and over again, directors make notes about the acting, the costumes and the kinds of set design they want.

The directors then to think about the characters who might be suitable for the parts. Casting- choosing the actors to

play the parts.

The Rehearsal

Line Rehearsal Scene Rehearsal Dress Rehearsal Final Rehearsal