ASSESSMENT ONE: A performance assignment in three phases. You will be assessed on the development of your working vocal regime of warm ups and exercises (including breathing and chest to head transition exercises and techniques) designed to maintain a healthy voice, and your understanding of the mechanics of the vocal folds; your ability to rehearse and perform contrasting selections from the Musical Theatre canon taking into account Acting Through Song (A.T.S.); and support this by developing a repertoire folder of suitable / appropriate material. (LO 1 & 2. 60%)

ASSESSMENT TWO: A critically analytical essay supported by a folder of audition material.
Your essay should show your ability to research and critically analyse your assimilation of techniques and good practice received in workshop sessions and repertoire classes, including acquired knowledge of vocal warm up, as well as the challenges of working on the selected production material (theory into practice). An appropriate Musical Theatre repertoire folder of audition material accompanies this essay. Typically 2000 words (LO 3 & 4. 40%)

In this module you will be considering the development of the voice as a major component of Musical Theatre and apply this in sessions exploring singing as an extension of the spoken voice. Vocal styles from Speech Level / Belt to Legit / Bel Canto are covered to ensure you are equipped with the appropriate vocal techniques to fit the varying styles within the Musical Theatre canon. You will also form an understanding of the mechanics of the vocal chords via Estill themed practice and influences.

You will construct and develop a Musical Theatre Repertoire portfolio of material which will be scrutinised through performance in dedicated sessions, enabling you to strengthen yourself in an audition style scenario with constructive feedback from lecturers and other industry practitioners, as well as developing a true understanding of the place of music within a theatre piece and its use as a construct to drive the narrative forward. Preparation for audition will be a key element of your skills development.

You will learn about reflective theory and how to apply it in order to analyse your own vocal development including research supporting the different warm up and general vocal techniques that specifically relate to your voice, as well as describing the challenges of characterisation within song. An accompanying portfolio of your own chosen Musical Theatre sheet music will serve to highlight an understanding of material relevant to your specific vocal range.

Black Box Rehearsal & Performance Space
Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio Performance Space)
STEPS /Blackboard
DV Cameras
Digital Piano
Internet and IT Access
Various Musical Theatre Conductors Scores and Vocal Selections

Battista G. (2012) The Technics of Bel Canto: Martino Fine Books
Green K, & Green S. (2011) Broadway Musicals Show by Show: Hal Leonard Corporation
Harvard P. (2013) Acting Through Song - Technical Exercises For Musical Theatre Actors: Nick Hern Books
Kayes G. (2004) Singing And The Actor: Methuen Drama
Melton J. (2007) Singing In Musical Theatre: The Training Of Singers and Actors: Allworth Press
Moore T, & Bergman A. (2008) Acting The Song - Performance Skills for the Musical Theatre: Allworth Press
Riggs S. (1993) Singing For The Stars: A Complete Programme for Training Your Voice: Alfred Publishing
Steyn M. (1998) Broadway Babies Say Goodnight: Musicals Then and Now: Faber & Faber
Strouse C. & Silver F. (1988) Auditioning For The Musical Theatre: Penguin Books

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities, including lectures, blended learning, practical sessions, student centred learning activities, directed but independent student learning and small group tutorials.