Assessment One: Portfolio 50%
A portfolio containing evidence of your contribution to the collaborative construction of a Book Musical to include:
• a complete libretto, script and score of an original or adapted one act Book Musical
• a commentary on the complete process reflecting on the effectiveness of the work produced in driving the narrative of the plot forward.
[LO 1, 2, 3, 4]

Assessment Two: Performance 50%
Participation in a collaborative performance of an adapted one act excerpt from the Book Musical in a workshop setting to an audience, for the purpose of trialling the libretto, script and score. [LO 2, 3, 5]

Formative Assessment:
Participation in discussions and rehearsals

In this module you will learn about the ingredients and the creative processes that are involved in the development of a Book Musical. The module will build on your prior knowledge of industry roles including that of the book writer [adapting the story for stage], the composer and the lyricist considering how they integrate to construct a fluid Musical Theatre piece, balancing character, story and song equally into a dramatic form. In the same way, you will be required to work as part of a creative team in a role such as choreographer, musical director, director or stage manager.

Having negotiate the inspiration for the work [i.e. the existing book/story that it will be based on], you will document your developmental processes starting with initial plot, through character design and order of scenes. This will enable you to demonstrate your knowledge of character objectives and super objectives. You will work collaboratively with peers and the resident Musical Director to develop a complete libretto, script and score.

Communication and problem solving skills will be essential to the sharing of ideas and the decision making process, as you work collectively to overcome obstacles and ensure your materials [i.e. score and lyrics] drive the narrative of the plot forward and reflect the emotions and objectives of characters at all times. It is expected that you will exploit a diverse range of resources when addressing creative and technical challenges, including both traditional methods and digital technologies.

You will plan and prepare materials for the performance of an adapted one act excerpt from your Book Musical, participating in staged readings and rehearsals, whether in a performance or creative role. The delivery of your piece in a workshop setting, for the purpose of trialling and evaluating the effectiveness of your creative work will mimic professional industry practice for composers of new musical theatre. You will be encouraged to combine audience feedback with your own critical reflection to appreciate the effectiveness of your materials [libretto, script and score] in driving the narrative of the plot forward.

By the end of the module, you will have a good understanding of the dramatic purpose of the Musical Theatre genre alongside plays and other straight theatre pieces, as well as developing an informed view of the importance of character and book within a musical piece.

1. DEMONSTRATE SKILLS IN WRITING AND COMPOSING FOR STAGE, AND MAKE SOUND JUDGMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMPLEXITY OF INTEGRATING THESE SKILLS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING A BOOK MUSICAL FOR A MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE.
Learning

2. IDENTIFY CHALLENGES AND PRESENT REALISTIC SOLUTIONS WHEN CONSTRUCTING A BOOK MUSICAL FOR A MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE, INCLUDING THE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TO ADDRESS CREATIVE AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS.
Problem Solving

3. DEPLOY A RANGE OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION METHODS USING DIVERSE SOURCES, INCLUDING TRADITIONAL AND NEW MEDIA, TO SHARE AND DEVELOP IDEAS TOWARDS A COMMON GOAL. Communication

4. RECOGNISE OWN SKILLS AND LEARNING ABILITY, AND PROFESSIONALLY MANAGE OWN CONTRIBUTION TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BOOK MUSICAL, INCLUDING RESPONDING TO CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK.
Reflection

5. WORK PROFESSIONALLY AS PART OF A CREATIVE TEAM TO PRODUCE A COMPLETE LIBRETTO, SCRIPT AND SCORE, INTEGRATING THEM THROUGH THE PERFORMANCE OF A BOOK MUSICAL EXCERPT TO AN AUDIENCE.
Working with Others

Learning in this module will be facilitated through a combination of lectures and demonstrations followed by hands-on practical activities intended to develop your ability to write and compose for musical theatre. Strategies are planned to support your skills development from initial ideas generation through to creative production and performance of original material. There will be a mix of group and independent work, both in-class and through directed study as an extension to timetabled sessions. Activities will include the following:
• exploration of existing book musical material examining narrative, libretto, script and score
• writing and composing workshops including application of digital techniques
• group work to include ideas generation activities, negotiation and problem solving exercises
• group and individual writing activities (libretto, script and score of one act)
• active participation in rehearsal
• group critique
• performance to audience with feedback
• peer review
• reflective discussion and reflective writing

Black Box Rehearsal & Performance Space
Dance Studio
Lichfield Garrick Theatre [Studio Performance Space]
VLE
Recording equipment
Piano / CD / USB / iPod Boom Box
Internet and IT Access
Various Stage Scripts / Stage Libretti / Book Musical exemplars

Cramer L. [2013] Creating Musical Theatre: Methuen Drama
Green K., & Green S. [2011] Broadway Musicals Show by Show: Hal Leonard Corporation
Hischak T. [2008] The Oxford Companion To The American Musical: Theatre, Film And Television: Oxford University Press USA
Mandelbaum K. [1998] Not since Carrie: 40 Years of Broadway Musical Flops: St Martin’s Press
Stein M. [1998] Broadway Babies Say Goodnight: Musicals Then and Now: Faber & Faber
Wolf S. [2011] Changed For Good: A Feminist History Of The Broadway Musical: Oxford University Press USA
Woolford J. [2012] How Musicals Work: And How to Write Your Own: Nick Hern Books

Online resources
New Musical Theatre – www.newmusicaltheatre.com
The Musical Theatre Network – www.musicaltheatrenetwork.com
New Musicals Inc – www.nmi.org
Mercury Musical Developments – www.mercurymusicals.com