Musical Theatre BA (Hons)

On this module you will develop your vocal abilities by exploring a variety of vocal practices and techniques and the theory behind voice work. You will also build a working knowledge of vocal care, confidence and stage presence. Techniques and skills you will focus on include:

• Expressive vocal qualities for acting through song
• Developing the required vocal style for both contemporary and legit repertoire
• Control of placement and registers
• Harmony singing, both as an ensemble and in smaller groups or duets
• Breathing, projection and diction
• Vocal embellishments such as vibrato, riffs and runs
• Vocal line score reading skills

On this module you will explore methods and techniques to develop a healthy, holistic, self-aware, Musical Theatre practice. Some of the topics and areas of focus on this module include:

• Yoga and Pilates
• Breathwork
• Voice work
• Body work
• Somatic practice and self-holding
• Engaging with learning styles and embodied ways of knowing
• Community practice and engagement
• Healthy company practices
• Devising and composing strategies
• Collaborating with each other and with others outside of the discipline
• Relevant theory and literature across all areas to support integration of reading and writing skills with practice

This module acts as an introduction to research and writing skills in musical theatre. You will begin to develop strategies for good research practice, including gathering information, developing ideas and presenting your work. You will develop your knowledge of the timeline and history of Musical Theatre, understanding key practitioners, styles and groundbreaking works from the genre’s beginnings to present day. We will guide you through critical reading, forming and structuring arguments and academic writing conventions. 

In musical theatre, the role of the choreographer is fundamental. Dance and movement are integral to storytelling, audience engagement, and the establishment of style and aesthetic. This practical, studio-based module will provide a secure foundation in dance practice and an understanding of its importance in musical theatre. You will take part in dance classes that will develop your technique and aid your physical fitness, strength and range of motion. You will also explore ensemble choreography and work in small groups to choreograph your own pieces.

On this module you will learn how to search for, create and perform a character. You will explore different approaches to developing a character and performing them in various styles of contemporary theatre and performance. Some of the approaches and styles of character development you will explore include:

• Autobiographical and autoethnographic performance
• Psychophysical acting
• Clowning
• Storytelling and folk tales

On this module you will develop your technical dance and movement skills, explore the creative process and discover your own artistic voice. You will explore a range of choreographic practices and movement inventions, both within and beyond traditional musical theatre, to expand your physical and expressive range. You will engage with choreography and movement from:

• Contemporary dance
• Ballet
• Physical theatre
• Hybrid forms of dance

You will investigate how these practices can inform, contrast with or innovate upon conventions of modern and historical musical theatre choreography.

On this module you will learn how to compose original material for musical theatre. You will research the works of musical theatre composers, reading scores, scripts/libretti and films of productions, and learn to improvise. You will also explore narrative structure, drama devising techniques, choreographic processes and other mediums outside of musical theatre (such as opera and plays). You will develop your skills in collaborative and solo composition of new musical theatre work and an understanding of the process and journey through initial ideas and research to creation and final performance.

On this module you will be introduced to the professional world of musical theatre production. You will explore the expectations, codes of conduct, and collaborative etiquette required to work within a professional rehearsal and production environment. You will also look into the interrelationships between creative, performance, and technical roles in staging a musical. You will consider the practical aspects of:

• Scheduling
• Budgeting
• Communication systems
• Artistic and logical decisions
• The production process

On this module you will develop the skillset required to communicate acting through song. You will get the opportunity to study music across a wide spectrum of musical theatre styles as a solo performer. In workshops, lectures, seminars and masterclasses you will explore topics including:

• Vocal health and safe, effective independent singing practice
• A variety of acting techniques and how they can be applied to a song
• How to prepare repertoire, understand and interpret text and music and build a unique interpretation of a character
• Analysing others’ acting through song and developing critical and reflective language 

On this module you will take part in the full rehearsal and production process of a major musical theatre performance. Working under staff direction and in collaboration with your fellow students, you will engage in the creative, technical, and organisational demands of putting on a professional-level production for a paying audience. You will take part in rehearsals in acting, singing, and dance, focusing on character development, ensemble integration, and stylistic interpretation. Alongside your performance work, you will explore production roles, such as assistant direction, dance captaincy, or rehearsal coordination, within the rehearsal room and wider production process.

On this module you will become both the performer and the visionary. You will examine the complex process of interpreting text, situation and narrative as an actor within the dramatic confines and technical skill of camera work, performing to camera and screen production. You will balance the complexities between technical precision and the immediacy of industry expectations. You will work on making a creative showreel, direct and co-direct shots that includes production and editing skills, and produce a short film of showreel equivalence for an industry standard event, open to an audience with invited industry specialists.

On this module you will explore how the arts has the potential to interrogate, challenge, educate and empower individuals and communities. You will work on a community performance project engaging with people with learning disabilities, people who use mental health services, older people or people in recovery. Topics you will explore include:

• Facilitation skills
• Participation, accessibility, inclusion and empowerment
• Theatre in health and social care settings
• Theatre and learning and physical disabilities
• Evaluation and reflection

On this module you will get the opportunity to present a fully realised industry-focused showcase that highlights your strengths as musical theatre performer. The showcase will be a culmination of the technical, creative and professional skills you have developed throughout your degree. It will also prepare you to navigate auditioning, castings, and performances after you graduate.

On this module you will explore themes and conduct research in preparation to create your own musical theatre production. You will explore working as a group effectively, acquire skills needed to run a professional performance company and utilise all the skills needed to write and create a new work for stage. This module focusses on research and development, so that you are well prepared for semester 2, when you will work towards performing your show on a professional stage.

On this module you will compose, devise and premiere your own substantial new musical theatre work. This module leads on from your Company: Research module in semester 1. You will take part in workshops and practical sessions engaged with writing the material, rehearsing the show, and mounting the final production. Your final show will be performed to a public audience in a theatre in York.

On this practical module you'll focus on audition technique and repertoire preparation. You will get one-to-one vocal and acting coaching, with opportunities for mock auditions and feedback from your peers. You will learn key professional skills such as communicating with accompanists, managing nerves and time constraints, and adapting to casting direction. You will also explore common industry practices such as self-tape production, online submissions, and digital portfolio presentation. You will curate and refine your professional portfolio, including CVs, headshots, and showreels - to create a cohesive personal brand and audition package. 

This is your opportunity to complete a final research project led by your curiosity, skill and interests in a chosen area of musical theatre. This module will equip you with the confidence to propel you into your first post-degree career step. Your individual research project can take the form of one of the following:

• Applied Practice Placement and written commentary
• Creative Practice Research and written commentary
• 6,000 word Journal Article