Practical Training
The Musical Theater class is a comprehensive class where students will learn the many skills required to become successful Musical Theater practitioners. In Musical Theater 1 and 2, students will acquire and hone skills in acting, singing, dancing, voice, movement, improvisation, and theater crafts and production techniques. In Musical Theater 3 and 4, students continue to hone and develop the skills they acquired in Musical Theater 1 and 2, as well as directing, writing and theater design. Musical Theater 4 students will also choose areas of advanced specialization.

Theory
In addition to the practical work, students will study the history of Musical Theater. They will also learn the dramatic theories of important theater innovators. Critical discussions in both verbal and written form are an important component of the course. Students will study important plays and time periods, which have helped to shape our musical theater tradition.

Musical Theater 1
In Theater Arts 1 students will apply the styles and theories of the periods, theater movements, and artists we study to in-class performances. Each semester will conclude with a project showcase. Theater Arts 1 students will learn basic theater production skills, including use and operation of theatrical lighting equipment, set and costume construction, and stage management.

Musical Theater 2
Theater Arts 2 students will apply the styles and theories of the periods, theater movements, and artists we study to in-class performances. Each semester will conclude with a project showcase. Theater Arts 2 students will hone the production skills, and explore the basics of theater design technique, including: lighting, set, costume, and sound design.

Musical Theater 3 & 4
In Theater Arts 3 an area of specialization is chosen by each student, each semester, out of the following options: acting; directing; movement and mime; design; scriptwriting. Students will complete a large assignment in their area of specialization, which will be viewed by the public. Theater Arts 4 students will have the option of one or two areas of specialization per year and will be involved in designing their own major projects. The specialist work is in addition to the regular course work.

Musical Theater 4 Internships & Specialization
In Musical Theater 4 each student chooses an area of specialization to be studied in depth, and practiced through the development of a project. Examples of areas of specialization may include: acting; directing; design; scriptwriting, dramaturgy, etc. The specialist work is in addition to the regular course work. 

Musical Theater 4 students may participate in internships at Bay Area theatre companies. They will also play leadership roles in class activities; directing group projects, facilitating warm-ups, conducting voice tutorials, presenting seminars, etc.

State Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools

Musical Theater Four Year Sequence

Year 1
Dance & Movement Training: 2-3 classes/week
Voice & Singing: 3-4 classes/week
Acting & Performance Skills: 3-5 classes per week
(including History, Theory, & Production)
Open Workshops, Student Projects, Showcases, Musical Productions

Year 2
Dance & Movement Training: 2-3 classes/week
Voice & Singing: 3-4 classes/week
Acting & Performance Skills: 3-5 classes per week
(including History, Theory, Production & Design)
Open Workshops, Student Projects, Showcases, Musical Productions

Year 3
Dance & Movement Training: 2-3 classes/week
Voice & Singing: 3-4 classes/week
Acting & Performance Skills: 3-5 classes per week
(including History, Theory, Production, Design, Directing)
Open Workshops, Student Projects, Showcases, Musical Productions

Year 4
Dance & Movement Training: 2-3 classes/week
Voice & Singing: 3-4 classes/week
Acting & Performance Skills: 3-5 classes per week
(including History, Theory, Advanced Specialization)
Audition Prep & Internships
Open Workshops, Student Projects, Showcases, Musical Productions