Course Syllabus

THAR 17 – Musical Theatre Techniques

Classes: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9-11:20am

Tue 1-2:30pm by appointment in Burbank Offices and Wed 11am-12pm by appointment on zoom

Section: 5555 – Spring 2024

Instructor Contact - Sarah Wintermeyer | swintermeyer@santarosa.edu  

Accompanist Contact - Nate Riebli | nriebli@santarosa.edu

Course Description

An introduction to musical theatre performance through the study and practice of musical scenes from the Broadway stage. Emphasis is placed on the application of vocal techniques, dance movement, and characterization to create a convincing performance. Audition skills as they relate to musical theatre will be included.

Course Web Site

Use the Canvas course website for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, asking questions, sharing resources, and viewing grades.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Perform a musical number from a selected Broadway musical incorporating appropriate choral singing, dancing, and acting skills.
  2. Audition for the vocal and dance segments of a musical theatre production, effectively demonstrating preparation and deportment, as well as fundamental vocal skills, basic dance techniques, performance quality, and characterization.

Course Objectives

  1. Stage and perform a solo audition song with emphasis on vocal performance, characterization, blocking and/or basic choreography as appropriate.
  2. Apply basic dance vocabulary and techniques to the processes of learning, rehearsing, and performing Broadway musical choreography in various styles and genres.
  3. Apply choral singing techniques to the processes of learning, rehearsing, and performing ensemble Broadway musical numbers.
  4. Analyze and create character in a musical theatre context.
  5. Identify essential elements associated with selected Broadway musicals such as historical elements, artistic styles, genres, and key figures (playwrights, composers, choreographers, and well-known actors associated with lead roles).
  6. Define and describe terminology associated with musical theatre productions.

Course Materials

Each class you are expected to bring a pencil, and whatever scripts, reading or music you are working on during that time (which should be in a 3 ring binder). You are required to get or purchase your own Sheet Music. 

Class Format

First 5: Share something intriguing! Did you watch something wonderful? Write a scene? We'll chat about discoveries, recommendations, and curiosities related to the theatre.

Following announcements, we will have a vocal and dance warm up so please wear loose fitting clothes and light, flexible shoes that allow you to move your whole body without limitation. 

Last 5: Reflect on the day and connect about what’s next. Your feedback shapes the journey. This is your class, and I want you to tell me what I can do to help you get the most out of it.

Class Expectations

Acting classes thrive on active participation and an open, supportive environment where every student feels safe to take risks and explore their creativity. The best way to grow your skills as a performer is through active participation.

Earn participation points easily

  • Be Present: Show up on time and be prepared.
  • Engage: Share your thoughts! Comment, discuss, volunteer, and contribute.
  • Avoid distractions: Screens and side conversations are strongly discouraged.

Punctuality counts

  • On time = 1 point
  • 5-30 minutes late/early = -1/3 point lost (3 late arrivals = 1 absence)
  • 30+ minutes late/early = no point

Important Dates

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 - Classes begin 

Sunday, February 4, 2024 - Last day to drop a semester length class without “W” symbol

Monday, February 19, 2024 - Washington’s Day Holiday (No classes, District closed)

Monday, March 18 - Sunday, March 24, 2024 Spring Break (No classes)

Monday, April 1, 2024 - Cesar Chavez / Dolores Huerta Day (No classes, District closed)

Sunday, April 21, 2024 - Last day to drop a semester length class with “W” symbol

Friday May 3, 2024 - Required participation in our Burbank Performance on 5/3 from 4-10PM. No Exceptions. 

Saturday, May 18 - Friday, May 24, 2024 - Final Examinations. The exam for THAR 17 will be available for you to take anytime between 12AM-11:59PM on Thursday May 23, 2024.

Dropping the Class

It is your responsibility to drop the class. If you decide to discontinue this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop it to avoid getting no refund (after 10% of course length), a W symbol (after 20%), or a grade (after 60%). Also, for several consecutive, unexplained absences, the instructor may drop a student.

SRJC Attendance Policy

Attendance and in class skill assessments make up 70% of your grade. Please email me when you are ill or any other time you will be missing class. We are a team now. We need to know where you are. With the exception of an Excused Absence, failure to attend any scheduled rehearsal (in or out of class) or performance may result in a failing grade (F) for that assignment. 

All students will abide by SRJC’s attendance policy. After three unexcused absences, a final course grade will be lowered by 1 full letter grade for each subsequent absence. Please note that at the instructor's discretion, the SRJC Attendance Policy may be applied: A student may be dropped from any class when that student’s absences exceed ten percent (10%) of the total hours of class time. For this class, that is 3.5 unexcused absences.

Absences 

Excused Absences

  • Official signed document (doctor note, jury summons, etc.) required (email on return)
  • One-time use per semester, discretion of instructor
  • No document = no grade.

Anticipated Absences

  • Must be discussed within the first week of the semester (before 1/22/24) 

Late Assignment Policy

All online assignments are due before 11:59PM midnight PT on the due date. Without notice, a late submission will receive a 20% penalty. Late work will not be graded unless the student sends the instructor an email or Canvas message regarding late work.

All in class assignments are due before 8:59AM PT on the due date. Make up work (written and performance) for valid emergencies is due at the beginning of the next class period. Performance assignments may only be made up for Excused Absences.

Final Exam

There will be an ONLINE final exam on Thursday May 23, 2024. The exam will be available for you to take anytime between 12AM-11:59PM. 

Grading Policy

Individual grades will be posted and updated monthly on Canvas. 

A 90% - 90 points or more

B 80% - 80 to 89 points

C 70% - 70 to 79 points

D 60% - 60 to 69 points

Grading Breakdown

40% Skill Demonstrations

30% Attendance & Participation

20% Writing  

10% Quizzes

Academic Integrity | Standards of Conduct

All students will abide by SRJC’s Student Code of Conduct policy. 

All students will abide by SRJC’s Academic Integrity policy. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. 

Emergency Preparedness

In case of emergency, dial District Police at 527-1000

For Santa Rosa Safety alerts, register with Nixle: https://police.santarosa.edu/emergency alerts-signup

For SRJC Police alerts, register your cell phone with ALERT-U Text Messaging System: Text the letters SRJC to 55155.

Disability Resources

Disability Resources Department  |  Phone: 707-527-4278  |   Location: Bertolini Hall, 3rd Floor

Students with disabilities who believe they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. 

Trigger Warnings

Some of the musicals and other materials we will cover in this course may contain mature themes or disturbing content. If you have any concerns, please speak to the instructor.

Additional Resources