THAR – Music Theatre Performance
THAR 101
Acting I
3 Credits Total (0-5-0)
In Acting I, students develop fundamental acting skills through solo and ensemble exercises. Then, students analyze, research, rehearse and perform modern and/or contemporary monologues. They also explore foundational actor movement exercises to provide a basis for character and physical theatre work.
THAR 104
Voice I
3 Credits (1-2.5-1.5)
In Voice I, students develop fundamental vocal skills required for music theatre performers. Students take weekly group classes in speech, singing and musical theatre history. In addition, students build their skills through one-on-one private lessons with personal voice teachers. Course content includes modern/contemporary monologues and solos from musical theatre repertoire.
THAR 105
Play Analysis
3 Credits Weekly (3-0-0)
In this course, students analyze plays from a variety of historical periods. Students explore the fundamentals of play analysis, including dramatic structure, plot, theme, character, and performance elements. Students also examine how these works reflected, intersected with and influenced society. In addition, students attend and analyze at least one professional production during the course. Note: Credit can be obtained in only one of THAR 105 or DRMA 102.
THAR 109
Performer's Lab
3 Credits Weekly (0-6-0)
Works from music theatre's repertoire are studied and explored in a workshop format. In this laboratory course, students acquire the necessary rehearsal and performance tools to perform a complete music theatre work. They learn how to make the author's voice come alive in structure and characterization as well as how to make the transition from speaking to singing in an honest and believable way. A director, vocal director, choreographer and musical director work together with the students to prepare a final project for a brief public performance run. As a culmination of their first year of training, they are expected to perform at a higher level of professionalism than in previous course work.
THAR 110
Dance I
3 Credits Weekly (0-4-0)
In Dance I, students develop fundamental dance techniques required for music theatre performers. Students take regular classes in ballet, jazz and tap to establish a foundational dance vocabulary. Students also engage in basic physical conditioning exercises.
THAR 140
Music Theory and Ear Training I
3 Credits Weekly (1.5-1.5-0)
In this course, students explore fundamental music theory and ear training concepts for music theatre performers. Students also apply these concepts to the analysis and performance of musical theatre repertoire. Topics include notation, scales, intervals, chords, rhythms, melodic and harmonic analysis, aural identification, transcription, sight-singing and keyboard skills.
THAR 141
Music Theory and Ear Training II
3 Credits Weekly (1.5-1.5-0)
In this course, students continue to explore fundamental music theory and ear training concepts for music theatre performers. Coursework focuses on the relationship between music theory, ear training and the performance of musical theatre repertoire.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 140.
THAR 149
Introduction to Acting
3 Credits Weekly (0-5-0)
This course is designed for students with little or no previous experience in theatre and therefore introduces students to the process of acting. Students develop fundamental skills in acting, voice and movement through solo and ensemble exercises. Then students apply their skills to performance projects. Note: This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been obtained in DRMA 149.
THAR 151
Acting II
3 Credits Weekly (0-5-0)
In Acting II, students continue to develop fundamental acting skills through scene study work. Students analyze, research, rehearse and perform scenes from modern and/or contemporary plays. They also continue to take movement classes, with a focus on expanding their movement vocabularies and partnering skills.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 101.
THAR 154
Voice II
3 Credits Weekly (1-2.5-1.5)
In Voice II, students continue to develop fundamental vocal skills required for music theatre performers. Students take weekly group classes in speech, singing and musical theatre history. In addition, students build their skills through one-on-one private lessons with personal voice teachers. Course content includes monologues, scene excerpts, solos and duets.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 104.
THAR 160
Dance II
3 Credits Weekly (0-4-0)
In Dance II, students continue to develop fundamental dance techniques required for music theatre performers. Students take regular classes in ballet, jazz and tap, and integrate dance techniques into basic choreography. In addition, students further engage in physical conditioning exercises.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 110.
THAR 201
Acting III
3 Credits (0-6-0)
Acting III builds on the skills developed in Acting I and II. Focus shifts from process to performance as students analyze, research, rehearse and perform a play. Students also continue to take movement classes, with an emphasis on character movement techniques.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 151.
THAR 204
Voice III
3 Credits (1-2.5-1.5)
In Voice III, students develop intermediate-level vocal skills required for music theatre performers. Students continue to take weekly group classes in speech, singing and musical theatre history, as well as one-on-one private voice lessons. Course content focuses on the integration of voice, acting and movement work.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 154.
THAR 206
Performance I
3 Credits Total (0-0-200)
Students audition for roles in the MacEwan Theatre Department season, and work collaboratively with the artistic and technical team in the production of a play and/or musical. Implementing all the rehearsal and performance techniques and skills acquired in their first year of training, students experience how a creative team collaborates during the rehearsal process, technical rehearsals and performance run.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 109.
THAR 240
Music Theory and Ear Training III
3 Credits Weekly (1.5-1.5-0)
In this course, students explore intermediate-level music theory and ear training concepts for music theatre performers. Students further examine the relationship between music theory, ear training and the performance of musical theatre repertoire.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 141.
THAR 241
Music Theory and Ear Training IV
3 Credits Weekly (1.5-1.5-0)
This is the final course of music theory and ear training for music theatre performers. Students explore intermediate/advanced-level music theory and ear training concepts and apply these concepts to practical projects.
Prerequisites: THAR 240.
THAR 247
Introduction to Oral Communication
3 Credits Weekly (0-5-0)
This course helps students become more effective and embodied speakers. Students explore fundamental vocal and physical techniques used in oral communication. Then students apply these techniques to different types of oral communication, from public speaking (speeches, lectures, etc.) to drama (monologues, reader’s theatre, etc.). In addition, students investigate the uses of oral communication skills in a variety of careers. The course culminates in practical public speaking and/or dramatic projects. Note: This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been obtained in DRMA 247.
THAR 250
Dance III
3 Credits Weekly (0-6-0)
Dance III builds on the skills developed in Dance I and II. Students continue to take regular dance technique classes in ballet, jazz and tap. Students also analyze and perform the work of seminal musical theatre choreographers.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 160.
THAR 251
Acting IV
3 Credits (0-6-0)
Acting IV builds on the skills developed in Acting III. Students engage in a deeper exploration of performance techniques with a production from the musical theatre repertoire. Students also continue to develop their physical skills, focusing on dance and/or movement within a musical production context.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 201.
THAR 254
Voice IV
3 Credits (1-2.5-1.5)
In Voice IV, students continue to develop intermediate-level vocal skills required for music theatre performers. Students take weekly group classes in speech, singing and musical theatre history, as well as one-on-one private voice lessons. Course content includes chorus text work and ensemble singing.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 204.
THAR 256
Performance II
3 Credits Total (0-0-200)
Performance II builds on the discoveries, skills and techniques of Performance I. Students acquire further opportunities to test and expand their level of training by first auditioning for and then participating in the rehearsal process, technical rehearsals and public performance of a play and/or musical.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 206.
THAR 260
Dance IV
3 Credits Weekly (0-6-0)
Dance IV builds on the skills developed in Dance I-III. Students continue to take regular classes in ballet, jazz and tap. They also integrate dance techniques and performance skills into increasingly complex ensemble choreography.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 250.
THAR 301
Acting V
3 Credits (0-5-0)
In Acting V, students explore the demands of heightened text and movement through classical monologue and/or scene study. They also explore specialized movement techniques.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 251.
THAR 304
Voice V
3 Credits (0-2.5-1.5)
In Voice V, students develop advanced-level vocal skills required for music theatre performers. Students take weekly group classes in speech and singing with a focus on heightened text and sound production. Students also continue to build their skills through one-on-one private voice lessons. Course content includes classical texts and advanced-level musical theatre repertoire.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 254.
THAR 350
Dance V
3 Credits Weekly (0-6-0)
In Dance V, students continue to develop their jazz dance skills through regular technique classes. They also explore specialized styles of dance used in musical theatre performance.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 260.
THAR 351
Acting VI
3 Credits (0-5-0)
In Acting VI, students apply advanced-level performance skills to contemporary musical theatre repertoire. They also explore specialized dance and/or movement techniques.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 301.
THAR 354
Voice VI
3 Credits (0-2.5-1.5)
In Voice VI, students continue to develop advanced-level vocal skills required for music theatre performers. Students take weekly group classes in speech and singing with a focus on the dialect/accent work, International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and contemporary/pop/rock repertoire. Students also continue to build their skills through one-on-one private lessons.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 304.
THAR 360
Dance VI
3 Credits Weekly (0-6-0)
In Dance VI, students continue to develop their jazz dance skills through regular technique classes. They also further explore specialized styles of dance used in musical theatre performance.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 260.
THAR 401
Acting VII
3 Credits Weekly (0-5-0)
In Acting VII, students develop the essential skills required for acting on camera. They also apply advanced-level performance skills to on-camera monologues and/or scenes.
Prerequisites: THAR 351.
THAR 404
Voice VII
1.5 Credits (0-2-1)
In Voice VII, students continue to develop advanced-level vocal skills through weekly group voice classes and one-on-one private voice lessons. Students also expand their skills by exploring specialized industry-specific areas of voice work.
Prerequisites: THAR 354.
THAR 440
Dance VII
1.5 Credits Weekly (0-2-0)
In Dance VII, students continue to finesse their dance skills through ongoing technique classes. They also explore methods for creating new dance and/or movement works.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 360.
THAR 450
Performance I
3 Credits Total (0-0-200)
In Performance I, students develop and perform a role in a musical or play in the Department of Theatre's season. Through the production process, they refine their performance skills, cultivate professional etiquette, and collaborate with the creative team, fellow actors and technical staff/crew.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 251, THAR 254, and THAR 260.
THAR 451
Acting VIII
3 Credits Weekly (0-5-0)
In Acting VIII, students prepare to transition from university to the profession. They explore career management tools and learn how to engage in professional auditions.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 401.
THAR 454
Voice VIII
1.5 Credits weekly (0-2-1)
In Voice VIII, students continue to develop advanced-level vocal skills through weekly voice classes and one-on-one private voice lessons. Students also rehearse and perform original and/or existing material for cabaret performance.
Prerequisites: THAR 354.
THAR 460
Performance II
3 Credits Total (0-0-200)
In Performance II, students develop and perform a role in a musical or play in the Department of Theatre's season. Through the production process, they refine their performance skills, cultivate professional etiquette, and collaborate with the creative team, fellow actors and technical staff/crew.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 251, THAR 254, and THAR 260.
THAR 461
Dance VIII
1.5 Credits Weekly (0-2-0)
In Dance VIII, students finesse their dance skills through ongoing technique classes. They also learn how to engage in professional musical theatre dance auditions.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 360.
THAR 470
Performance III
3 Credits Total (0-0-300)
In Performance III, students develop and perform a role in a musical or play in the Department of Theatre's Season. Through the production process, they refine their performance skills, cultivate professional etiquette, and collaborate with the creative team, fellow actors and technical staff/crew.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 251, THAR 254 and THAR 260.
THAR 480
Performance IV
3 Credits Total (0-0-300)
In Performance IV, students develop and perform a role in a musical or play in the Department of Theatre's Season. Through the production process, they refine their performance skills, cultivate professional etiquette, and collaborate with the creative team, fellow actors and technical staff/crew.
Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in THAR 251, THAR 254 and THAR 260.