AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE
Theatre 340
Instructor: Merlaine Angwall
Office hours: 11:20-12:20, Mon.& Wed.; Tue. 1:00. Office: ACW120
Phone: 424-7050, email: Angwall@uwosh.edu
Text: 10 Great Musicals of the American Theatre, by Stanley Richards

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
To develop an understanding and appreciation of America’s unique contribution to musical theatre through: 1) A study of its historical development as a recognized art form 2) A study of the European and early American influences upon it and, 3) An analysis of the form itself and its practical application.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
5 quizzes on assigned readings and in-class projects, a term paper OR performance project, a mid-term exam, a critical analysis of the Broadway tour of Rent, (held at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Nov. 3-8), and a final exam.

GRADING CRITERIA:
5 QUIZZES@ 20 PTS. = 100 PTS.
1 CRITICAL ANALYSIS = 100 PTS.
PERFORMANCE PROJECT OR TERM PAPER = 100 PTS.
MID-TERM EXAM = 100 PTS.
FINAL EXAM = 100 PTS.

500 pts. Total.

GRADING SCALE

YOU MAY CHOOSE TO DO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

Term Paper: A 6 page (minimum) term paper using a minimum of 5 sources, no more than 3 sources from the internet. The paper will be end-noted, double spaced, typed. The subject matter for the term paper will focus on one aspect of musical theatre, or one individual in musical theatre and their contribution to the art form. For example, directing, choreography, scenic design, costume design, composing, an individual performer, etc.

Performance project: This a project focusing on one aspect of production. For example, you may choose to design costumes for a production; in that case you will need to create 6 renderings and provide details about the production , choice of fabrics, colors, style, etc. An actor could perform a song and an monologue or scene from a musical, someone may wish to choreograph and number from a musical or if you like directing, you may choose to direct a scene from a musical. This project may be done as a solo, or with group or partner
ALL PROJECTS (PERFORMANCE OR TERM PAPER) WILL BE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL BY OCT. 14

Term papers are due on or before: Dec. 4, Performance projects (depending on the number of them) are due beginning on Dec. 4.
Quiz dates will be given to you in class. The following plays will be read from 10 Great Musicals of the American Theatre:
Oklahoma, Brigadoon, West Side Story, Company, 1776.
Mid-Term Exam: Oct. 23, Final Exam: Dec. 16

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
This is a 4-6 page double-spaced type written paper discussing the music, dance, acting, choreography, or directing of Rent. Do not write the story of the show; rather focus on the major aspects of production, stating what, in your opinion worked, didn’t work, and why. Analysis are due Nov. 9.

ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is mandatory. Everyone is allowed one unexcused absence. 50 points will be deducted for every unexcused absence. Call my office or email if you are sick before class begins. For every three late arrivals to class a student’s total semester points will be deducted 25 points. There are no “make-ups” on performance assignments. If there are questionable weather conditions, we will follow the recommendations as recorded on the UW Oshkosh weather line which is (920) 424-0000, and/or as announced on local t.v. and radio stations.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
For each day a written assignment is overdue, 50 points will be deducted from the final grade of that assignment. There are no make-ups on performances.

Everyone is allowed to come to class late twice. After 2 times, 50 points will be deducted for lateness.