MUSICAL THEATRE

DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS - MUSICAL THEATRE

A 2-year, full-time course designed to equip students with a high level of proficiency in essential musical theatre skills of singing, acting and dancing and to provide the opportunity for practical performing experience.  Each year of the course will consist of four terms, totaling 38 weeks, and comprising 25 hours of contact-time per week. Students will attend classes from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm daily in the first year, but during the second year will be expected to work 9.00 to 5.00 pm daily.

All students will be expected to complete a minimum of 10-15 hours out of school work, each week.  This time, which is self-regulated, will be spent in the research and completion of assignments, learning of songs, rehearsal, background study of topics, and special projects.  In the first year, students are required to attend 90% of all classes in order to be considered for entry into the second year.  Entry into Year 2 is also subject to students completing and passing Course modules in Year 1.

During Year 2, a large proportion of the course will be devoted to work-shopping, rehearsing and performing  musical theatre works as an ensemble group.  In the second-half of the year, students will be required to establish a cooperative company and undertake a short tour out of the Wellington region.  To this end they will fundraise, publicise and organise the tour with the assistance of Centre personnel. Year 2 Students will not be permitted to perform in other productions, films or television out of school during the academic year.

Performances and classes will be assessed continuously by tutors, both orally and in written form.  Year 2 Students will be formally assessed by an academic panel during the last few weeks of the course.  These assessments, together with written-assignment marks, in-class appraisals and attendance records, will form the basis for the awarding of the Diploma in Performing Arts - Singing.
 

It is anticipated that candidates will have had at least two years’ training at secondary school or by private tuition in singing, as well as some experience in theatrical performance.  The ability to act or dance is also an advantage.

Appraisal of candidates for course places will be by audition. Please prepare two contrasting songs: one must be from a musical (you may only be asked to perform one of these);  and a 2-3 minute monologue from a text (i.e. not self devised.  The process will include a group workshop in order to appraise group singing, dance ability, performance skills and group interaction.  There will also be an interview with the audition panel. Video material will be considered. 

Specific attention will be given to:

• vocal technique
• quality of performance skills (especially dancing and acting)
• musical ability
• ability to work as a part of a group
• health (current medical certificate is required)
• fitness
• demonstrated commitment to study
• appreciation of course outline and aims
• the level of student commitment