Musical Theatre

Programme Information

Duration: 3 Years

Award: BA(Hons) Musical Theatre

The world of musical theatre is diverse and colourful – with new musical works being brought alive everywhere by performers, directors, choreographers, designers, and musicians. As an art form, it attracts an increasingly sophisticated worldwide viewership. While technical advances have transformed stage productions into rich visual spectacles, highly trained and gifted performers remain integral to the success and growth of the genre.

This programme focuses upon quality training for gifted young performers from anywhere in the world. Internationally unique as an Honours degree – the first of its kind in Asia – it is designed to prepare students for professional careers in musicals, plays, cabaret, film, and television. Graduates are employed in the region, including West End, and in Europe as well as North America.

Contemporary musical theatre demands that all performers can sing, dance, and act with equal skill – a ‘triple threat’. This programme trains such future professionals in these disciplines and gives you a rich historical and cultural context from which to interpret and create. In addition to classes and workshops, you are continually involved in realising a variety of partially- and fully-staged theatre productions, in a range of performance venues. These are led by world-class professional directors, music directors, and choreographers.

Level 1 sets the foundation for both physical and intellectual learning. You will integrate technical work into a performance, through the concepts of individuality and authenticity. Level 2 builds on acquired skills and moves to more challenging theory and practice. You will analyse the external and internal details of character and build a repertoire suited to your own voice. Level 3 performance classes are followed by a detailed rehearsal process to support a rigorous production programme. A series of lectures provides important management tools for a future career in the arts.

Teaching Methods: You will be taught through lectures, seminars, practical presentations, class participation, rehearsals, journals and master classes.

Assessments: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and will be formative and diagnostic as well as summative and evaluative, providing feedback to students wherever appropriate. Read more about assessments here.

Modules

Level 1

Singing 1
A weekly singing lesson is provided to secure personal basic technique and an understanding of technique, range and vocal health. A song repertoire class introduces the song material from the great writers of musical theatre and assists you in building a vocal repertoire in context.

Acting 1
This module lays the foundation and understanding of the creation of an acting technique. Improvisation classes will explore the freeing of imagination and the elimination of emotional blocks. The speaking voice and its care are addressed along with an understanding of body movement for the actor.

Dance 1
Classical, Jazz, Tap and Production Song and Dance are studied in weekly classes. Technical work and dance terminology are built throughout the year to form a fundamental structure for further study.

Music 1
This module includes classes in basic Piano Keyboard, Aural and Music Theory. These skills will assist you in the independent and accurate learning of musical repertoire.

Academic Studies 1
You are introduced to an overview of World Theatre, which will enable the later exploration of a variety of stylistic tools for performance. In Dramatic Literature classes, the important works of theatre are explored and analysed to give an introduction to the international great plays and playwrights.

Performance 1
You will participate in a series of rehearsals, workshops and classroom presentations that allows you to begin establishing a methodology for the rehearsal and performance process. This module begins your challenge to integrate the skills and knowledge addressed in the previous modules.

Level 2

Singing 2
Singing lessons, vocal health and technique are further developed to include an understanding of a variety of singing styles. This then connects in context with the Song Repertoire class, which continues exploring the vocal material.

Acting 2
The aspects of building character and the introduction of a greater variety of methods and styles add to the Level 1 basics. Improvisation will also move into areas such as mask work and non-verbal performance. Voice work introduces more details of the physiology of the instrument and movement becomes more integrated with practical work.

Dance 2
The technical basics begun in Level 1 are expanded to further develop the skill range as well as establish a greater understanding of style. The ability to process choreographic combination in a more rapid and concise manner is also addressed.

Music 2
Theoretical and practical experience in Music Theory, Aural and Piano Keyboard continues to develop the music skills needed by musical theatre performers.

Academic Studies 2
The Musical Theatre History component gives a greater understanding of the genre’s development by tracing the stylistic, technical and dramatic changes over time.

Performance 2A
This semester engages you in a continuous rehearsal and performance programme. These public performances offer productions in a variety of styles and an increasingly complex level and will introduce you to the added aspects of theatrical environment.

Performance 2B
The performance programme continues with the opportunity for you to build on your ever-increasing technical, stylistic and performance vocabulary and provides the experience of maintaining a performance throughout the scheduled season.

Level 3

Singing 3
A weekly private singing lesson and group repertoire class are continued at this level. An end-of-year singing recital will be scheduled to demonstrate the versatility of technique and repertoire.

Acting 3
Building on the acting techniques explored in the previous levels, an acting class in the preparation of audition monologues and scene work is implemented. A weekly acting class will be introduced catering to the specific needs of the film/TV performer.

Dance 3
Classical, Jazz, Tap, and Production Song and Dance classes are continued on a weekly basis with a greater level of technical proficiency expected. Simulated dance auditions are scheduled to test your ability at a professional level.

Performance Research
You select a topic of research and develop it through qualitative and quantitative research. This module represents the culmination of your critical reflection on performance practices and gives you an opportunity to undertake a sustained piece of independent work.

Career Management
This module is your link to the professional world of the performing arts, performance work and creation. Career Management addresses the need to understand the role of an agent, professional contracts and promotion assisting you to take control of your own career.

Performance 3A/B
Level 3 gives the opportunity to integrate all the skills learned over the previous years. Casting will continue to offer both major and minor roles, in a variety of productions. It is required that all students function at the very highest professional industry standards.

Faculty Members

Lecturer, Musical Theatre
Bronwyn Gibson

• MA of Music, University of Western Australia, Australia
• BA (Hons) of Music, University of Western Australia, Australia

Bronwyn Gibson is a piano accompanist, vocal coach and musical director who received a Master of Music (U. Western Australia) in 2003. She has performed as concerto soloist with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and recorded solo recitals and chamber music for broadcast on ABC Classic FM. Bronwyn has extensive performance experience as piano soloist, chamber musician and accompanist throughout Australia, South East Asia and the United Kingdom.

Based in Singapore since 2007, she played keyboards with touring seasons of "The Phantom Of The Opera" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" at the Esplanade Theatre in addition to LASALLE productions – "Once On This Island", "Into The Woods", "Nunsense", "NINE", "Sweet Charity" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie". Musical direction credits for LASALLE – "Oh! What A Lovely War", "Lucky Stiff", "Blood Wedding", "The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee", numerous revues and Musical Theatre graduation showcases.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Completed High School (Grade 12), Junior College or Pre-University education.
• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'A' Level: Minimum 'Pass' in 2 subjects + General Paper or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list.

Note:

• Additional subject requirement of Physics or Mathematics with a minimum ‘Pass’ or recognised equivalent.
• Alternative English qualification: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT80.

Audition Requirements

You must be prepared to demonstrate your aptitude for Singing, Acting, and Dance.

Singing

• You must perform two songs from memory, in English. Each song should be from a musical theatre source and be contrasting in style, showing your range and technique.
• The combined duration of the songs should not exceed five minutes.
• You may bring your own accompanist or use the accompanist provided. If you use our accompanist, you must bring the music of your songs in the key in which you will perform. Please ensure the music is either taped to fold out or is inserted in a folder. Please do not bring loose pages.
• Please note that backing tapes are not permitted. All songs must be performed with live piano accompaniment.

Note: Choose songs that are appropriate for your age and experience and are not at the extremes of your vocal range. We prefer to hear performances of works that you feel comfortable with rather than something that will cause you to falter due to its level of difficulty.

Acting

• You must perform one monologue from memory, and in English, not exceeding two minutes in duration.
• Please provide the audition panel with a copy of your speech.

Note: Choose an acting piece that is appropriate for your age and experience. Read the entire play from which your speech is taken. This will give you a greater understanding when performing a small section of the play. Use minimum 'props' and only if they are essential to the piece. It is preferable that the monologue not be Shakespeare.

Dance

• You are not required to prepare any dance material for this audition. However, you need to bring dance gear with you, as there will be a group dance audition.

Callback
At the completion of your audition, you may be asked to return at a later time for an interview and further group work. It may be later in the day of your audition or at another time. Please allow approximately four hours for this callback.

Things to consider

• Please be prepared to announce the title of your songs and monologue.
• Be certain you understand your material well. You must be able to convey the character and journey in both singing and acting pieces.

What we are looking for
The assessment of your audition will be based on your ability to show a grounding in technique, a flexibility in taking directions, as well as the desire to take risks as a performer.

Musical Theatre is a very exacting and demanding art form and requires performers with exceptional stamina, versatility and skill. As the program is predominantly practice-based, your ability to meet these demands will be considered when we choose prospective students.

It is essential that all applicants have an advanced level of both written and spoken English Language.

Programme Information

Duration: 3 Years

Awards: BA(Hons) Musical Theatre

The world of musical theatre is diverse and colourful – with new musical works being brought alive everywhere by performers, directors, choreographers, designers, and musicians. As an art form, it attracts an increasingly sophisticated worldwide viewership. While technical advances have transformed stage productions into rich visual spectacles, highly trained and gifted performers remain integral to the success and growth of the genre.

This programme focuses upon quality training for gifted young performers from anywhere in the world. Internationally unique as an Honours degree – the first of its kind in Asia – it is designed to prepare students for professional careers in musicals, plays, cabaret, film, and television. Graduates are employed in the region, including West End, and in Europe as well as North America.

Contemporary musical theatre demands that all performers can sing, dance, and act with equal skill – a ‘triple threat’. This programme trains such future professionals in these disciplines and gives you a rich historical and cultural context from which to interpret and create. In addition to classes and workshops, you are continually involved in realising a variety of partially- and fully-staged theatre productions, in a range of performance venues. These are led by world-class professional directors, music directors, and choreographers.

Level 1 sets the foundation for both physical and intellectual learning. You will integrate technical work into a performance, through the concepts of individuality and authenticity. Level 2 builds on acquired skills and moves to more challenging theory and practice. You will analyse the external and internal details of character and build a repertoire suited to your own voice. Level 3 performance classes are followed by a detailed rehearsal process to support a rigorous production programme. A series of lectures provides important management tools for a future career in the arts.

Teaching Methods: You will be taught through lectures, seminars, practical presentations, class participation, rehearsals, journals and master classes.

Assessments: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and will be formative and diagnostic as well as summative and evaluative, providing feedback to students wherever appropriate. Read more about assessments here.

Modules

Level 1

Singing 1
A weekly singing lesson is provided to secure personal basic technique and an understanding of technique, range and vocal health. A song repertoire class introduces the song material from the great writers of musical theatre and assists you in building a vocal repertoire in context.

Acting 1
This module lays the foundation and understanding of the creation of an acting technique. Improvisation classes will explore the freeing of imagination and the elimination of emotional blocks. The speaking voice and its care are addressed along with an understanding of body movement for the actor.

Dance 1
Classical, Jazz, Tap and Production Song and Dance are studied in weekly classes. Technical work and dance terminology are built throughout the year to form a fundamental structure for further study.

Music 1
This module includes classes in basic Piano Keyboard, Aural and Music Theory. These skills will assist you in the independent and accurate learning of musical repertoire.

Academic Studies 1
You are introduced to an overview of World Theatre, which will enable the later exploration of a variety of stylistic tools for performance. In Dramatic Literature classes, the important works of theatre are explored and analysed to give an introduction to the international great plays and playwrights.

Performance 1
You will participate in a series of rehearsals, workshops and classroom presentations that allows you to begin establishing a methodology for the rehearsal and performance process. This module begins your challenge to integrate the skills and knowledge addressed in the previous modules.

Level 2

Singing 2
Singing lessons, vocal health and technique are further developed to include an understanding of a variety of singing styles. This then connects in context with the Song Repertoire class, which continues exploring the vocal material.

Acting 2
The aspects of building character and the introduction of a greater variety of methods and styles add to the Level 1 basics. Improvisation will also move into areas such as mask work and non-verbal performance. Voice work introduces more details of the physiology of the instrument and movement becomes more integrated with practical work.

Dance 2
The technical basics begun in Level 1 are expanded to further develop the skill range as well as establish a greater understanding of style. The ability to process choreographic combination in a more rapid and concise manner is also addressed.

Music 2
Theoretical and practical experience in Music Theory, Aural and Piano Keyboard continues to develop the music skills needed by musical theatre performers.

Academic Studies 2
The Musical Theatre History component gives a greater understanding of the genre’s development by tracing the stylistic, technical and dramatic changes over time.

Performance 2A
This semester engages you in a continuous rehearsal and performance programme. These public performances offer productions in a variety of styles and an increasingly complex level and will introduce you to the added aspects of theatrical environment.

Performance 2B
The performance programme continues with the opportunity for you to build on your ever-increasing technical, stylistic and performance vocabulary and provides the experience of maintaining a performance throughout the scheduled season.

Level 3

Singing 3
A weekly private singing lesson and group repertoire class are continued at this level. An end-of-year singing recital will be scheduled to demonstrate the versatility of technique and repertoire.

Acting 3
Building on the acting techniques explored in the previous levels, an acting class in the preparation of audition monologues and scene work is implemented. A weekly acting class will be introduced catering to the specific needs of the film/TV performer.

Dance 3
Classical, Jazz, Tap, and Production Song and Dance classes are continued on a weekly basis with a greater level of technical proficiency expected. Simulated dance auditions are scheduled to test your ability at a professional level.

Performance Research
You select a topic of research and develop it through qualitative and quantitative research. This module represents the culmination of your critical reflection on performance practices and gives you an opportunity to undertake a sustained piece of independent work.

Career Management
This module is your link to the professional world of the performing arts, performance work and creation. Career Management addresses the need to understand the role of an agent, professional contracts and promotion assisting you to take control of your own career.

Performance 3A/B
Level 3 gives the opportunity to integrate all the skills learned over the previous years. Casting will continue to offer both major and minor roles, in a variety of productions. It is required that all students function at the very highest professional industry standards.

Faculty Members

Lecturer, Musical Theatre
Bronwyn Gibson

• MA of Music, University of Western Australia, Australia
• BA (Hons) of Music, University of Western Australia, Australia

Bronwyn Gibson is a piano accompanist, vocal coach and musical director who received a Master of Music (U. Western Australia) in 2003. She has performed as concerto soloist with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and recorded solo recitals and chamber music for broadcast on ABC Classic FM. Bronwyn has extensive performance experience as piano soloist, chamber musician and accompanist throughout Australia, South East Asia and the United Kingdom.

Based in Singapore since 2007, she played keyboards with touring seasons of "The Phantom Of The Opera" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" at the Esplanade Theatre in addition to LASALLE productions – "Once On This Island", "Into The Woods", "Nunsense", "NINE", "Sweet Charity" and "Thoroughly Modern Millie". Musical direction credits for LASALLE – "Oh! What A Lovely War", "Lucky Stiff", "Blood Wedding", "The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee", numerous revues and Musical Theatre graduation showcases.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Completed High School (Grade 12), Junior College or Pre-University education.
• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'A' Level: Minimum 'Pass' in 2 subjects + General Paper or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list.

Note:

• Additional subject requirement of Physics or Mathematics with a minimum ‘Pass’ or recognised equivalent.
• Alternative English qualification: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT80.

Audition Requirements

You must be prepared to demonstrate your aptitude for Singing, Acting, and Dance.

Singing

• You must perform two songs from memory, in English. Each song should be from a musical theatre source and be contrasting in style, showing your range and technique.
• The combined duration of the songs should not exceed five minutes.
• You may bring your own accompanist or use the accompanist provided. If you use our accompanist, you must bring the music of your songs in the key in which you will perform. Please ensure the music is either taped to fold out or is inserted in a folder. Please do not bring loose pages.
• Please note that backing tapes are not permitted. All songs must be performed with live piano accompaniment.

Note: Choose songs that are appropriate for your age and experience and are not at the extremes of your vocal range. We prefer to hear performances of works that you feel comfortable with rather than something that will cause you to falter due to its level of difficulty.

Acting

• You must perform one monologue from memory, and in English, not exceeding two minutes in duration.
• Please provide the audition panel with a copy of your speech.

Note: Choose an acting piece that is appropriate for your age and experience. Read the entire play from which your speech is taken. This will give you a greater understanding when performing a small section of the play. Use minimum 'props' and only if they are essential to the piece. It is preferable that the monologue not be Shakespeare.

Dance

• You are not required to prepare any dance material for this audition. However, you need to bring dance gear with you, as there will be a group dance audition.

Callback
At the completion of your audition, you may be asked to return at a later time for an interview and further group work. It may be later in the day of your audition or at another time. Please allow approximately four hours for this callback.

Things to consider

• Please be prepared to announce the title of your songs and monologue.
• Be certain you understand your material well. You must be able to convey the character and journey in both singing and acting pieces.

What we are looking for
The assessment of your audition will be based on your ability to show a grounding in technique, a flexibility in taking directions, as well as the desire to take risks as a performer.

Musical Theatre is a very exacting and demanding art form and requires performers with exceptional stamina, versatility and skill. As the program is predominantly practice-based, your ability to meet these demands will be considered when we choose prospective students.

It is essential that all applicants have an advanced level of both written and spoken English Language.