This unit examines the post–Golden Age era of musical theatre (1960s–70s) while immersing students in the practical responsibilities that occur before, during, and after a show. Students study key historical shifts and the functions of producers, stage managers, designers, and crews, and practice pre‑show, opening‑week, and one‑night event procedures to prepare for advanced production and performance work.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze major artistic and production shifts in American musical theatre from the 1960s through the 1970s (post‑Golden Age to the rise of Sondheim) by citing at least three representative shows and explaining three stylistic or industry changes.
- Apply professional theatre protocols by demonstrating correct arrival procedures, backstage etiquette, and pre‑show readiness during a simulated pre‑show call and checklist.
- Demonstrate knowledge of key production team roles — including producers, stage managers, music teams, sound designers, hair supervisors/designers, and hairdressers — by producing a role‑responsibility chart and a week‑of‑production timeline.
- Evaluate production readiness and awards/marketing considerations by developing a plan for a one‑night event or opening‑week campaign that addresses budget/producer responsibilities, technical rehearsals, personnel assignments, and promotional/awards timelines.
Curriculum
- 1 Section
- 21 Lessons
- 30 hours
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- Unit 3 — Backstage Roles and Mid‑Century Musicals21
- 1.1“I’m the Greatest Star” — How Broadway Actors Become Stars20 mins
- 1.2“Edelweiss”20 mins
- 1.3Christian Slater20 mins
- 1.4Test Your Broadway Knowledge20 mins
- 1.5Moving into a New Era — The Post Golden Years (the 1960s)20 mins
- 1.6Knowing What to Expect When You Arrive at the Theatre20 mins
- 1.7Recognizing the Very Best20 mins
- 1.8Handling the Money and So Much More — Producers20 mins
- 1.9“The Sweetest Sounds” — Sound Designers20 mins
- 1.10“Long Beautiful Hair” —The Hair Supervisor and Hairdressers20 mins
- 1.11Recognizing What Happens Way before Opening Night20 mins
- 1.12Participating in One-Night-Only Events20 mins
- 1.13“Another Opening, Another Show” — Performing for the Love of Theatre20 mins
- 1.14“As Time Goes By”20 mins
- 1.15Sara Ramirez20 mins
- 1.16Please Hello! The ’70s and the Rise of Sondheim20 mins
- 1.17“The Music of the Night” — The Music Team20 mins
- 1.18Coiffing the Do — Hair Designers20 mins
- 1.19“You Can Always Count on Me” — The Stage Manager20 mins
- 1.20Being Ready — Right before Opening20 mins
- 1.21Waiting on Pins and Needles for Awards Season20 mins
Instructor
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