Contemporary Musical Theatre and Practice

This unit surveys musical theatre from the late 20th century through the present and guides students in translating historical and stylistic knowledge into professional-ready practice. Students examine major eras, influential performers and productions, the roles of the conductor and orchestra, and the industry’s response to disruptions such as the COVID-19 shutdown while preparing a mock professional portfolio and audition slate.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze major stylistic and industry trends in musical theatre from the 1960s to the present, citing at least four distinct eras or events (e.g., British Invasion of the 1980s, 1990s developments, 2010s revivals, and the COVID-19 shutdown)
• Evaluate the influence of key performers, crossover artists, and landmark productions on contemporary musical theatre practices using at least three case studies drawn from the unit (e.g., Sarah Jessica Parker, John Travolta, Ariana Grande/Nick Jonas, Hair, Dreamgirls)
• Demonstrate professional preparation skills by assembling a performance portfolio with at least three components (resume, audition repertoire spanning multiple eras, and a recorded or live 5–10 minute mock audition) that aligns with current industry expectations
• Apply an understanding of production roles and crisis adaptation by explaining the conductor and orchestra’s functions and proposing at least two practical strategies (including digital or hybrid approaches) to sustain performance continuity during industry disruptions