Course Syllabus

Course Information
MUSI3382.001 MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP FALL 2010
Thursday 7:00 – 9:45 pm AH1 1.106

Professor Contact Information

Instructor: Kathryn Evans Office JO4.902 Phone: 972-883-2828
email kcevans@utdallas.edu (preferred method of contact)
Accompanist: Michael McVay Office JO1.206 Phone: 972-883-2764
email michaelmcvay@att.net
I am available by appointment only.

Website: utdallas.edu/~kcevans Here you will find music clips and scores for the ensemble numbers in
our show. You should have already received the login and password information via email. Please go to
this website and print out your scores.

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

Admission to Musical Theatre Workshop is by audition only. Students must have prior experience in vocal
training.

Course Description
WELCOME TO MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP! We will be working on music for the Best of
Broadway III concert on November 11, 12 and 13 at 8 pm; and the Fall Arts Festival (date and time TBA,
but probably December 10). These concerts are a required part of the course. An absence at a concert,
except in the case of illness or death in the family, will affect the course grade. Students will be invited to
perform in other concerts at the discretion of the instructor. Please put these dates on your calendar now.
We will discuss dress for performances at a later date.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance is the most important part of this class. No unexcused absences will be allowed. The
only legitimate excused absences are illness (with a doctor’s note) or death in the family (with written
proof) or religious holydays in accordance with University policy set below. Please arrange the rest of your
schedule accordingly. Every unexcused absence will drop you ½ of a letter grade. Students will meet
with the instructor for class times, alternating between master classes and work with the instructor and the
accompanist on your scenes. We will be working together on three pieces of music (two for Best of
Broadway, one chosen for the show plus one audition piece). Pieces will be chosen by the instructor.

SCHEDULE OF MASTER CLASSES AND FINAL EXAM

We will be using the following schedule of exams and master classes. All dates are Thursdays at 7:00 pm
in AH1 except as noted. If you have a Tuesday or Wednesday pm class, we will work with your instructor
to get you excused for the dress rehearsals. All these times are mandatory.

August 19 Introduction, sing for the class, audition tips, course information.
August 26 Auditions for “Best of Broadway” (BB)
September 2 technique and lessons
September 9 Master Class I on piece #1
September 16 technique and lessons, staging begins
September 23 technique, lessons, staging of BB numbers
September 30 Staging and musical rehearsal for BB piece
October 7 Master Class II on piece #2 - final selection of BB
October 14 Staging and musical rehearsal for BB
October 21 Staging and musical rehearsal for BB
October 28 Last musical rehearsal in AH1
November 4 Technical Rehearsal, 7:00 pm, UT
November 8 & 9 Dress rehearsal, 7:00 pm, UT

Course Syllabus Page 1

November 11, 12 & 13 PERFORMANCE, 8:00 PM – CALL AT 6:30 PM unless you are on mic
MIC CALL 6:00 PM
November 18 Select third piece (audition song)
November 25 NO CLASS – Thanksgiving holiday (Prepare for final exam)
December 2 Last Class – Master Class on third piece
December 9 Written and singing final exam

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of music terminology and notational practices.
Students will master the basics of vocal techniques, including placement, diction, projection, tone
production, breathing, characterization and interpretation.
Students will demonstrate understanding of the stylistic elements of musical interpretation and
employ them in their performance of intermediate-level repertoire.

Required Textbooks and Materials

You will need a black, 3-ring binder with pockets for this class. Please purchase it by the second class
session. Required textbook: Copland, What to Listen for in Music (first semester) or Holst, The ABC of
Music (second semester). Third semester students will be given a special assignment in harmony.

Assignments & Academic Calendar

Written Work:
Papers: Each student will also be required to prepare in writing a brief historical summary, a
biographical sketch of the composer and the source material for the musical of their first and third pieces,
plus a character analysis of their role in Best of Broadway. Minimum requirement is three pages per piece
of music (9 pages total). You should include a bibliography of at least three sources. Due dates for each
paper will be announced in advance and are generally on the same dates as the Master Classes. A specific
assignment sheet for papers will be distributed.
Final Exam: (1) Each student will be required to take a written test over the material in What to
Listen for in Music by Aaron Copland (first semester students) or The ABC of Music by Imogen Holst
(second semester students) during the term. For third semester students, a harmony assignment over their
three pieces of music replaces the final exam. (2) Each student will be graded on a juried performance of
their pieces of music.
Theory worksheet: Each student will be required to complete a basic music theory worksheet to
insure a minimum proficiency of knowledge.
Concert attendance: You are also required to attend four concerts this semester and submit a
two-page review.

Wednesday, August 26 Chapter Six 8:00 pm, JO Perf Hall

Wednesday, October 13 The Music of Isaac Albeniz 5:00 pm, JO Perf Hall

You may choose any two other concerts from the UTD season. Please go to
http://ah.utdallas.edu/news_events/events_calendar.html for a list of these concerts. These concerts are free
for UTD students. Other off-campus performances may be substituted only with prior approval of the
instructor. If you chose to attend concerts off-campus, the admission cost is your responsibility. If you have
a class conflict with these concerts, please see me for an alternate assignment.
Committees: All students in this course will assist with Costumes, Props, Makeup, Publicity, and
Front of House décor. This is our show and we all work to make it happen. You specific assignment will
be given later in the semester.

Course Syllabus Page 2

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Last day to drop a class without a W Friday, September 3
WP or WF withdraw period begins Thursday, September 16
Last day to withdraw with WP/WF Monday, October 25
(After this time, any withdrawal requires approval and lots of signatures)
Last Day of Class Monday, December 6

Grading Policy
Grades are based on the following:
Attendance 30%
Papers 30%
Theory worksheet 5%
Concert attendance 10%
Final exam (jury) 15%
Final exam (written) 10%

Course & Instructor Policies

I follow all University policies and procedures as listed below. Absences will be excused for only the
following and with the following documentation. Notification of absences MUST BE IN WRITING. All
other absences are unexcused and will affect your course grade. Pleased keep me informed of any
circumstances that will impair your ability to sing.
Illness Doctor’s Note
UTD Activity Letter from faculty member/coach/club advisor
Family emergency Letter from student with explanation (ie death in the family)
Religious holy days as determined by the University policy listed below.

University Policies

I follow all University Policies for Field Trips, Student Conduct & Discipline, Academic Integrity, Email
Use, Withdrawal from Class, Student Grievances, Incomplete Grades, Disability Services, and Religious
Holy Days. These policies are listed on the UT Dallas website at http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies

All assignments, descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the
Professor.

Course Syllabus Page 3