J-Term 2012- MUSC 1999: Experiencing Broadway Musicals (3 Credits)
Instructor: Dr. Peter Purin
Why this course? Having the opportunity to experience music performed professionally is a valuable learning experience for any student. For the musical theatre, no higher level of professionalism can be experienced than on Broadway in New York City. This course will give you an opportunity to study the history, theory and performance of Broadway musicals both in the classroom and abroad in New York City. I will combine my knowledge of Broadway musicals with my extensive experience touring, researching in and navigating New York to give you the best possible experience at the most reasonable cost!
This course combines elements of music history, analysis and performance.
The content of the course will be determined by the musicals that will be playing on Broadway in January 2012. I will choose 3 musicals that we will study in great detail- from concept to creation all the way through production. We will examine performance by going to New York City and seeing the shows on Broadway. This will be compared to any and all existing cast recordings. You will also choose up to 2-3 additional shows to see, about which you will give a final presentation, which can be performance, history or analysis based.
The shows I choose will be as varied as possible in style, and will ideally feature at least one revival, one long-running show and at least one brand new show. It is important for you to experience a “classic” show as well as get an idea of what a popular, long-running show is like, and finally to experience the newest of what Broadway has to offer.
Course outline: (Depending on air and hotel costs, weeks 1 and 2 may be switched)
Week 1- Travel to New York City on Tuesday, and arrive in time to see a musical Tuesday night. See 2 musicals on Wednesday (matinee and evening). See 1 musical Thursday and Friday night, and travel back to Shawnee Saturday. While we are in NYC, we will take a group sightseeing tour, I will make appointments for us to visit the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, and we will experience other NYC culture. I will also try to schedule a backstage tour of at least one of the shows we go to see, and try to have a meet-and -greet with cast and crew.
Week 2- Spend time examining the production history and studying the score and recorded performances of a variety of musicals.
Week 3- Have follow up discussions about the shows we saw, and do our class presentations.
Updated Cost Breakdown: (all are approximate)
Hotel Range $200-$300
Airfare Range $300-$600
Other Transportation (Subway, shuttle bus, etc.) $75
Sightseeing $100
Approximate Budgeted Total $1075
5 Broadway Show tickets (app. $80 each) $400
You'll need to budget this amount for show tickets on your own. We are going to make every attempt to secure student rush, lottery and discounted tickets from TKTS to bring this cost down.
*Souvenirs, shopping, food and other expenses are variable- To be safe, you should budget about $20 a day for food.
*I have some air and accommodation quotes from travel companies, but exact prices cannot be calculated until I know the number of students traveling. Because of this, you need to commit to this class and trip by September 30th with the first deposit of $400. The sooner this deposit is received, the more likely I can secure us cheaper airfare.
Payment schedule: (each deposit is non-refundable)
Friday, September 30th $400
-At this point, if prices permit, non-refundable airfare will be purchased. If there is extra deposit money, it will be applied to your hotel costs
Friday, October 14th $350
At this point, if prices permit, non-refundable hotel rooms will be booked. If there is extra deposit money, it will be applied to your other costs
Friday, November 18th $350
At this point, non-refundable transportation and sightseeing tickets will be purchased
Friday, December 9th $375 (or remaining actual balance)
If airfare and hotel are low enough, you may not have to pay much or any of this!
No comments:
Post a Comment