Musical Theatre
Intent
Our Musical Theatre curriculum is designed to develop well-rounded, confident performers who demonstrate creativity, collaboration, and technical skill across the disciplines of acting, singing, and dance. Rooted in a strong understanding of musical theatre history and performance theory, the curriculum aims to:
- Foster a lifelong appreciation and passion for the performing arts.
- Equip students with a deep knowledge of musical theatre genres, practitioners, and performance techniques.
- Develop personal attributes such as confidence, resilience, discipline, and teamwork.
- Prepare students for progression to further study or a career in the performing arts industry.
Through an inclusive and engaging curriculum, we ensure all students can access and benefit from high-quality training and performance opportunities regardless of background or starting point.
Implementation
Our curriculum is structured around progressive skill development in the three core disciplines of musical theatre: acting, singing, and dance. Key features of our implementation include:
- Balanced Instruction: Weekly lessons are structured to provide dedicated focus on each core skill while allowing for integration in rehearsal and performance settings.
- Thematic Projects: Students engage in themed units (e.g., “Golden Age Musicals”, “Contemporary Commercial Theatre”) that combine historical context with practical exploration.
- Practitioner Study: Students study key figures such as Stanislavski, Bob Fosse, and Stephen Sondheim to inform and inspire their practice.
- Assessment for Learning: Regular formative assessments, peer feedback, and performance evaluations guide progression and help tailor instruction to individual needs.
- Performance Opportunities: Termly showcases, full-scale productions, and external performance opportunities allow students to apply and refine their skills in front of live audiences.
- Cross-Disciplinary Approach: Skills are taught both discretely and in an integrated manner, culminating in ensemble-led and solo performances that require the application of all three disciplines.
- Industry Exposure: Students gain insight into the professional world through workshops, visiting professionals, and collaborative projects.
Impact
The impact of our curriculum is evident in the high levels of student engagement, progression, and achievement. Students:
- Demonstrate significant improvement in technical skills, confidence, and creative expression across all three disciplines.
- Can articulate and apply knowledge of musical theatre history, terminology, and performance conventions.
- Exhibit resilience, professionalism, and collaboration in rehearsal and performance contexts.
- Transition successfully into further education, training, or careers in the performing arts.
- Develop transferable skills such as communication, empathy, and critical thinking which benefit them beyond the arts.
Our assessments, student voice, and performance reviews consistently show that learners feel empowered, inspired, and challenged by the curriculum. Our alumni and post-16 outcomes affirm that our curriculum provides strong foundations for continued success in musical theatre and beyond.