Musical Theater Magnet Program (Grades 6-8)
Description
The Musical Theater Magnet Program at David A. Boody Middle School offers students a dynamic and immersive experience in both musical theater and choral performance. This program provides students with the opportunity to explore singing, acting, dancing, and performance, helping them develop the skills necessary for a variety of theatrical and musical roles. From solo performances to full-scale productions, students are encouraged to express themselves creatively while learning the fundamentals of stage performance.
Throughout the program, students will participate in numerous performance opportunities, including yearly musical theater productions, choral concerts, and special events like performances at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn Cyclones Games, and the original musical production of "Dragon Slayer" in collaboration with the Council for Unity. Students also have the exciting chance to attend Broadway shows, providing them with invaluable exposure to professional performances.
Grade 6 Topics: Introduction to Musical Theater
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Singing Basics: Students are introduced to vocal techniques, warm-ups, and the fundamentals of choral singing.
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Acting Fundamentals: Students learn the basics of acting, including voice projection, character development, and performance techniques.
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Movement and Dance: Students explore basic movement and dance routines, focusing on how to incorporate physicality into a performance.
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Solo and Monologue Work: Students begin to perform solos and monologues, developing their confidence in individual performance.
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Performance Opportunities: Throughout the year, students perform in front of their peers and in various settings, giving them the chance to showcase their skills.
Grade 7 Topics: Developing Skills in Musical Theater
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Advanced Singing Techniques: Students build on the foundational vocal skills from Grade 6, learning more complex vocal exercises and techniques.
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Acting and Character Development: Students deepen their acting skills by exploring more advanced acting methods, working on improvisation and monologues.
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Dance and Movement: Students continue to refine their dance and movement skills, learning choreography for musical theater productions.
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Preparation for High School Auditions: Students begin to prepare for high school musical theater auditions by refining their vocal and acting skills.
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Musical Reviews: Students participate in musical review performances, incorporating various styles of musical theater.
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Non-Musical Theater Performance: In addition to musicals, students also explore non-musical theater performances to develop their versatility as performers.
Grade 8 Topics: Full-Scale Broadway Production
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Full-Scale Broadway Musical Production: In Grade 8, students put together a full-scale production of a Broadway musical. Previous productions have included "Grease" and "The Wizard of Oz". Students will be involved in all aspects of the production, including acting, singing, dancing, and stage management.
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Leadership and Teamwork: Students take on leadership roles in the production process, learning the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and dedication to a large-scale performance.
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Advanced Vocal and Acting Techniques: Students continue to refine their vocal and acting skills as they prepare for a professional-quality production.
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Performance Opportunities: Students will perform in front of audiences and have the chance to showcase their skills in high-profile events, including performances at Barclays Center and Brooklyn Cyclones Games.
Key Skills Developed
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Vocal Technique: Students develop their singing voices, learning proper vocal technique, breath control, and projection.
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Acting: Students learn to interpret scripts, create characters, and perform monologues and scenes effectively.
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Dance and Movement: Students build coordination and rhythm through dance routines and movement exercises.
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Teamwork and Collaboration: Students learn how to work together in a group, taking responsibility for their roles in the performance.
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Confidence and Stage Presence: Throughout the program, students perform in front of audiences, building confidence in their abilities and learning how to engage with an audience.
Performance Opportunities and Partnerships
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Yearly Musical Productions: Students perform in large-scale musical theater productions such as "Grease" and "The Wizard of Oz".
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Performances at Barclays Center and Brooklyn Cyclones Games: Students perform at major public events, gaining valuable real-world performance experience.
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Original Musical "Dragon Slayer": Students participate in an original musical produced in partnership with the Council for Unity.
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Broadway Show Experiences: Students have the opportunity to attend Broadway shows, providing them with inspiration and exposure to professional theater.
The Musical Theater Magnet Program offers an exciting and comprehensive theater education that combines singing, acting, dancing, and performance. Students will have the chance to develop their creative talents and gain valuable experience in a variety of performance settings, setting them up for future success in theater and beyond.