Musical Theatre Writing Residency

In this program, experienced theater artist and educational Melanie Donnelly guides students through an exploration of the theatrical storytelling tools of body, voice and imagination through a musical lens, and have the opportunity to write and perform their own musical story based on their own lives and imaginations. Workshops begin by focusing on hands-on games, short skits, and musical activities to help students get familiar with these tools. Students will have a chance to read and act out stories they are familiar with, and, depending on workshop length, read new stories together, tell each other their own stories, and/or watch some examples of musical theater! Students will interact and find ways to relate to stories they read, and discover how to express problems and solutions from their own lives or dreams in a theatrical way. With the support of the director, students write their own showcase story and include music they know that supports the story to create a mini-musical to showcase!

Course Objectives:

• Students are familiar with the acting tools of body, voice, and imagination
• Students learn how music connects to story-telling and actors’ tools
• Students gain confidence in self-expression and singing voice
• Students learn and embody stories from diverse cultures
• Students develop a sense of ensemble and community with peers, and collaborate closely to create final showcase story