Program Overview
This is a conservatory-style training program that prepares emerging talents for careers in the entertainment industry. The curriculum focuses on those three areas that comprise the “triple threat” performer; acting, singing, and dancing. Students train with professional instructors active in their field. Acting is of primary importance with a wider variety of styles and methodologies taught to prepare individuals for stage and film. Vocal music work includes technique, interpretation and solo work supported by one on one tutorials. A rigorous dance curriculum includes styles with a specific music theatre focus. Musicianship will be stressed through key-board instruction, sight singing instruction, choral work, and elementary composition.
Program Highlights
- Performance opportunities in every semester, with the shows distinguished by high production values.
- Our productions are presented in our 1200-seat Chrysler Theatre in Windsor in addition to a smaller intimate studio setting.
- When you apply to this program, you are welcome to attend any of our performances which take place in December and April.
- Learn from industry professionals; faculty members are working artists within the industry.
- View our Professional Faculty active within the entertainment industry.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will find work as performers in professional theatres, on cruise ships, in dinner theatres, in theme parks, summer festivals and in commercial musical theatre productions as well as in film. Opportunities also exist in commercial voiceovers and studio recording.
Why Choose This Program?
A comprehensive, focused conservatory-style training program, Music Theatre Performance offers a solid base for your future career. Learn from industry professionals; our faculty members are working artists within the industry. Attention to supporting the individual and fostering professional development is ensured by one on one coaching. Blending the classical with the contemporary, St. Clair's Music Theatre Program concentrates on practical strategies for stretching the imagination and developing strong performance skills, without neglecting the business of "the business."
Our Music Theatre Program's acting courses include Theatre History and Stagecraft, Text Analysis & interpretation, Character Development, Improvisation & Physical Comedy. The music component offers the History of Music Theatre, Musical Theory, Ear Training and Sight-singing, Vocal Technique & Interpretation. Dance courses include Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary. Master Classes are offered by guest artists from the world of entertainment.
Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level plus:
- Recommended: One of Dance, Dramatic Arts or Music (Grade 11 or 12 (U), (C), (M) or Open)
Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.
Additional Requirements
Music Theatre Performance at St. Clair College is a rigorous three year training programme that prepares talented and focused young artists for professional careers. We have industry based faculty, a state of the art theatre facility and graduates actively working within this competitive business. In addition to fulfilling the necessary academic requirements for the Music Theatre Performance program, applicants must also successfully complete a performance audition. All auditions will be online.
St. Clair College Music Theatre Performance Electronic Audition Submission:
A monologue chosen from a contemporary or modern play (NOT from the internet please), one to two minutes in length, fully memorized.
Two contrasting songs from the musical theatre repertoire, one ballad (slow) and one up tempo (fast). Keep it short! A verse/chorus is usually enough. Tracks are acceptable in terms of accompaniment.
A short dance piece that illustrates how you move, choreographed to music of your own choosing (doesn’t have to be music theatre) no longer than sixteen bars.
It is usually easiest to send the material as a YouTube link; please forward this to kwiklanski@stclaircollege.ca. We would also ask that you submit an up to date resume and a headshot (preferably 8 by 10) with your audition link. After viewing your material (audition links, headshot, resume) we will arrange a telephone interview; at that time we will discuss your audition, your musical literacy, your performance background, your career objectives, as well as answer any questions that you may have about our programme.
A few pointers:
Wear what you might wear for any other audition – costumes not required.
- Make sure that you have a few full-body shots. Close-ups are not necessary.
- Do not use a microphone, but make sure that the piano does not overpower your vocals.
- “Slate” prior to each piece, that is, state your name, the name of the song or monologue or dance before you begin recording.
- It is best to create separate files for each piece –easier to send, and easier to view.
A reminder that there are academic requirements (an Ontario High School diploma or an equivalent) in addition to a successful audition.
We begin accepting students in December, once we assess their audition and authenticate their academic standing.
We will continue to accept students until the programme is full. We look forward to “meeting” you on camera!
Courses
The curriculum below is for incoming students:
Past Cohorts:
Semester 1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PART122 | Theatre History | 2 |
| PART112 | Acting I | 2 |
| PART117 | Improvisation I | 2 |
| PART119 | Voice And Text I | 2 |
| PART105 | Vocal Technique I | 2 |
| PART116 | Dance I | 8 |
| PART118 | Vocal Interpretation & Perform | 2 |
| PART129 | Musical Theory I | 2 |
| PART131 | Ear Training I | 2 |
| ELEC1030 | Choose 1 Elective Course | 3 |
| PART133 | Industry Practices 1: Stagecraft | 1 |
Semester 2
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PART211 | Theatre History & Stagecraft II | 2 |
| PART212 | Acting II | 2 |
| PART217 | Movement For Actors I | 2 |
| PART222 | Performance I | 1 |
| PART219 | Voice And Text II | 2 |
| PART206 | Dance II | 7 |
| PART225 | Vocal Technique II | 2 |
| PART218 | Vocal Interpretation & Perform II | 2 |
| PART229 | Musical Theory II | 2 |
| PART231 | Ear Training II | 2 |
| PART233 | Industry Practices 2: Working In Theatre | 1 |
Semester 3
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELEC1030 | Choose 1 Elective Course | 3 |
| PART306 | Movement For Actors II | 2 |
| PART305 | Acting III | 2 |
| PART319 | Voice & Text III | 2 |
| PART308 | Dance III | 6 |
| PART325 | Vocal Technique III | 2 |
| PART303 | Vocal Interpretation & Perform III | 2 |
| PART320 | Musical Theory III | 2 |
| PART310 | Ear Training III | 2 |
| PART333 | Industry Practices 3: Auditioning-Monologue Preparation | 2 |
Semester 4
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PART410 | History Of Musical Theatre | 2 |
| PART401 | Movement For Actors III | 2 |
| PART402 | Vocal Technique IV | 2 |
| PART408 | Acting IV | 2 |
| PART403 | Dance IV | 6 |
| PART427 | Vocal Interpretation & Performance IV | 2 |
| PART431 | Ear Training IV | 2 |
| PART429 | Musical Theory IV | 2 |
| PART411 | Performance II | 2 |
| PART433 | Industry Practices 4: Auditioning -Song And Monologue Preparation | 1 |
| PART424 | Acting For Media | 2 |
Semester 5
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PART504 | Acting V | 3 |
| PART501 | Voice And Text IV | 2 |
| PART502 | Dance V | 6 |
| PART503 | Vocal Technique V | 2 |
| PART527 | Vocal Interpretation And Performance V | 2 |
| PART529 | Musical Theory V | 1 |
| PART531 | Ear Training V | 1 |
| PART507 | Performance III | 3 |
| PART535 | Vocal Workshop I | 2 |
| ELEC1030 | Choose 1 Elective Course | 3 |
| PART533 | Industry Practices 5: Dance Calls | 1 |
Semester 6
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PART602 | Acting VI | 3 |
| PART616 | Dance VI | 8 |
| PART625 | Vocal Technique VI | 2 |
| PART627 | Vocal Interpretation & Performance VI | 2 |
| PART629 | Musical Theory VI | 2 |
| PART633 | Theatre Business - The Artist As Entrepreneur | 2 |
| PART622 | Performance IV | 2 |
| PART635 | Vocal Workshop II | 2 |
Program Physical Demands Analysis
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Music Theatre Performance (Ontario College Advanced Diploma) (MTCU Code 61912)
The successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
- Integrate singing, acting and dancing into a performance that will meet the standards of the Canadian Musical Theatre Industry.
- Execute choreography and perform with proficiency, the three dance techniques that form the foundation of dance in Music Theatre - jazz, tap and ballet/modern.
- Exhibit a critical understanding of period, contemporary and modern day theatrical texts through performance and character work.
- Sing with proficiency, a repertoire of classical, contemporary and modern day musical compositions.
- Demonstrate musical skills in elementary arranging, transposition, and sight reading.
- Develop an audition portfolio to fulfill the requirements of a professional audition in the Canadian Music Theatre Industry.
- Research, analyze and interpret performance material through oral, written and practical presentations.
- Interact and work in a professional manner with diverse groups of people in a variety of situations that lead to the completion of goals.
- Display a fundamental understanding of stagecraft principles and techniques.
- Perform intermediary competencies for recording in video and audio studios.
- Apply the business skills necessary to flourish within the Canadian Music Theatre industry.