4399 Music Director

TH 4399

Theatre: Special Projects

Music Director

2 cr.

Thomas Jacobsen

Office: MPAC 106A

Phone: 6263

Email: jacobset.umn.edu

Intended for students interested in serving as a Music Director for specific UMD Theatre productions. Minimum time commitment: 90 hours.

The Musical Director works with the Director and Choreographer, and is responsible for teaching and directing all vocal parts, serving as a vocal coach, accompanying all rehearsals, putting together a pit, and playing/conducting all performances.

Planning Period:

-Read the script and become familiar with the show.

-If an original cast album is available, listen to the album while following along with the score. -Identify the necessary instrumentation.

-Identify the vocal ranges of all characters, including chorus/ensemble.

Pre-Production Period:

-Plan to accompany auditions.

-Choose and print appropriate vocal sides for characters at callbacks. -Work with the Director and Choreographer for casting.

Rehearsal Period:

-Be present and ready to accompany all rehearsals. -Teach all actors (leads & ensemble) their vocal part. -Work with actors on using proper vocal technique. -Finding alternatives to harmonies (if needed). -Prepare pit parts/get them to pit musicians. -Maintain frequent contact with the Sound Designer.

Tech/Dress Rehearsals/Performances:

-Rehearse with pit musicians prior to sitz

-Run a sitzprobe

-Work with Sound Designer to ensure balance between sound levels of orchestra and vocals. -Ensure return of all materials from musicians and actors.

Grading:

Final grade will be determined by the Faculty Supervisor after consulting necessary production team members with regardds to how well duties listed above were executed. If areas for improvement are noted, student will receive a written explanation describing what was observed and sugestions for improvement. If position is repeated, closer scrutiny will be paid on improving performcne in areas noted, as well as overall job performance.

Upon completion of this form with your advisor you may ask for a permission to register for 2399, 3399 or 4399