1. Roles in Musical Theatre Director – casts show, gives actors blocking, vision of the show Choreographer – makes up and teaches the dances Musical Director – teaches music to actors and how to sing the songs Actor – people portraying the characters. Sing, act, and dance Ensemble – actors in the show that mainly dance and sing and are used to form crowds in scenes. Composer – writes the music Lyricist – writes the lyrics Playwright – writes the lines and story Stage Manager – organizes rehearsals and is in charge of the run of the show.

2. American Musical Theatre Musical Format Develops 1927-1930s Showboat is first musical with today’s format. 1931 first musical to win the Pulitzer Prize, Of Thee I Sing Golden Age 1940s-1960s Oklahoma! Was written for the story not a star, which sets a trend. Rodgers & Hammerstien – influential musical theatre writing team that wrote thought-provoking plots and re-worked the musical theatre genre.

3. American Musical Theatre 1960s African-American influence on Broadway with shows such as Dreamgirls and The Wiz. Controversial musicals begin to arise, Hair. 1970s Old-fashioned values are brought back into the picture. A Chorus Line won a Pulitzer Prize Musicals such as Annie Stephen Sondheim – gained popularity during this time period. Wrote musicals such as Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd. He has been called the “greatest lyricist of all time.”

4. American Musical Theatre 1980s-1990s Musical were all about the outrageous elements. Examples: Cats, Les Miserables Pop/Rock operas Large corporation influence Examples: Lion King, Beauty and the Beast Modern Day Plots from movies and other literary works Examples: Wicked, Legally Blonde