Musical Theatre Preparation and Production
Date
February 9-May 1, 2026
Online
Asynchronous, with 2 required zoom sessions TBA
Course Code
MECA: 7406A | MMEd: 558
Credits
MECA: 3 | MMEd: 2
Tuition
$1194
Course Description
The Musical Theatre Methods Class familiarizes the student with the development and significance of the American Musical Theatre. The student will study all organizational and production aspects for junior high and high school presentations. Equal importance will be given to the individual development of theatrical skills and character analysis.
Major areas to be covered include:
- Obtaining the script and legalities of doing a musical
- Knowing your students and selecting the right musical
- Planning the production
- The space and how to use it effectively
- Blocking and movement
- Auditions
- Rehearsing technique and how to conduct rehearsals
- Character analysis and sub-text in vocal numbers
- Choreography
- The Pit
- The Set, lighting, sound and safety
- Props and costumes
- Organizing volunteers: publicity and box office
*This course is available at two levels:
- MMEd Program Students: If you’re enrolled in the MMEd program at VanderCook, register for the 500-level course.
- MECA Continuing Education Students: If you’re not in the MMEd program but wish to earn graduate credit, register for the 7000-level course.
The difference in credits earned and tuition costs reflects the varying tuition rates between the MMEd and MECA Continuing Education programs. If you’re unsure which section is right for you, feel free to reach out to [email protected] for assistance.
Instructor
Sarah Giordano is a professor at VanderCook College of Music, where she teaches Secondary General Music Methods and Musical Theatre Methods. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves as a master’s project advisor and contributes to the MECA program, with ‘Combat Piano for the New Choral Director.’ She is an active choral clinician, adjudicator, and accompanist.
Sarah Giordano brings over 24 years of experience in the Chicago suburbs as an educator and musician, having dedicated two decades as a middle school general music teacher, choir director and drama director. Ms. Giordano holds a Bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in choral music education from VanderCook College of Music. Furthering her academic pursuits, she is currently enrolled as a doctoral student at Boston University.
Ms. Giordano has a passion for musical theatre. She directs and serves as music director and vocal director with various youth theatre programs and both professional and community adult theatre programs. Among her recent youth theatre works are Madagascar JR, Frozen JR, R&H Cinderella: Youth Edition, The Pirates of Penzance, and Godspell. Recent mainstage productions are Spamalot, Guys and Dolls, The Bridges of Madison County, Hairspray, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.