Musical Theatre Preparation and Production
Date
February 9-May 1, 2026
Online
Asynchronous, with 2 required zoom sessions TBA
Course Number
MECA: 7406A | MMEd: 558
Credits
MECA: 3 | MMEd: 2
Tuition
$1194
Course Description
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the development and cultural significance of American Musical Theatre, with a focus on preparing students to organize and produce junior high and high school musical productions. Emphasis is placed equally on mastering the organizational and technical aspects of production and fostering individual theatrical skills, including character analysis. This course equips educators with the tools and knowledge to create successful, engaging, and professional-quality musical theatre productions.
Key Topics Include:
- Finding the right show and exploring major publishing companies
- Assessing student abilities and selecting appropriate musicals for your community
- Comprehensive production planning
- Effective use of performance spaces
- Blocking, movement, and staging techniques
- Audition processes and strategies
- Rehearsal techniques and management
- Character analysis
- Choreography fundamentals
- Managing the pit orchestra and music rehearsals
- Set design, lighting, sound, and safety protocols
- Props and costume coordination
- Organizing volunteers, publicity, and box office operations
*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 an instructor at VanderCook College of Music, where she teaches the following courses:
- Secondary General Music Methods
- Musical Theatre Methods
- Combat Piano for Choral Directors (offered through the MECA program)
- Beginner Choirs, Big Impact: Inclusive Teaching & Repertoire for Emerging Ensembles (offered through the MECA program)
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Giordano serves as a VanderCook master’s project advisor and is an active choral clinician, adjudicator, and accompanist in the Chicago suburbs.
With over 24 years of experience as an educator and musician in the Chicago suburbs, Ms. Giordano spent two decades as a middle school general music teacher, choir director, and drama director. She 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. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctorate in Music Education at Boston University.
Ms. Giordano is passionate about musical theatre and actively directs, music directs, and serves as vocal director for various youth, professional, and community theatre programs. Her youth theatre productions include Frozen JR, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition, The Pirates of Penzance, and Godspell. On the mainstage, her credits include Spamalot, Guys and Dolls, The Bridges of Madison County, Hairspray, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.