MUS 128B The Complete Performer: Ragtim

A small group (15-35) of versatile actors/dancers/musicians will be chosen to perform in a fully-staged concert performance production of the Broadway Musical Ragtime. The class will explore the social, historical and stylistic musical and theatrical elements of Ragtime performance practices through study, discussion, rehearsal, and performance. Class activities will take place in Presser Music Building's Gray Auditorium and classrooms 128 and 223. The class will culminate in three fully-staged concert performances in Gray Auditorium on Friday evening, July 6, Saturday evening, July 7, with a Sunday matinee performance July 8. All students will work on theatrical elements of the production in addition to performing in the show. A limited number of off-campus performances may occur at various Berea College Alumni Clubs, or for regional arts organizations.

A group of student assistants, possibly class members, will be selected by interviews with the instructors to be in charge of various facets of the production. Assistants may be chosen for the following functions, or combinations thereof: (1) design and layout publicity materials, programs, and other decorations; design props; set painting, (2) stage manager, (3) set designer, in charge of lighting, designing and constructing set pieces, and construction of props, (4) costume/make-up artist to assist in costuming the cast of 15-35 members, including designing and building costume pieces (5 administrative assistant, to be in charge of ticket sales; and to serve as ombudsperson, (6) one or two teaching assistants/assistant conductors to assist the instructors in teaching the class and in leading rehearsals, and (7) two rehearsal/performance pianists.

Credits

1 Course Credit