THTR135

The history of the American Musical Theater will be studied in depth, beginning with the imported Operetta and English Music Hall tradition and ending with current trends in the theater. Students will be presented with a thorough discussion of Vaudeville, Minstrel Shows, Musical Comedy and Musical Theater with an emphasis on the most important shows, performers, composer/lyricists, directors, choreographers and other theater professionals. There will also be a discussion of the impact of major social events upon the creative community, including the two World Wars, the Great Depression (including the WPA) and the social upheaval of the 1960s.