Musical Acting – Field of study catalogue JAMU
Musical Acting |
The master’s field of study Musical Acting attempts to organically follow up on the specific tradition of the Synthetic Theatre Genres Department that exited at JAMU in 1969–1990. Its origin and scope were also based on traditions and possibilities specific to Brno – the existence of a specialised Singspiel ensemble, significant keenness for musical theatre in the drama ensemble of the Brno State Theatre of the 60s, continuous tradition of musicals staging in the former Mrštík Brothers Theatre, specific musical-theatrical productions of the Husa na provázku Theatre in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the long-term tradition of the musical genre in the comedy theatre Vecerní Brno. Last but not least, we need to mention the unique personality of the world-renowned theatre theorist Ivo Osolsobe, whose conception of the musical serves as the programme basis for the field of study to this day. Finally, there is a connection with the Brno City Theatre, basically the only ensemble-type specialised musical stage in the Czech Republic, which, since merging with the former Singspiel ensemble of the Brno National Theatre and opening of the Contemporary Music Stage in 2004, naturally acts as the dominant employer of graduates. The Brno City Theatre also acts as a reservoir of potential teachers and educators.
The field of today is very well aware that it prepares graduates not only for work in specialised musical or Singspiel ensembles, but also for the specific requirements of private one-time musical productions, as well as for employment in permanent drama ensembles, where musical are becoming an increasingly important part of the repertoire. Thus, the effort in education is more and more directed towards an increasingly organic connection between virtuosity and universality, towards the integration of individual skills into a holistic artistic expression.
Musical Acting studies are structured similarly to Dramatic Acting – from elementary acting skills (ability of authentic expression, reaction to the environment, partnership, improvisation skills, etc.) through individual written tasks (monologues, dialogues) to more holistic forms with the involvement of the whole year collective, and then to graduate productions in Studio Marta in the 4th year, which have the parameters of standard professional productions. In addition to their teachers and classmates in the field of directing and dramaturgy, students are cooperating more and more with respected professional directors as well. However, this field is unique because from the 2nd year onwards, it integrates into the acting also singing and dancing skills, which students acquire in an extensive separate education; there should thus be synthetic in the true sense of the word synthetic, i.e. capable of dramatic situation by word, singing and movement. The significant amount of singing and dancing training teach the students a high level of proficiency in these skills, while the acting techniques and theatre theory allow them to use these skills in a learned manner, not just as art for art’s sake, but as a tool of their own artistic message and as a source of aesthetic and ethical enjoyment.
After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:
- master a wide range of dance techniques;
- sing at a high level a wide range of singing genres (aria, musical song, jazz standard, chanson blues, folk songs, etc.);
- act in a conscious manner modified to the needs of the appropriate style and genre;
- master the basics of dubbing technique;
- master the principles of public performance in the field of para-theatrical activities and various social events;
- creatively collaborate with a director to build a conscious top-level drama and musical performance;
- perform independent singing (even choir) or dancing performances at a high level;
- moderate, anchor or present an event or a similar occasion;
- pass on the acquired knowledge to others in an academical manner;
drama soloist
musical soloist
film and TV actor
musical dancer and choir-type singer
singing teacher at an art school
dance teacher at an art school
solo singer and chorister
dubbing artist
anchor or presenter
recitation teacher
rhetoric / public performance teacher
Students must enrol in and complete courses marked as the field basics. They supplement their study plan with personal specialisation courses from the offer of their studio and the Faculty of Theatre.
Successful completion of all courses marked as the field’s basic courses.
Acquisition of at least 240 credits.
Contents and scope of the final examination
History of Theatre
History of Czech Theatre
Acting Methods and Theories
Defence of the master’s graduation project
Defence of the diploma thesis
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