Do You Hear The People Sing: Revolutions, Rivals, and Rebellion on stage

Course Description

The curtain rises and the orchestra starts playing. Suddenly, we are all transported to pre-war Austria, the Bohemian Quarter of 1980s New York, or Alexander Hamilton’s study. No matter where they take us, musicals have the power to connect us with the past. But what does it really mean to put history on stage?

In this course, we will explore the role of history in musical theatre. Whether you are a theatre kid through and through or are just curious about how historical events become pieces of performance, this course is for you! No previous experience in history or theatre is required. Together we will discover 100-year-old scores in the archives, meet with industry professionals, and harness the power of Carleton's antique printing presses to design our own playbills. Over the course of the week, you will also craft a concept for a history-based musical. Using the skills you’ve built in critical study, historical research, and the practice of musical theatre, you will select a historical event or period and imagine what it could look like on stage. You will have the opportunity to showcase your concept however you wish. Will you write your heart out to produce a short script like Nick and Nigel Bottom from Something Rotten? Do you want to channel the music of the night to come up with an opening number? Are you ready to dream up some historemixed costume designs like the ones in Six? The choice is yours, but remember History has its eyes on you…