Exploring Musical Theatre

Lesson Overview

This 40-minute lesson introduces students in years 1 through 5 to the vibrant world of musical theatre, aligning with the UK National Curriculum under Music and Performing Arts. Students will develop their understanding of performance techniques, singing, and storytelling, while engaging in interactive tasks that foster appreciation for this unique art form. By the end of the session, students will learn the musical they will be working on across the term and begin to explore it creatively as a group.

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Curriculum Links

This lesson adheres to the Key Stage 1 and 2 Music Curriculum, focusing on:

• KS1: Listening to and understanding live and recorded music, using voices expressively, and exploring creativity through performance.
• KS2: Developing an understanding of music history, singing in ensembles, and improving performance skills with creativity and control.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand what musical theatre is, its components (singing, acting, and dancing), and its significance in storytelling.
2. Explore a famous musical through engaging media and group activities.
3. Begin working on a chosen musical, contributing ideas and understanding the expectations for the term.

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Materials and Resources

• Projector and speakers for video and audio playback.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Printed lyric sheets for a famous song from the chosen musical.
• Props bag (simple items like hats, scarves, etc.).
• YouTube links to selected musical performances. (Teachers to source appropriate UK-available videos prior).
• Group roles: “actor,” “singer,” “director” cards for group activities.

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Lesson Flow

0:00 - 0:05 | Welcome and Tuning In (5 mins)

• Teacher-led discussion: Write the word “Musical Theatre” on the board. Ask the class what they think it means. (Prompt with questions like: What’s the difference between a musical and a play?)
• Briefly explain musical theatre as a combination of acting, dancing, and singing to tell a story. Use an example they may be familiar with, e.g., The Lion King or Matilda.
• Short clip: Play a 1-minute performance video from the chosen musical or a popular one like Oliver! for context.

Note: Keep examples age-appropriate. Ensure no complex discussion about themes for younger groups.

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0:05 - 0:15 | Interactive Introduction to Musicals (10 mins)

• Teacher-led presentation: Use simple slides or the whiteboard to outline the main elements of musical theatre:
  1. Story – Told through dialogue, songs, and actions.
  2. Songs – Highlight emotions and move the story forward. (Example: “Consider Yourself” from Oliver!).
  3. Dance and Movement – Adds energy and spectacle.
• Include several examples from age-appropriate musicals:
  • Frozen for younger students.
  • Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for middle years.
  • School of Rock for older years.
• Engage: Ask students to guess themes or characters based on short clips or teacher descriptions.

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0:15 - 0:25 | Introduce the Term Project Musical (10 mins)

• Reveal the chosen musical for the term. (Examples: Matilda, The Lion King, or Oliver!). Give a short synopsis of the story.
• Play a famous song from the musical (e.g., “Revolting Children” from Matilda or “Circle of Life” from The Lion King). Hand out lyric sheets.
• Singalong activity: Lead the class in practising the chorus of the song. Highlight energy, emotion, and storytelling in the singing.

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0:25 - 0:35 | Role-Playing Group Activity (10 mins)

1. Set scene: Divide the class into 5 groups, providing each with a short scene or song snippet from the chosen musical.
   • Example for The Lion King: Simba meeting Timon and Pumbaa.
2. Assign roles: Distribute “actor,” “singer,” and “director” cards. Give props and instructions for creating their mini-performance.
3. Encourage creativity, teamwork, and confidence. Teachers should circulate, providing prompts or ideas where needed.

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0:35 - 0:40 | Reflection and Conclusion (5 mins)

• Group showcase: Ask one or two groups to perform their snippet. Give positive feedback and encourage applause to build morale and excitement.
• Wrap-up: Recap what they learned today. Clarify the role of the term project and what students can expect going forward (e.g., more singing, acting, and character work).
• Remind the class to come prepared next week to dive deeper into the chosen musical and practise their lines or songs.

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Homework/Follow-Up

• Younger students (Y1-Y2): Bring a drawing about their favourite part of the introduced musical.
• Older students (Y3-Y5): Write three sentences about what excites them about the term project.

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Teacher Tips

• Use age-specific songs and themes. Avoid topics too complex or mature for younger students.
• Adjust energy levels through activities. For younger years, focus more on singing and role-play. For older years, incorporate discussion or creative writing tasks.
• Utilise props, gestures, and drama to foster creativity and fun.