Bringing Life to the Stage: Repurposing Popular Music for the Musical Theater Classroom
As a theater educator, I’ve always been fascinated by the way students can breathe new life into familiar songs and transform them into captivating musical theater moments. It’s a process that requires creativity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the craft.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various projects that challenge my students to take popular music and adapt it for the stage. One of my favorites is what we affectionately call the “Glee Project,” inspired by the beloved TV show that popularized this concept. The premise is simple: students select a non-musical theater song, write an original scene to lead into it, and then perform the entire piece as if it were part of a larger musical.
As one of my colleagues shared, the process typically unfolds in several steps. We start by examining how different songs are used in musical theater, from opening numbers to “I Want” songs to production numbers. Then, we dive into examples from “Glee” where familiar tunes are reimagined as dramatic scenes.
Armed with this knowledge, the students get to work. First, they choose a song – it could be anything from a pop hit to a country ballad – that they imagine as their “I Want” song. They then write a short monologue that sets the stage and leads into the performance of the song.
The real magic happens next, as the students collaborate to create an entire scene around their chosen song. They have the freedom to decide how the music will be incorporated, whether it’s through live accompaniment, a karaoke track, or even an original composition. And the results are always impressive, with clever staging, creative choreography, and a genuine emotional connection that transports the audience.
As another teacher shared, the project is a favorite among students, even the advanced ones who revisit and refine their work year after year. It allows them to tap into their inner songwriter, playwright, and performer, all while honing the skills they’ll need to succeed in the world of musical theater.
But the benefits of this kind of exercise extend far beyond the classroom. By taking popular music and reimagining it as part of a larger theatrical piece, students are developing critical skills that will serve them well in any creative endeavor.
The Art of Adaptation: Unlocking the Storytelling Potential of Non-Musical Theater Songs
Think about it – when we encounter a familiar song, our minds immediately start to wander. We imagine the character singing it, the emotional journey they’re on, the context in which it’s being performed. It’s a testament to the power of music to evoke a sense of narrative, even in the absence of an established story.
As the Reddit community discussed, there are plenty of examples of musical theater songs that incorporate dialogue, blending the boundaries between song and scene. From the introspective soliloquies of “Soliloquy” in Carousel to the banter-filled “Confrontation” in Les Misérables, these moments remind us that the human voice can be a powerful narrative tool, whether it’s spoken or sung.
By challenging students to take a non-musical theater song and craft an original scene around it, we’re asking them to tap into that same storytelling potential. They have to consider the underlying emotions, the character’s motivations, and the dramatic arc that would give the song meaning and resonance within a theatrical context.
It’s a process that requires a deep understanding of both musical and dramatic structure. Students need to analyze the rhythmic and melodic elements of the song, examining how the lyrics and melody work together to convey a specific mood or message. Then, they have to thoughtfully construct a scene that not only sets the stage for the song’s performance but also furthers the overall narrative.
The result is a unique hybrid that blends the best of both worlds – the emotional power of music and the narrative richness of theater. And when executed well, it can be a truly captivating experience for both the performers and the audience.
Fostering Creativity and Collaboration in the Musical Theater Classroom
One of the things I love most about this project is the way it fosters collaboration and creativity among my students. They’re not just passively absorbing information; they’re actively shaping the direction of the piece, making decisions that will ultimately determine its success or failure.
Whether they’re working independently or in small groups, the students have to navigate a number of creative challenges. They have to select a song that not only speaks to them personally but also has the potential to work within a theatrical context. They have to craft an original scene that not only sets the stage for the song but also advances the larger narrative. And they have to figure out how to incorporate the song itself, whether that means live accompaniment, a pre-recorded track, or even an original composition.
At the Musical Theater Center, we encourage this kind of collaborative creativity in all of our programs, from our introductory classes to our advanced performance ensemble. We believe that by empowering students to take ownership of their work, we’re not only helping them develop their technical skills, but also fostering the kind of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that will serve them well in any creative field.
And the results are always worth the effort. I’ve seen students who were initially hesitant or unsure of their abilities surprise themselves with the depth and complexity of the scenes they create. I’ve watched as they work together to refine their ideas, offering constructive feedback and drawing inspiration from one another. And I’ve been moved to tears by the raw emotion and genuine storytelling that emerges from these collaborative efforts.
Embracing the Unexpected: Discovering the Transformative Power of Musical Theater Adaptation
Of course, the true magic of this project lies in the unpredictable nature of the results. When students are given the freedom to choose their own songs and craft their own scenes, the possibilities are endless. And that’s what makes it such a thrilling and rewarding experience for both the performers and the audience.
Sometimes, the students will choose a song that seems like an unconventional or even unlikely fit for the musical theater stage. But through their creative vision and thoughtful execution, they’re able to transform it into something truly special. I remember one student who selected a hard-hitting hip-hop track and crafted a powerful, emotionally charged scene that left the entire class breathless.
Other times, the students will take a familiar showtune and put a fresh, unexpected spin on it. I’ve seen them reimagine classic songs like “Defying Gravity” from Wicked or “Memory” from Cats, infusing them with a new energy and perspective that breathes new life into the material.
And then there are the moments when the students surprise us with their own original compositions, weaving their own lyrical and melodic creations into the fabric of their theatrical scenes. It’s a testament to the depth of their artistry and the breadth of their creative vision.
No matter what direction the students choose to take, the end result is always a revelation. It’s a reminder that the power of musical theater lies not just in the established canon, but in the endless possibilities for adaptation, reinvention, and transformation.
Embracing the Future: Cultivating the Next Generation of Musical Theater Innovators
As I reflect on the Glee Project and the countless other creative adaptations I’ve witnessed in my classroom, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of optimism about the future of musical theater. These students, with their boundless imagination and unwavering passion, are the ones who will shape the art form in the years to come.
They’re not content to simply regurgitate the classics or follow in the footsteps of their predecessors. Instead, they’re eager to push the boundaries, to explore new frontiers, and to redefine what it means to be a musical theater artist.
And that’s why I believe that projects like this are so essential, not just for the students themselves, but for the entire field. By empowering young people to take creative risks, to experiment with unconventional approaches, and to infuse their work with their own unique perspectives, we’re cultivating a new generation of innovators who will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the art form.
So as I look ahead to the future, I can’t wait to see what my students will come up with next. Will they uncover a hidden gem in the pop music canon and transform it into a captivating new musical? Will they draw inspiration from their own lived experiences and craft an original story that speaks to the hearts and minds of our time? The possibilities are truly endless, and I can’t wait to be there to witness the magic unfold.
After all, that’s the true beauty of the Glee Project and the countless other creative adaptations that take place in musical theater classrooms across the country. It’s not just about the final product – it’s about the journey, the exploration, the discovery. And in the end, it’s about cultivating the next generation of artists who will carry the torch and keep the magic of musical theater alive for years to come.
