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Musical Theatre Dance

In a Musical Theatre Dance Performance, the Thespian(s) must present one dance selection from a published score written for a musical theatre scene with a focus on dance performance. All dance performances must be accompanied by music. The adjudicators will consider how well the piece is danced as well as how well it is acted. Dance selections which include brief moments of vocalization are acceptable, if required to perform the piece.

Thespians may present solo, duet, or group dance numbers. A solo should be from a musical theatre scene that includes a dance performance for an individual. A duet is defined by The International Thespian Excellence Awards as a dance performance for two (2) players. A group number is defined as a dance performance for 3-16 players. In each case, every participant must be actively involved in the dance chosen for performance.

The skills measured by the adjudicators during the performance are:

  • Use of transitions into and out of character.
  • The ability to create a believable character.
  • Communication of character and relationship through dance and movement.
  • Musical theater dance technique.
  • Use of expression and physicality in the dance format.
  • Integration of body, movement, dance and staging.

In Musical Theatre Dance, the Thespians must follow the aforementioned rules for the International Thespian Excellence Awards as presented in this guide, and also the following rules specific to this category:

  1. Prior to the event, validate the material using the approved publishers and acceptable materials information.
  2. Each participant must be actively involved in the scene.
  3. Performers must use pre-recorded music, no live music is permitted, including live accompanists. Acceptable formats can include selections from a cast album or recorded piano accompaniment following the score/dance break.
  4. The total performance time for the selection must not exceed five (5) minutes. Time begins after the slate with the first word, musical note, or acting beat (if it precedes the first word or note) of the presentation. If a performance exceeds the time limit, the adjudicator will note the time and a final eligibility ruling will be determined. Exceeding the time limit may result in a disqualification.
  5. This is a dance category. Singing or dialogue is not allowed except to include brief moments of vocalization if required to perform the piece.
  6. In a Solo Musical Theatre Dance, one (1) chair may be safely used. In a Duet Musical Theatre Dance, two (2) chairs may be safely used, and in a Group Musical Theatre Dance, up to six (6) chairs and one (1) table may be safely used. No other scenic elements, furniture, or props are allowed. “Safely” means that items may be used in a safe manner but should not be used as props (e.g., pushed over, lifted, etc.). Sitting on, laying across, and/or standing upon a chair(s) is usually acceptable so long as safety is the priority (i.e., if a chair or table has wheels, it would not be considered safe to stand upon).

Musical Theatre Dance Rubric

TRANSITIONS

Slating that includes articulation of name and selection, transition into and between characters, final moment, and transition out of character into exit.

Superior
Above Standard

Clear articulation of name and selection; intuitive transition into characters, distinctive final moment and transition out of character into exit.

Excellent
At standard

Clear articulation of name and selection; recognizable transition into characters, final moment and into exit.

Good
Near Standard

Moderately clear articulation of name and selection; transition into characters and/or final moment may or may not be present.

Fair
Aspiring to Standard

Unclear articulation of name and selection; transitions into characters and/ or final moment are not evident.


CHARACTERIZATION

Emotional and physical believability and commitment to character; choices that demonstrate a relationship with real or implied partner(s).  

Superior
Above Standard

Character is consistently emotionally and physically believable; committed choices prompt intuitive reaction to real or implied partner(s).

Excellent
At standard

Character is frequently emotionally and physically believable; committed choices and tactics prompt identifiable reaction to real or implied partner(s).

Good
Near Standard

Character is infrequently emotionally and physically believable; choices prompt some reactions to real or implied partner(s).

Fair
Aspiring to Standard

Character is rarely emotionally and physically believable; choices and tactics are not evident.


TECHNIQUE

Pace, rhythm, physicality, and control that aligns with the score.

Superior
Above Standard

Consistently poised and confident with precise rhythm and pacing with mastery of balance, flexibility, range of motion, body positioning and use of space.

Movement illuminates the score.

Excellent
At standard

Demonstrates confident movement with appropriate pace and rhythm with competent control of balance, flexibility, range of motion, body positioning and use of space.

Movement follows the score.

Good
Near Standard

Demonstrates some appropriate pace and rhythm with partial control of balance, flexibility, range of motion, body positioning and use of space.

Movement mostly aligns with the score.

Fair
Aspiring to Standard

Infrequently uses appropriate pitch and rhythm with limited control of balance, flexibility, range of motion, body positioning and use of space.

Movement is frequently misaligned with the score.


EXPRESSION

Intentional use of physical expression to communicate character and reflect the story.

Superior
Above Standard

Truthfully communicates and embodies a nuanced believable character through physical expression.

Excellent
At standard

Consistently portrays a believable character through physical expression.

Good
Near Standard

Inconsistently portrays a believable character through physical expression.

Fair
Aspiring to Standard

Rarely portrays a believable character through physical expression.


MOVEMENT & PHYSICALITY

Gestures, facial expressions, blocking, and movement/dance that communicate emotion, subtext and story. This is the union of technique and expression.

Superior
Above Standard

Gestures and facial expressions consistently communicate appropriate character emotions and meaning; blocking and movement/dance are varied, purposeful, and enhance the story.

Excellent
At standard

Gestures and facial expressions frequently communicate appropriate character emotions and meaning; blocking and movement/dance are varied, purposeful, and support the story.

Good
Near Standard

Gestures and facial expressions infrequently communicate appropriate character emotions and their meanings; blocking and movement/dance are mostly align with the story.

Fair
Aspiring to Standard

Gestures and facial expressions are limited and fail to communicate suitable character emotions or meaning; blocking and movement/dance seems misaligned with the story.


EXECUTION

Sustained concentration and commitment to moment-to-moment choices and integration of all elements of performance to create a believable character and tell a story.

Superior
Above Standard

Concentration and commitment to moment-to-moment choices are sustained throughout.

All elements of performance work together seamlessly to create a nuanced believable character/relationship that tells a story.

Excellent
At standard

Concentration and commitment to moment-to-moment choices are mostly sustained.

Elements of performance work together to create a believable character/ relationship that tells a story.

Good
Near Standard

Concentration and commitment to moment-to-moment choices are inconsistently sustained.

Elements of performance occasionally work together to create a believable character/ relationship that tells a story.

Fair
Aspiring to Standard

Concentration and commitment to moment-to-moment choices are limited or absent.

Elements of performance rarely work together to create a believable character/ relationship that tells a story.

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