Drama Musicals » musical masterclass

The Making Of A Drama Musical – 4. Special Elements

Achim — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:01:32 +0000

Michael’s Drama Musicals masterclass introduced us so far to the topics of conception, idea analysis and conflict potential. Three more special elements are examined closely during the search for the perfect Drama Musical story.

1. The penetration of the “fourth wall”
Similar to the engaging solo performance of a theater darling, the musical author must create scenes when the actors can penetrate the “fourth wall” between stage and seating area and connect intimately with their audience.

2. Dance
Right from the start of the story selection process, the author should consider the potential of adding a couple of exhilarating dance scenes to his work.

3. Multiple locations
Music transcends space and time. Musical theater allows for the creation of dream scenes, unreal settings and simultaneous action in different location. The theme of a Drama Musical should utilize the strength of this special element to its fullest potential.

The Making Of A Drama Musical – 3. Conflict Potential

Achim — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:06:55 +0000

In Part1 and Part 2 of this Drama Musical masterclass series, Michael Kunze talked about his method of finding and choosing a suitable idea for a dramatic musical work. In Part 3 he explains another highly important aspect in the story selection process – the potential for conflict.

When the main character strives for a certain goal, and everything in his path presents growing resistance, we have a classical conflict situation. And drama means conflict!

In the Drama Musical “Marie Antoinette”, the confrontation of the spoiled, rich and superficial Queen of France with a freedom-hungry beggar girl yielded a host of conflict situations without which the otherwise boringly passive life of Marie Antoinette would have been unsuitable for a passionate story development.

Continue with Part 4 – Special Elements

The Making Of A Drama Musical – 2. Idea Analysis

Achim — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:14:56 +0000

After Part 1 – Conception, Michael continues his Drama Musical masterclass series with his insights on the suitability of an idea for a potential musical realization.

First – where do these ideas come from? A book or a magazine article, an episode of one’s personal everyday life experience, a story we’ve heard somewhere – all these are possible origins for a strong musical concept. However, there must be a necessary role for the music, or as Michael expresses it -

“Music can open the doors to a secret garden and show us another reality behind the obvious reality.”

Continue with Part 3 – Conflict Potential

The Making Of A Drama Musical – 1. Conception

Achim — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:56:44 +0000

Any creative individual will admit that the abundant flow of ideas drastically exceeds the available time for their realization. So, how do you pick and choose? Michael Kunze suggests these questions…

Is my idea suitable for a musical?
Am I thrilled by this idea?
Am I still excited about my concept – 1, 2, 3 years later?
Am I willing to support this idea in the face of negative criticism and all kinds of other difficulties?

“Nobody should attempt to create a trendy musical. Fads and trends will pass. Don’t try to be clever or speculative, or even a copycat of current successes – listen to your inner voice only!”

“Ask yourself – would I personally love to see this idea on stage?”

Michael is in the process of creating English-language lessons for this DM Masterclass Workshop. For the time being, here is the original German version…

Continue with Part 2 – Idea Analysis