Degree Name
Master of Arts
Document Type
Thesis
Date Created
12-1-2023
Department
College of Performing and Visual Arts, Theatre Arts and Dance, Theatre Arts and Dance Student Work
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to alleviate feelings of inadequacy in middle school musical theater actors through gained dance knowledge and confidence. The researcher evaluated middle school actors throughout the rehearsal process of a musical. The goal was to answer these three essential questions: Q1 Does feeling confident on stage as an actor/singer correlate with being a confident dancer? Q2 How can dance and choreography be used to increase confidence? Q3 How does previous dance experience effect confidence during a musical? Pre and post questionnaires were given to students who were cast in the show. The data suggested that there is growth in both dance knowledge and confidence throughout the rehearsal process. Confidence correlated across singing, acting, and dancing with previous experience giving an additional confidence boost. The information gathered can serve as a resource for teachers and choreographers in creating more well-rounded middle school performers.
Keywords
musical theater; choreography; triple threat; dance education; dance; theater
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by the author.
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Miranda, "Putting Dance in Triple Threat: Confidence and Knowledge of Dancing in Middle School Actors" (2023). Master's Theses. 284.
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/theses/284