Open to graduate and undergraduate students. This course is an introduction to the art and craft of composing for Musical Theatre. Participants should have essential musical skills in place (most importantly the ability to notate one's music, either by hand or using notation programs such as Finale/Sibelius). The emphasis will be on the role of the composer as a musical dramatist. Musical theatre masterworks will be analyzed as well as selected songs from the worlds of pop, jazz and blues. Class exercises will focus on the specific techniques needed to convey plot, character, and action through music. Composers will be encouraged to develop and refine their individual compositional voice as well as explore other musical styles and genres.