Process vs. Product: Post-Secondary Musical Theatre Pedagogy

In the fall of 2016, I directed a production of Shrek: The Musical as part of Theatre Sheridans 2016/2017 season. This document represents a record of the productions process, from the initial research in the summer of 2016, personal reflections on the venture, and journal entries of the rehearsal process.

Chapter one addresses my journey as a director and educator. From Memorial University to Sheridan College, through to my development as a director, it traces the steps that led me to where I am presently.

Chapter two examines process vs. performance as a central pedagogical ideal which plays an integral role in a young actors development.

Chapter three is a summation of my research and my experience in the past few months as I explored a pedagogical approach of process based direction through Shrek: The Musical at Sheridan College. It is a reflection of the entire process.

Chapter four contains my concluding thoughts on the subject. It defines how my research has influenced my pedagogical approach to exploring process in teaching and directing musical theatre.

Chapter five is a selection of entries from my directors journal that I feel best represents the experience I had thought the rehearsal process of Shrek: The Musical.