MMC’s Pop/Rock Performance Class to Present “Final Project Artistic Share”

Pop/Rock Performance, an advanced theatre course taught by adjunct instructor and alumna MaryAnne Piccolo ’05 with Music Director Elliot Roth, is celebrating its sixth year this spring in a very different way.

Piccolo’s THTR 356-01 course, Pop/Rock Performance, has been meeting online for its second year…but that hasn’t stopped them from once again reinventing the virtual creative space!

On May 20 at 7:30 pm, the class’s “Final Tribute Project Share” will be broadcast here on the MMC website as well as the class website. Tune in here!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the limitations on performance in person, students were asked to create their own solo shows in the style of a classic tribute production that one might see touring at a regional theatre or headlining on a cruise ship.

Each student created a full set list and script, along with lighting and multimedia designs. They also developed a social media marketing sizzle commercial and recorded a full-length song from the show to be presented. Viewers will be able to tune in to get a glimpse of the incredible projects these students devised under such challenging circumstances. Video editing and live streaming technology is provided by Rob Buchwald, RBVG Productions Inc.

In previous years, the class has culminated in a high energy concert, complete with a full band and performed at a renowned New York City live music venue. Past partner venues have included The Cutting Room, The Bowery Electric, Duane Park, and The Bitter End.

In addition to the “Final Tribute Project Share,” a brand new project launched this year where students were asked to choose a topic of interest from “Pop/Rock History” to create a “Vlog/ Video Playlist.” Each student filmed their own “talk- show” style segments and incorporated preexisting videos from YouTube to illustrate their findings and sentiments. Topics include “The Evolution of Boy Bands,” “Live Performance vs. Studio Recordings,” “Pop Diva’s Past, Present and Future,” “Gospel and Jazz vocalists that have influenced today’s R&B artists,” “The Women of Rock & Roll,” “Pod-Scat,” and “Pop/Rock and Broadway Musical Theatre.” View these projects here.

Please join us here for our live-stream broadcast celebrating these students and their incredible work Thursday, May 20 at 7:30 pm.

Published: May 25, 2021