Studies in Musical Theatre
Scope & Guideline
Illuminating the Nexus of Music, Literature, and Performance
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Musical Theatre:
The journal encourages contributions that draw from various disciplines such as literature, performance studies, cultural studies, and musicology, enabling a rich, multifaceted analysis of musical theatre. - Historical and Cultural Contextualization:
Papers often explore the historical development of musical theatre, examining its cultural implications and the socio-political contexts that have shaped its evolution. - Diversity and Representation:
A consistent focus on issues of race, gender, sexuality, and class within musical theatre, highlighting underrepresented voices and narratives in the genre. - Critical Analysis of Texts and Performances:
The journal publishes critical analyses of specific musicals, productions, and performances, providing insights into their thematic and artistic significance. - Educational Frameworks and Practices:
Research that examines the pedagogical aspects of musical theatre, including curriculum development and teaching methodologies, is a vital component of the journal's scope.
Trending and Emerging
- Queer Theory and Musical Theatre:
There is a notable increase in the exploration of queer themes and identities within musical theatre, emphasizing the genre's potential for expressing diverse sexualities and gender identities. - Impact of COVID-19 on Musical Theatre:
Studies addressing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on musical theatre practices, performances, and narratives have surged, reflecting the industry's adaptation to unprecedented challenges. - Cultural Identity and Representation:
A growing focus on cultural identity, particularly regarding race and ethnicity, highlights the journal's commitment to exploring the complexities of representation in musical theatre. - Musical Theatre and Technology:
The integration of technology in musical theatre, including digital performances and social media's role in shaping audience engagement, has emerged as a critical area of study. - Interdisciplinary Connections:
An increasing trend towards interdisciplinary research that connects musical theatre with other fields such as psychology, sociology, and environmental studies indicates a broadening of the journal's scope.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Musical Forms:
There appears to be a waning interest in studies solely focused on traditional musical forms and classic works, as contemporary themes and innovations take precedence. - Mainstream Popularity of Musicals:
Discussions centered around the commercial success of mainstream musicals have decreased, likely giving way to more critical and nuanced analyses of underrepresented works. - Historical Biographies of Musical Theatre Figures:
While biographies of significant figures in musical theatre were once a staple, recent publications suggest a decline in this focus, as scholars turn to broader cultural and thematic explorations. - Analysis of Musical Theatre as Entertainment:
There is a noticeable reduction in papers that treat musical theatre primarily as entertainment, with a shift towards examining its cultural critique and social commentary. - Adaptations of Classic Literature:
The frequency of studies dedicated to adaptations of classic literature into musical theatre has diminished, as more scholars explore original narratives and contemporary themes.
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