Studies in Musical Theatre

Scope & Guideline

Transforming Perspectives on Musical Theatre

Introduction

Welcome to the Studies in Musical Theatre information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Studies in Musical Theatre, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1750-3159
PublisherINTELLECT LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2019 to 2024
AbbreviationSTUD MUSICAL THEATRE / Stud. Musical Theatre
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressTHE MILL, PARNALL RD, BRISTOL BS16 3JG, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Studies in Musical Theatre' aims to provide a comprehensive platform for scholarly discourse surrounding musical theatre, engaging with its multifaceted nature and cultural significance. It encompasses a wide range of themes, methodologies, and historical perspectives, reflecting the dynamic evolution of this art form.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Recent publications in 'Studies in Musical Theatre' reveal emerging themes that reflect current societal conversations and artistic innovations. This section identifies these trends, showcasing the journal's responsiveness to evolving contexts in musical theatre.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

As the journal evolves, certain themes and topics have become less prominent in recent publications. This section highlights these declining areas, reflecting shifts in scholarly focus and interest within the field of musical theatre.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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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