DRAMATIC ARTS
Students engage in creating theatre through acting script analysis, observation, collaboration, and exploration. Beginning with the introductory Theatre Arts course and expanding to the more specialized courses, these classes encourage students of varying abilities to explore and develop their own acting and technical skills. Students are exposed to opportunities to support local theatre and raise their awareness of the presence and importance of theatre in their daily lives.
Theatre Arts (Gr. 9-12) 1 semester 1806
This is a beginning acting course. In addition to exposing students to the world of theatre, it provides an initial challenge for those interested in drama and helps them discover their own areas of strength. Heavy emphasis is placed on exercises in voice, body, and stage movement. Basic stage terms and theater knowledge are also of primary focus. Students may be expected to participate in at least one school performance which may be held during the school day or outside the normal school day hours. As this course is performance-based, attendance is vital to ensure student achievement. (4242)
Note: Dual credit option through PFW
Advanced Theatre Arts (Gr. 9-12) 1 semester 1816
Instruction builds upon the skills developed in the Theatre Arts course. Students memorize and analyze scripts and apply criteria to make informed judgments about theatre presentations. Heavy emphasis is placed on collaboration with scene partners, memorization, and character development. This is a challenging course designed for students wishing to challenge themselves in acting. Students may be expected to participate in at least one public performance which may be held during the school day or outside the normal school hours. As this course is performance-based, attendance is vital to ensure student achievement. (4240)
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts
Musical Theatre (Gr. 9-12) 1 semester 1346
Students study the history of musical theatre and its place in today’s society. They participate in staging, choreographing, rehearsing, and performing an original or existing musical work. Additionally, students explore career opportunities in theatre, attend and critique theatrical productions, and recognize the responsibilities and the importance of individual theatre patrons in their community. Regular class performances will be held and outside performances opportunities will be offered to students as available. As this course is performance based, attendance is vital to ensure student achievement. Students will perform scenes as well as vocal solos, duets, and ensembles throughout the semester. There will be one evening public performance requirement for this class. (0518)
Note: Can be taken for successive semesters
Theatre Production (Gr. 10-12) 1 semester 1826
This involves more of a directorial approach to the Dramatic Arts. Students take on responsibilities associated with rehearsing, directing, and performing. Heavy emphasis is placed on blocking, character and scene analysis, and play structure. Both on stage and off stage roles in theatre are covered. Students may be expected to participate in at least one public performance which may be held during the school day or outside the normal school hours. As much of this course is performance-based, attendance is vital to ensure student achievement. (4248)
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts
Advanced Acting (Gr. 10-12) 1 semester 1856
This serves as an intense acting workshop using scene partners and in-depth scene analysis of acting techniques. Students research, create, and perform characters through script analysis, observation, collaboration and rehearsal. Heavy emphasis is placed on studying various schools and instructors of acting with a focus on celebrated techniques of acting. This is a more in-depth acting class that exposes students to well-known and highly-regarded acting techniques that have had a great impact in the world of theatre. Students may be expected to participate in at least one public performance which may be held during the school day or outside the normal school day hours. As much of this course is performance-based, attendance is vital to ensure student achievement. (4250)
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts
Technical Theatre (Gr. 10-12) 1 semester 1846
Instruction focuses on the “offstage” roles and jobs in theatre. Stagecraft, lighting/sound design, and set design are primary units of study. Students are exposed to career opportunities in technical theatre. They also analyze and evaluate scripts and live theatre performances so that they can determine appropriate technical requirements for a variety of theatrical works. Students work on projects in demand by other groups, in addition to classroom assignments. Although the course meets during the school day, the scope of activities may require additional time. A primary and functional goal is for students to “run” school productions and functions. Consequently, students enrolled will be expected to meet outside of the school-day hours as part of their grade. (4244)
Prerequisite: Teacher approval
Theatre Arts History (Gr. 10-12) 1 semester 1836
Instruction provides a working knowledge of the history of drama and its impact on particular cultures and societies. General focus is on the importance and purpose of theatre throughout history. Students study a chronological look at theatre from its primitive beginnings to modern day. Students create characters from the various historical works and perform select pieces of drama. It is a collective study of drama, history, performance, and analysis of select time periods and pieces. (4246)
