M/J Theatre 1
Students learn the basics of building a character through such activities as pantomime, improvisation, and effective speaking using articulation, projection, and breathing. Students also learn the importance of technical theatre and explore the use of such elements as costumes, props, and scenery. Students practice writing for the theatre and explore various theatre roles and functions. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
M/J Theatre 2
Students with previous theatre experience and instruction continue to study acting, design, and dramatic literature to increase the enjoyment and understanding of what is required to prepare plays for the public. Students explore theatre history, study the great American playwrights, examine the cultural and historical contributions to theatre, and begin to use the information to inform and improve their theatre knowledge and skills. Students begin to use the basic elements of theatre design through practical application and projects. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
M/J Theatre 3
Students continue to build skills and knowledge as they explore aspects of theatre. Students explore theatre history, study the great American playwrights, examine the cultural and historical contributions to theatre, and improve their theatre knowledge and skills. Students learn about and begin to use the basic elements of theatre design through practical application and projects. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
Introduction to Drama
Students explore various performance, technical, and administrative aspects of theatre. Students learn about basic characterization through physical activity, reading selected theatre literature, reading and writing theatrical reviews, and analysis of such tools as scripts, costuming, and theatrical makeup. Public performances may serve as a resource for specific instructional goals. Students may be expected to attend one or more performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
Theatre 1
This course is designed for students with little or no theatre experience and promotes enjoyment and appreciation for all aspects of theatre. Classwork focuses on the exploration of theatre literature, performance, historical and cultural connections, and technical requirements. Improvisation, creative dramatics, and beginning scene work are used to introduce students to acting and character development. Incorporation of other art forms in theatre also helps students gain appreciation for other art forms, such as music, dance, and visual art.
Theatre 2
This course is designed for students with a year of experience or more and promotes enjoyment and appreciation for all aspects of theatre through opportunities to build significantly on existing skills. Classwork focuses on characterization, playwriting, and playwrights’ contributions to theatre; while improvisation, creative dramatics, and scene work are used to help students challenge and strengthen their acting skills and explore the technical aspect of scene work.