Drama & Film

PA1251Z Drama and Improv - Honors

Grade 9

Full Year

Foundations of Drama and Improv is an introductory course that approaches the study of drama through encounters with acting, improvisation, storytelling, playwriting, design, and dramatic literature. Beginning with the study of Oral Interpretation of Literature and continuing with character development, students will present scenes, monologues, and short original pieces to their peers. Emphasis will be placed on the physical work of an actor. Theatre history and play construction. The course is an introduction to drama and is meant as a survey course preparing you for more in-depth study in the future. 

This course aligns with Massachusetts arts framework, may be taken multiple times and fulfills the fine arts graduation requirement and/or the 5 credit electives Mass Core Curriculum framework.

PA1252Z Advanced Drama and Improv - Honors

Grades 10, 11, and 12

One Semester

This course is designed for experienced drama students who are ready to deepen their understanding of the theatrical arts through advanced study and practice. Students will explore performance techniques and playwriting while developing their artistic voices and honing their collaborative skills. The curriculum includes intensive scene work, monologue study, character development, and the physical work of an actor, using methodologies from Uta Hagen, Practical Aesthetics, and other influential acting approaches.

PA1254Z Playwriting and Directing - Honors

Grades 10, 11, and 12

One Semester

In Play Writing and Directing, we will combine the art of crafting original plays with the fundamentals of directing. This dynamic course is perfect for students with a passion for both writing and directing, offering a comprehensive exploration of the collaborative and creative aspects of theater production. Course work will focus on directing and playwriting. Topics will include blocking, staging, working with actors, and interpreting scripts. Students will gain insights into the director's role in shaping the overall vision of a production. Students will grasp the essential elements of play structure, character development, and dialogue. Through various exercises and workshops, they will refine their skills in creating captivating scenes and compelling narratives.

The course will culminate in the rehearsal and performance of selected student-directed plays, providing aspiring directors with hands-on experience in bringing scripts to life on the stage. This collaborative effort will showcase the integration of playwriting and directing skills in a live performance setting.

This course aligns with Massachusetts arts framework, may be taken multiple times and fulfills the fine arts graduation requirement and/or the 5 credit electives Mass Core Curriculum framework.

PA1253Z Play Production (One Semester) - Honors*

Grades 9 -12

One Semester

In Play Production, students will step into the roles of a small theatre company and experience the full scope of creating a theatrical event. From initial concept to final curtain call, students will engage in all aspects of theatre production, including producing, budgeting, scheduling, acting, directing, stage management, house management, design, educational outreach, and technical crew work. This course provides a hands-on opportunity to apply skills and knowledge gained in prior drama classes, offering a deeper understanding of the collaborative nature of theatre.

Given the class size, students will take on multiple roles across different theatrical departments, gaining versatility and insight into the interconnected roles of a production team. The course will culminate in a fully mounted public performance, serving as the final assessment and providing students with the rewarding experience of presenting their collective work to a live audience.

*An audition is required for placement in this course. 

PA4141Z Classic American Film - Honors

Grades 10, 11, and 12 

One Semester

This course is an introduction to film history covering the period 1915-1940s. Students will study how film reflects the major artistic and cultural developments in motion picture history of this era. Topics will include the invention of motion pictures, the establishment of a film industry and the studio system, and developments in the use of cinematic technique. Films explored will include Modern Times, Citizen Kane, and Casablanca (among others). In addition, each student will be required to complete an independent review of a film of critical substance from the list of suggestions or of a substantive film of his/her choice subject to teacher approval. The course is based on the belief that strong connections can be made between language arts and media, between composing and film making, between literature and narrative film, between reader and viewer response, and between literary and film criticism. This is a one Semester class that fulfills 1/2 the credits of the fine arts requirement for graduation.

PA4141Z Classic American Film - Honors

Grades 10, 11, and 12

One Semester

This course is an introduction to film history covering the period 1915-1940s. Students will study how film reflects the major artistic and cultural developments in motion picture history of this era. Topics will include the invention of motion pictures, the establishment of a film industry and the studio system, and developments in the use of cinematic technique. Films explored will include Modern Times, Citizen Kane, and Casablanca (among others). In addition, each student will be required to complete an independent review of a film of critical substance from the list of suggestions or of a substantive film of his/her choice subject to teacher approval. The course is based on the belief that strong connections can be made between language arts and media, between composing and film making, between literature and narrative film, between reader and viewer response, and between literary and film criticism. This is a one Semester class that fulfills 1/2 the credits of the fine arts requirement for graduation

PA4142Z Modern American Film - Honors

One Semester

Grades 10, 11, and 12

This course is an introduction to film history covering the period 1940s-1990s. Students will study how film reflects the major artistic and cultural developments in motion picture history. Topics will include the idea of film as art, the development of a particularly American acting style. The historical and political movements that produce specific works of art will be explored. Films explored will be Rear Window, On the Waterfront and The Graduate (among others). In addition, each student will be required to complete an independent review of a film of critical substance from the list of suggestions or of a substantive film of his/her choice subject to teacher approval. The course is based on the belief that strong connections can be made between language arts and media, between composing and film making, between literature and narrative film, between reader and viewer response, and between literary and film criticism. This is a one Semester class that fulfills 1/2 the credits of the fine arts requirement for graduation. (Classic American Film is NOT a prerequisite for this course.)

PA4143Z Global Film Comedies: 

One Semester

Grades 10, 11, and 12

This course explores the universality of comedy as represented in the study of a diverse world cinema. We will delve into how comedic films reflect beliefs, values, and traditions of various global experiences. What is considered funny in Europe, Africa, and Asia reveals significant differences and embraces the common bonds we all have.