How can a performer utilize fundamental skills in theatre and music to harness their own creativity?

In the first unit, students will develop music theory skills to ensure a fundamental understanding of music notation and terminology. Students will utilize these skills throughout their exploration of string instruments.  Students will also be introduced to various theatre practitioners and will learn how to utilize these tools in their acting work. 

In this class, students will learn a variety of performing arts skills to become well-rounded artists, focusing on music and theatre. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of music theory, string instrument application and techniques, acting, puppetry and playwriting skills. 

Throughout the quarter, students will have the chance to learn various acting techniques studying theatre practitioners such as Arthur Lessac, Stanford Meisner and Michael Chekhov. These theorists will supply the students with a tool box of acting techniques to enhance their characters and daily work in our class. 

In Unit 1, students will: 

1. Develop music theory comprehension skills and string instrument fundamentals and techniques. 

2. Study and demonstrate their understanding of various theatre practitioners through performances of monologues and scene work. 

Puppetry Design and Production: 

Design Phase: 

In this Puppetry phase, students will delve into the rich historical origins of puppetry, exploring the fascinating world of shadow puppetry, the iconic Punch and Judy, the political significance of puppetry, and the profound influence of Jim Henson on this art form. Throughout the course, students will not only learn about these aspects but also actively engage in hands-on puppetry creation.

The students will have the exciting opportunity to design and craft a diverse array of puppets, including "fast" puppets, shadow puppets, and even their own "muppet" puppet. As they venture into the realm of puppet design, they will gain valuable insights into the construction and mechanics of these captivating figures, with a particular focus on preparing them for use in stage productions.

Throughout the course, formative data will be collected via production checkpoints and continuous feedback during the design and creation stages. To wrap up the project, students' puppets will undergo a comprehensive assessment, evaluated using a Puppetry Design rubric. This course promises an immersive exploration of puppetry, from its historical roots to practical puppet-making and performance, providing a well-rounded educational experience.

Production Phase: 

In the Puppetry phase, students will put their handcrafted puppets from the design phase to practical use in 

stage productions. These performances will feature scripts that blend original content with adaptations of 

beloved children's stories for the stage.

Students will engage in rehearsal sessions to refine the essential techniques of puppetry performance and 

stage direction. Formative assessments will occur during small-group workshops with the teacher, offering 

students guidance and feedback as they hone their skills. The summative assessment will take place during 

the final performance of each puppetry production, providing a comprehensive evaluation of their 

capabilities and creativity in this captivating art form.

In Unit 2, students will: 

1. Develop puppetry design fundamentals and techniques when creating a puppet for a specific audience. 

2. Study and demonstrate their understanding of various puppetry techniques and performance styles by performing in a variety of puppetry productions. 

Puppetry Design and Production: 

This academic unit, centered on Large-Scale Puppetry, seeks to impart a scholarly understanding of the historical origins of the Chinese dragon and traditional puppetry as an expressive art form. Students will be guided through an exploration of these cultural and artistic dimensions, with an emphasis on the hands-on creation of the puppet.

Within this unit, students will be afforded a unique and stimulating opportunity to collaboratively design and craft components of a colossal dragon, fostering both individual creativity and group collaboration. As they delve into the intricate field of puppet design, students will acquire valuable insights into the structural intricacies and mechanical dynamics inherent in the creation of these captivating dragon representations, with a specific focus on their applicability in stage productions.

The pedagogical approach involves the systematic collection of formative data through designated production checkpoints and continuous feedback loops throughout the design and creation stages. To conclude the project, students' puppetry endeavors will undergo a meticulous evaluation utilizing a Puppetry Design rubric. This course offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of puppetry, traversing its historical origins to the pragmatic domains of puppet fabrication and performance, thereby providing participants with a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.

In Unit 3, students will: 

1. Develop a collaborative puppetry design and enhance construction techniques when creating a puppet for a specific audience. 

2. Study and demonstrate their understanding of group puppetry techniques and performance styles by performing in a puppetry production. 

Advanced Ensemble Acting : 

This course offers a deep exploration into ensemble-based acting, focusing specifically on the intricate dynamics of one-act plays. Students will engage in a comprehensive study of collaborative theatrical performance, delving into character development, scene analysis, and the cohesive dynamics of ensemble acting. Through the examination of the selected one-act play, participants will learn to synthesize individual artistic contributions within the ensemble, cultivating skills in mutual trust, active listening, and responsive adaptation to fellow actors.

The curriculum is designed to foster a collective approach to storytelling, incorporating ensemble-building exercises, improvisational workshops, and collaborative scene work. By actively participating in the rehearsal and performance of a one-act play, students will gain hands-on experience in navigating the challenges and rewards of ensemble-based acting. Formative assessments and constructive feedback sessions will guide students in refining both their individual and collective acting abilities.

The culmination of the course will be a public presentation of their one-act play, showcasing students' proficiency in collaborative performance. This unit provides a nuanced exploration of ensemble-based acting, equipping students with both the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary for success in theatrical endeavors.

In Unit 4, students will: 

1. Ensemble-building exercises: Students will engage in various activities designed to foster a sense of cohesion and trust among ensemble members. These exercises may include group improvisations, team-building games, and other collaborative activities aimed at strengthening the ensemble bond.

2. Rehearsal and performance of the one-act play: Students will actively participate in the rehearsal process for the selected one-act play. This involves scene work, character development, blocking, and refining performances through feedback and practice. The culmination of the unit will be a public presentation of the one-act play, where students will showcase their proficiency in ensemble-based acting.