At the Upper School, the arts are at the core of our academic program. Our curriculum is designed to foster students' ownership over their course of study, and the arts offer a crucial lens of analysis and method of expression as students seek to understand their global world. Computer science students carry their algorithms to the dance studio, and Honors American Studies students channel the modelling skills from their painting portfolio course to visualize data sets from American history. Designed as a school where the varsity athlete can also be an accomplished sculptor or the lead in the fall musical, our Arts faculty approach their roles as expert practitioners, and as individual mentors in their artistic field. Each of our arts programs offers a wide range of instruction for both the beginner and the experienced musician, artist, performer, and designer. Introductory level courses allow students to explore new challenges and to foster new talents. Upper level specialized courses and portfolio studios provide individualized mentorship within college-level courses that prepare students to pursue application to university arts programs, conservatories, and design programs. Students who wish to focus within the Arts can enroll in the Visual and Performing Arts Diploma Program.

Diploma Program Credit: Students can consult with their Diploma Program Director to consider program credit for a course. Beyond courses that explicitly participate in a diploma program, in many core courses, students can design their major projects to meet diploma program credit guidelines.

Visual Arts Foundations

What constitutes a work of art? Is there anything really new in art? What is appropriation in the visual arts? How does one develop a unique and personal artistic style? This course sets the foundation of the visual arts experience: students not only address these questions, but they also develop their drawing and painting skills, address the key principles of design and learn elements of color theory. Since drawing is essential in the development of visual ideas, the primary focus of this course is to provide all students, including those with no experience, with the tools and skills to transform their observations and ideas into finished work. Using pencil, charcoal, ink, watercolor, oil paint and collage, students progress through a series of increasingly complex exercises. To foster interdisciplinary learning, assignments and themes addressed in this course often align to the project-based curriculum offered in students' other academic coursework. In addition, artists selected as inspiration, from Hans Holbein to Kehinde Wiley, highlight cross curricular connections and guide students in the acquisition of skills and understanding of the elements and principles of design. Students develop their own artistic vocabulary and participate in frequent group critiques. In addition to developing finished work for exhibition at the end of each semester, students keep a sketchbook for problem solving and recording their ideas.

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Full Year Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Studio Art

In Studio Art, students explore several creative directions. In addition to creating art, they consider its meaning and importance, taking art theory and the contextual forces shaping artists’ work into account. Using a wide variety of materials, students explore drawing, painting, and printmaking. In drawing, students learn about creating depth and expressing ideas through observation, expressive mark-making, and experimentation. Extending these initial encounters to painting, students learn to work with watercolor, acrylic and some oil-based materials. Through printmaking, students learn to create multiple states of an artwork through linoleum and mono-printing. Students are encouraged to consider how these different 2D mediums can be blended to create new visual responses through mixed media. Color theory is explored in relation to all units of study. Students will learn how to critique their own work as well as engage in conversation with others about it. Sketchbooks are vital to the course and are the place where ideas can be developed and documented. Field trips to museums are arranged as is possible.

Prerequisite: Visual Arts Foundations Credit: ART Semester: Full Year Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Ceramics I

Ceramics is one of the oldest human inventions and transcends culture and history in the creation of both functional and decorative art. In this course, students learn the essentials of working with clay. Students learn the process of transforming a slab of clay from greenware to bisque to a finished, glazed piece. Students are introduced to both hand-building techniques including pinch, coil and slab and throwing on a wheel. Students keep a sketchbook to develop their ideas derived from interdisciplinary collaboration as well as individualized in-class assignments.

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring, Full Year Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Ceramics II

In this course, students not only refine the skills developed in Ceramics I but they explore solutions to more complex and challenging visual problems. The focus of this course is the development of personal expression via experimentation with both surface and form. As students develop their own personal voice and style, they are encouraged to explore the connections with other coursework whether it be history, math or a world language. Through research and the exploration of contemporary ceramic artists, students develop their knowledge of both traditional ceramic techniques as well as mixed media options. Students keep a sketchbook to illustrate, record and articulate the progress of their work and the development of their ideas. Work is exhibited at the end of each semester. Note: this course can be taken as a semester or full-year elective.

Prerequisite: 2 Semesters Ceramics I Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring, Full Year

Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Sculpture

In Sculpture, students explore many different ways of creating art that occupies three-dimensional space. Through working hands-on with natural and synthetic materials, including wire, cardboard, clay, plaster, and stone, students learn to utilize design principles with artistic intent and sophistication. The course introduces basic techniques such as construction, carving, mold-making, and casting. In addition to being introduced to the tools and the resources available in the studio space, students also gain understanding of the rich and diverse approaches and issues surrounding the artform throughout history. While the focus of the class is on studio practice, class discussions and critiques foster students’ ability to articulate their creative ideas and critically analyze each other’s work.

Prerequisite: none Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Graphic Design I

This yearlong course is designed to stimulate students’ analytical and creative thinking abilities through visual communication. Students are introduced to Adobe’s Creative Suite, most notably Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator as foundational tools. Students will also use drawing to elaborate ideas. Students learn the fundamentals of design including composition, page layout, typography, pre-press and web considerations. Through a variety of class discussions, projects, research, and collaborations, students complete unique projects that highlight their understanding of the elements of art and design. Students also have the opportunity to explore design thinking, devising research methodologies that enhance their work in other disciplines and as they explore their interests. The course also includes a look at design history, the rapidly changing digital landscape and the ethical considerations underpinning all design questions. Field trips are organized when feasible and appropriate.

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Full Year Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Graphic Design II

This course is a continuation of ‘beginning’ Graphic Design with the goal of deepening student skills and understanding through more complex problem-solving scenarios. Experimentation, research, conceptual thinking, and process are emphasized through project-based work. Students become more independent and gain confidence in their respective responses to the questions posed. Knowledge of and exposure to contemporary design issues and graphic design history build on the prior course and are important components of this course. Students are expected to expand their proficiency in all aspects of the design process, including the use of their sketchbook for brainstorming and concept development, their understanding of typographic language, technical skills, critical thinking, collaboration, and formal presentations. Students explore current design practice and enjoy conversations with professionals near and far. Field trips are organized when feasible and appropriate.

Prerequisite: Graphic Design I Credit: ART Semester: Full Year Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Digital Imaging

In this course, students are introduced to the tools of digital imaging for artistic purposes. Students learn the basic operations of a digital camera and Adobe Photoshop as it applies to photography. Students develop the following skills: capturing an image with a digital DSLR camera (including an in-depth study of lighting strategies and the fundamentals of good image capture). Students also explore the basics of composition, manipulating perspective, f-stops and shutter speeds. Students gain an in-depth understanding of Adobe Photoshop. Students explore image manipulation as well as collage techniques while also debating the ethical responsibilities that accompany such visual alterations. Students learn to answer questions visually while honing their problem-solving skills. The course is supplemented with weekly explorations of notable artists and photographers who have redefined our understanding of the medium in today’s art world along with an examination of the intersection between historical documentation and artistic expression.

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring, Full Year Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

American Film History: Theory and Practice

This team-taught interdisciplinary course will explore the world of film from multiple perspectives. Each week we will view a classic of cinema as homework, and devote 1-2 days engaged in close readings of individual scenes, related readings, and discussion, about which students will produce short essays. We will also devote 1-2 days a week to longer-term student projects, which will involve learning techniques of production necessary to produce short videos that react in some way to the assigned films. Directors whose work will be explored include Charlie Chaplin, John Ford, Martin Scorsese and Greta Gerwig. Students will practice a wide array of skills applicable across the arts and humanities.

Prerequisite: History 10 Credit: ART or HIST/SOC Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Fashion Illustration

Creating a successful fashion illustration combines an understanding of human proportion with the ability to convey an attitude and style in a 2D medium. This introductory course provides students with the tools to draw the fashion figure, an overview of illustration techniques and styles, and an understanding of fabrics and how they are drawn. Topics covered include: drawing methods, figure drawing and anatomy, garment rendering, compositional techniques and mood boards. To present and finesse their work, students will be introduced to Photoshop. As students build their technical and foundational skills, they will develop their own stylistic voice to convey their fashion ideas. In addition, students will explore the history of fashion and its connection to culture and history. The course will culminate in a presentation of illustrated works based on a researched and articulated design concept.

Prerequisite: Visual Arts Foundations Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Art, Politics, and Thought: The Intersection of Context, Philosophy, and Art

This course will examine art through the lenses of historical context and theory, positioning artistic practice as a conduit for critical thought. We will ask questions that will examine art as an effective medium for social change through the work of Alfredo Jaar, Martha Rosler, Christian Boltanski, Krzysztof Wodiczko, and others. The course will develop skills in visual literacy and critical analysis culminating in students choosing an issue and responding to it visually. There will be a balance of looking at and analyzing artworks, while also researching and creating our own responses. Design thinking will be applied as we seek innovative solutions to pressing questions.

Prerequisite: History 10 Credit: ART, HIST/SOC Semester: Spring Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Advanced Portfolio Development

Students with a desire to pursue advanced work in the visual arts can work with the instructor to develop a college-level portfolio. In addition to creating work that embraces a variety of artistic styles and media, students create a series of works that delve into an interdisciplinary theme of personal interest. In addition to learning how to photograph and catalog their work, students develop an artist statement to articulate their ideas and process. The course will culminate with an exhibition of works presented to the broader community. This year long course is designed for seniors who intend to graduate with a visual arts diploma.

Prerequisite: 4 Semesters of Coursework in Visual Arts Credit: ART Semester: Full Year

Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Introduction to Architecture

Architecture deals with the design and building of spaces for human use. As such, it is a discipline that blends aesthetic considerations with technical knowledge in the service of human needs. In this course, students will explore fundamental architectural concepts of space, form, function, and structure. Through a series of design exercises, students will engage in a creative process that will sharpen their analytical skills and teach them the methods of spatial representation, both as 2-dimensional drawings and 3-dimensional models (physical and digital).

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Spring Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts; Engineering

Makers Workshop

In this course, students have a chance to explore the technologies of making and build their confidence as makers. Students have a choice to either pursue a personal project under the guidance of a makerspace teacher or work through a series of guided activities that allow them to learn the skills needed to work creatively in the makerspace. These skills range from laser cutting and laser etching, 3D design and 3D printing, electronic prototyping, CNC milling, woodworking, mold-casting to operating power tools and using layout tools to create drawings and plans.

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Art and Fabrication

In this course, students will take a deep dive into the practice of making. Through independent and collaborative projects, students will develop a range of skills in craft and design, working between analog and digital tools and processes. Students will be encouraged to consider fundamental issues regarding objects and the material world, investigating material histories, determining solutions based on available resources, and sharing skills and results with their peers and communities. Practically, students in this class could find themselves learning things such as … everything there is to know about the mechanics of a sewing machine… the near infinite uses of a table saw… how to create rapid prototypes with a 3d Printer… or the manufacturing process behind a piece of engineered plywood. Throughout their journey into the world of making, students will become educators themselves, leading workshops and teaching classmates’ skills and information that they collect along the way. Students will also have opportunities to meet with professionals in the field; exploring practical applications for the skills and processes that they are developing.

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Design & Technology

Design & Technology is a class that allows students to use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real-world problems. Students are introduced to the design thinking process in this elective course, acquire knowledge about the basic design and manufacturing methods, and draw  knowledge from other subjects such as math, science, computer science, and art. Students learn how to consider their own and others’ needs when solving problems, take creative risks, design purposeful and functional products based on design  criteria, develop and communicate their ideas through drawing, prototypes, and oral presentations, all of which help them become resourceful, empathetic, and innovative citizens. By creating various design projects and the thoughtful evaluation of past and present design solutions, students develop a critical understanding of the impact that design & technology have on our daily lives and the world. This class is structured to allow students to complete 2 to 3 projects individually and as a group.

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring Diploma Credit: Engineering, Visual & Performing Arts

Advanced Design & Technology

This class goes to more depth on the topics covered in the first Design & Technology class. Students use ethnographic research and cultural exploration to identify and understand user needs, acquire knowledge about the advanced design and manufacturing methods while still drawing experience from other subjects such as math, science, computer science, and art to develop their projects. Students learn how to investigate new and emerging technologies, develop and communicate ideas using annotated sketches, 3D models, and interactive wireframes, identify and examine their own design problems, and exercise their judgment to redefine design problems that are given to them. By applying more advanced technologies (such as electronic circuits and 3d printing) and using various approaches (such as human-centered design or biomimicry), students develop a broader understanding of how design and technology are used in multiple professional fields.

Prerequisite: Design & Technology Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring

Diploma Credit: Engineering, Visual & Performing Arts

Introduction to Architecture

Architecture deals with the design and building of spaces for human use. As such, it is a discipline that blends aesthetic considerations with technical knowledge in the service of human needs. In this course, students will explore fundamental architectural concepts of space, form, function, and structure. Through a series of design exercises, students will engage in a creative process that will sharpen their analytical skills and teach them the methods of spatial representation, both as 2-dimensional drawings and 3-dimensional models (physical and digital).

Prerequisite: Design & Technology Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring

Diploma Credit: Engineering, Visual & Performing Arts

Music Technology

This course will explore the exciting process of music studio production through the application of Logic Pro X to create projects for music sequencing, recordings, videos, documentaries, commercials, film and/or projects of personal interest. The first semester offers an introduction to music production with emphasis on sound design, audio tracking and composition. Students will learn Logic Pro using a layering technique where each lesson is readily applied to a creative assignment in order to work towards a final goal. Students will learn basic arranging, music theory, and keyboard skills as they create projects that embrace various musical styles and personal interests. Students will then evolve into a more advanced compositional criteria by layering melodic and harmonic structures, composite timbres and instrumental tracks through collaborative assignments and a final group project. Class participants have exclusive access to the Music Lab on a drop-in or sign-up basis with flexible time slots at the student’s discretion. Learning Format: Logic Pro X

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Music Theory: Concepts of Listening & Analysis

This course is designed for students who wish to explore the more theoretical aspects of music. Students will explore music from various angles and develop skills for deep listening and critical analysis. Students learn how music is applied to the written page through the understanding of tonality, melodic and harmonic structures with an emphasis on how these theories affect the way music is heard. Students will learn the theoretical concepts of song design to understand how thematic development is used to tell a story. Exploration into the various rules and practices of the pop, jazz, classical and contemporary idioms will allow students to experience music from the musicians point of view.

Music Fundamentals: Piano Skills, Notation, Rhythm, Intervals, Scales, Key Signatures, Melodic and Harmonic Structures, Solfege, Counterpoint, Form and Analysis.

Listening & Analysis: Score and Song analysis explore a deep understanding of how music theory relates to the written score and how certain nuances of song-writing are used to create emotional content.

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Advanced Composition & Arranging

This course is designed to accommodate the advanced composer looking to expand their music portfolio into a broader spectrum of composition. Students in this course will go beyond the scope of melodic and harmonic structure into a deeper understanding of concepts in instrumentation, arranging, and orchestration. The process for this course is independent work presented weekly for peer review. Through a constant reworking of arranging concepts, the course will culminate in the presentation of a final well-crafted score.

Students in this course will have the opportunity to choose a path in Film-Scoring or Orchestration as a final artistic piece that fully represents the knowledge and skills gained throughout the semester.

Learning Format: Finale

Prerequisite: Music Theory Credit: ART Semester: Spring Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Spin Cycles: Postwar Popular Music in American Life

Since World War II, popular music has been the quintessential expression of everyday American life. As such, it reflects the divisions as well as the unities of U.S. society at large. In this course, we will explore some of the most important genres in pop—notably country music, rock & roll, and hip-hop—and their impact on the generations of Americans who have come of age in the past 75 years. The spirit of the course is comparative: to look at a series of themes in our national life (among them race and ethnic relations, gender expression, class politics, religion and regionalism, among others) as well as the means of musical expression in terms of the ways songs are constructed and performed. Students will be asked to read, write and think about how music works, and to consider music they haven’t always listened to—or liked—and grapple with new ideas. The goal will be to achieve a greater appreciation of American popular music, as well as aspects of, and perspectives on, American life that may not be familiar to those whose frame of reference is the second decade of the 21st century.

Prerequisite: History 10 Credit: ART or HIST/SOC Semester: Spring Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Concert Band

The primary focus in the band is to rehearse multiple genres of repertoire in preparation for the Winter and Spring Concerts. Participants will develop technical skills as it applies to the individual instrument, sectionals, and overall ensemble. Special focus is geared towards rehearsing repertoire in a variety of styles with a sliding scale of challenges to develop instrumental technique, music theory, sight-reading skills, dynamics, phrasing, intonation, and musical interpretation. Bi-monthly Forums will allow students to delve into individual projects that inspire special interests and explore music on a broader, more comprehensive level.

Requirements: Band students are encouraged to participate in our weekly morning instrumentals to focus on technique and specific challenges in a group lesson environment. Students are required to fulfill a weekly home practice routine.

Prerequisite: Previous Instrumental Experience, No Audition Needed Credit: ART Semester: Full Year

Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Jazz Ensemble "The Tiger Growls"

All students in the Tiger Growls Jazz Band must be members of the Concert Band. Some exceptions apply* The Jazz Ensemble is an advanced-level ensemble that welcomes students who show instrumental technique, maturity, self-motivation, and an interest in achieving a higher level of musicianship. The Jazz Ensemble combines the technical, theoretical, and improvisational aspects of jazz ranging from the blues, swing, bebop, modal and contemporary idioms. Participants will learn a variety of repertoire as it relates to various cultures and genres while developing the interactive awareness of being a jazz musician. Students are accepted by audition and assessed on technical, listening, sight-reading and musical interpretation with a maturity to incite enthusiasm and respect among their peers.

Prerequisite: Concert Band, Audition Credit: ART Semester: Full Year Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

String Ensemble

In the String Ensemble program, students will work together in the challenge of preparing their concert repertoire. We will concentrate on improving technical skills in order to express each student’s inner musical artistry. Efforts to create a more beautiful tone quality, perform musical phrasing together, using dynamic contrasts, and articulation to promote artistic expression. Students will prepare two concert performances this year. They will experience working together, as a team, to strive for peak performance results. Course Goals:

• All students will be challenged to improve their artistry in learning expressive phrasing techniques in various styles of music.

• Students will explore how the markings on the page communicate to them precisely how the composer intended the music should be interpreted.

• Each student will improve clarity and tone quality through the practice of good bowing techniques. It starts with knowing how a beautiful tone is created.

• Left hand position work and finger strengthening exercises will improve intonation and facility.

• Students will learn musical theory as it applies to strings.

• They will learn music history in preparation of music of the Great Composers. They will learn to hear the harmonies and melodies of the world’s greatest music

• Students will learn to play in small chamber music groups in trios and quartets based on instrument and level.

Prerequisite: Previous Instrumental Experience, No Audition Needed Credit: ART Semester: Full Year

Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Concert Choir

Singing and matching pitch is required. Sight-singing abilities are encouraged and will be furthered as part of the course. The primary focus in chorus is to prepare and rehearse multiple genres of repertoire in preparation for the Winter and Spring Concerts. Additional performances during the regular school calendar as well as possible performances at other concert venues will be arranged throughout the fall and spring semesters. Repertoire for performances will span all vocal-musical styles: Classical, Modern, Broadway, Popular, Jazz. Each week, singers will:

• Build a routine of physical and vocal habits that support long-term vocal health.

• Be prepared for daily vocal exercises and short technique songs and canons that support tuning and tone control.

• Prepare themselves through the use of music notation and sight-singing exercises that build reading skills.

Our basic goals will lead to the development of great singing technique, applied theory, sight-reading skills, dynamics, phrasing, intonation, and musical interpretation to enhance overall musicianship. Requirements: Choir meets five days per seven-day sequence for one hour. Students will also be required to attend at least one thirty-minute sectional per month. Students are required to fulfill a modest weekly home practice routine. One day per seven-day sequence is designated as a Forum to delve into individual projects that inspire special interests and explore vocal music on a broader, non-performance level.

Prerequisite: Previous Ensemble Experience, No Audition Credit: ART Semester: Full Year

Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Advanced Vocal Ensemble: "The Tiger Tones"

Prerequisite: Participation in Concert Choir is a prerequisite for The Tiger Tones, or by permission of the director. Auditions will be required during Orientation Week or the first week of school. Singing and matching pitch is required. Sight-singing abilities are necessary and will be furthered as part of the course.

The focus of The Tiger Tones is to prepare multiple genres of repertoire in preparation for concerts and special events. The Tiger Tones is the premiere performing vocal ensemble of GCDS and extra focus will be given to performances that promote GCDS. Additional performances during the regular school calendar as well as possible performances at other concert venues will be arranged throughout the fall and spring semesters. Repertoire for performances will span all vocal-musical styles (Classical, Modern, Broadway, Popular, Jazz) but the focus will be a capella in nature. Each week, singers will build on the basic skills of The Concert Choir: • Build a routine of physical and vocal habits that support long-term vocal health. • Be prepared for daily vocal exercises and short technique songs and canons that support tuning and tone control. • Prepare themselves through the use of music notation and sight-singing exercises that build reading skills. Since this ensemble will be focused on performance, the singers will build a repertoire of performance ready materials. Requirements: The Tiger Tones will meet three days per week for thirty minutes. Singers are required to fulfill a weekly home practice routine.

Prerequisite: Audition Credit: ART Semester: Full Year Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Dancesport

For the novice who prefers dance as their sport, and is not afraid of hard work, this class is for you. Dancesport classes are designed to develop skills through extreme aerobic exercises. The benefits of dance as your sport are increased strength and flexibility. Through physical exertion, dancesport improves both the body and mind.

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

"Ambush" Dance Company

Our dance program maintains a supportive, rigorous, and challenging atmosphere. The knowledge, discipline, creativity, and serious nature of our dance program will aid students in developing both their talent and their character. The GCDS dancer trains in Jazz, modern, hip hop, and lyrical, with a strong emphasis on technique. The skills gained through dance help students become technically sound, confident, and disciplined for future endeavors.

Prerequisite: Audition Credit: ART Semester: Full Year Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Voice in Speech and Acting

This course has a dual objective: to train students to communicate with confidence and purpose as public speakers, and to introduce them to the fundamental techniques that professional actors employ on the stage. The focus is on providing a wide range of experiences that develop performance skills while allowing students to discover their own authentic voice. Towards this end, students will write short speeches, tell some of their own stories, recite poetry, and rehearse and perform monologues and partnered scenes. They will become competent in recognizing the aesthetic components of a text and trained to make compelling choices as they prepare to perform before an audience—which they will do several times during the semester. Students will be trained in the effective use of their bodies and vocal mechanisms as they learn methods of relaxing, concentrating, and maintaining focus. They will also be introduced to a basic method for developing and playing a character, based on the work of Konstantin Stanislavski.

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts Grades 9-12

Acting Craft

This course is designed to challenge students who are already familiar with some of the basic fundamentals of acting. Our training begins with an investigation of psychology and the behavior we adopt in everyday life. Through improvisations and dramatic exercises, students explore human relationships and learn how behavior may be shaped and heightened for the stage. Drawing on the work of both Konstantin Stanislavski and the Atlantic Theatre Company, emphasis will be placed on mastering a method for playing a situation and a character, and on understanding the inner connections between the self and the imaginary world of a play. Students will develop close reading skills as they learn the process of script analysis, and scripts will be selected for each student on an individual basis with respect to age, ability, and interest. Monologue and scene work will be supported with consistent training in performance techniques including but not limited to relaxation, breath, concentration, sense memory, improvisation, and ensemble building. Audiences will be invited to enjoy student performances throughout the semester.

Prerequisite: Voice in Speech and Acting Credit: ART Semester: Spring Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts

Grades 9-12

Contemporary Plays and Playwriting

This is a workshop course that invites students to explore dramatic literature from a variety of perspectives—as reader, as audience, as critic, and as writer. Students will study the work of some of our most influential and innovative contemporary American playwrights to discover the most effective ways to tell stories in dramatic form. Writing critiques of celebrated plays will help students understand and appreciate methods of developing character, dialogue, and narrative structure. Students will attend live theatre and have opportunities to speak with successful playwrights. As beginning playwrights, students will be encouraged to write swiftly, fluidly, and fearlessly. With constructive feedback from their instructor and their peers, students will revise their work frequently. The final project of the semester will be a public reading of completed works.

Prerequisite: English 10 Credit: ENG or ART Semester: Spring

Musical Theatre Workshop

The primary focus of the Musical Theatre Workshop is to build skills and knowledge for supporting and performing in productions. Students will support the main-stage musical production (fall) or create a revue style performance (spring). This course offers instruction and hands-on experience in all aspects of theater production, including set design and construction, house management, publicity, program design, stage management, and lighting design, as well as special and independent projects including public performance. Each student will meet with the instructor at the start of the course to write up individualized goals. The technical theater portion of the course is open to any student.

Requirements:

Fall Semester - participants in the Musical Theatre Workshop will be working on stage or backstage for the Fall main-stage Production

Spring Semester - participants in MTW will direct, stage manage, and participate on stage or backstage in a spring showcase performance.

The MTW is for performers of all skills and technical theater artists of all levels of experience.

Prerequisite: None Credit: ART Semester: Fall, Spring Diploma Credit: Visual & Performing Arts