Course Description

THEATRE ARTS I (BEGINNING)

Credit: 1 unit

Prerequisite: none

CA: 9^th-12^th Grade

This is a beginning level course and requires no prior experience. Studies focus on the use of movement, voice and writing to communicate emotions and feelings, analysis of scripts and performances, a basic understanding of technical aspects backstage, and an introduction to the social, historical and cultural impact theatre has had on the world. Theatre etiquette and acting conventions are introduced as well. Students need to be prepared to be active participants in this course and expect to take part in a public performance at the end of the semester.

THEATRE ARTS II (INTERMEDIATE)

Credit: 1 unit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre Arts I

CA: 9^th-12^th Grade

This is the intermediate level course. Students will continue to improve their stage presence and skills through more rigorous tasks and more in-depth analysis of the actor's tools. Students are also required to analyze more complex works and evaluate them. Students will be an integral part of preparing backstage and will learn more about the economic and social impact theatre has in our world. Theatre etiquette and acting conventions are applied as well. Students need to be prepared to be active participants in this course and expect to take part in a public performance at the end of the semester.

THEATRE ARTS III (PROFICIENT) HONORS

Credit: 1 unit

Prerequisite: A on Theatre Arts Intermediate exam OR 90 or > in Art Intermediate

CA: 11^th&12^th Grade

This is the proficient level course. Students will continue to develop and begin to polish performance skills. Students will be responsible for working in leadership roles with other students. Students will also analyze full-length plays and performances with a critical eye to improve their own performances. Students will learn about the importance of theatre in American history and create works that advance that history. More complex performances will be required from students at this level, including work outside the classroom in preparation. Students need to be prepared to be active participants in this course and expect to take part in a public performance at the end of the semester.

THEATRE ARTS IV (ADVANCED) HONORS

Credit: 1 unit

Prerequisite: A on Theatre Arts Proficient exam OR 85 or > Art Proficient

CA: 12th

This is the advanced level course. Students will show knowledge and skill with movement, voice, and writing - including multiple characterizations and dialects. Students will use constructive criticism to help themselves and lower level students improve. Students will be involved in the multiple aspects of production and performance, beyond those explored in prior years. Students will also explore a variety of theatrical forms for performance, including non-Western forms of performance. More complex performances will be required from students at this level, including work outside the classroom in preparation. Students need to be prepared to be active participants in this course and expect to take part in a public performance at the end of the semester.