Dance & Drama
Performing Arts Department Chair: Mark Robinson
We believe that a student finds her unique voice when given opportunities for self-expression. At the core of each experience in Dance and Drama is a commitment to collaboration, creativity, and risk-taking. Every creative process represents a journey and every aspect of a student’s Holton education informs that process. Likewise, a student’s experience in the performing arts will inform her work in every other academic discipline. Courses in dance and drama promote the acquisition of knowledge and technical skills while encouraging the development of the imagination and aesthetic sensitivity.
Course opportunities in dance, drama, and production technology are offered during the curricular day. Curricular study in dance and drama also extends beyond the school day. Opportunities include: dramatic productions and workshops (some require an audition), hands-on experience in technical theater and design, and the Orchesis Dance Ensemble (which requires an audition). Spacious dance studios and three theaters (including a Black Box and an amphitheater) support the performing arts experience.
4 credits in the fine or performing arts are required for graduation.
DRAMA
Middle School
Middle School Acting Workshop, Grade level: 7, 8
In Middle School Acting Workshop we focus on playing characters broadly and boldly. Students are encouraged to grow their range of personal expression with a particular focus on physical and vocal characterization. We explore the job of an actor by reading and performing scenes from four plays. Students have ample opportunity to try multiple characters and performance styles. As a culminating project students prepare and present one scene to share with the middle school.
Middle School Production Technology, Grade level: 7, 8
Students in Production Technology will learn the basic skills, tools, and techniques for creating scenery, properties, lighting, sound, and costumes. Students will learn the safety standards and practices utilized within a working theater and scene shop as well as studying theatre vocabulary, backstage procedures and theater etiquette. Students will also be exposed to the collaborative creative process and will have opportunities to use their new skills to create actual elements for use in Middle and Upper School drama productions, musical concerts, and dance performances. Focus of study: Trimester 1 - Set construction and paint; Trimester 2 – Lighting and sound; Trimester 3 – Costume and video production.
Upper School
Portfolio Collaboration Lab, Grade Level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Students must participate in a performing arts class, ensemble or theater production. Credit: 1
In this interdisciplinary arts course, visual and performing arts students will work individually and collaboratively to refine works of art that they can include in an arts portfolio. They will spend time focusing on a solo project in their art form; honing their craft in order to perform or exhibit a piece, with a focus on personal artistic growth. They will also engage in a collaborative project with at least one other student from a different art form, to create an interdisciplinary arts project. Throughout the trimester students will share their works in order to receive feedback and learn to engage in articulate discussions around a variety of art forms.
Acting Workshop 1, Grade level: 9-12,Credit: 1 per trimester
Acting Workshop provides a foundation in acting technique. Through units on improvisation, devised theater, character study, ensemble-building, physical and vocal expression, and scene study, students explore the work of the actor as part of a theatrical community. Students are introduced to fundamentals of performance and gain verbal and nonverbal communication skills that promote creativity and confidence for the stage, and life. Brief written assignments and readings, as well as memorization and rehearsal time, support class work. Specific assignments will be tailored to the developing skills and interests of the students enrolled. This course may be repeated.
Acting Workshop 2, Grade level: 9-12, Prerequisite: Acting Workshop 1 or permission of instructor, Credit: 1 per trimester
This course builds on the skills of the Acting Workshop with greater emphasis on scene study. In-depth interpretation, text analysis, and characterization are explored in support of performance. Students work to develop the skills necessary to analyze and perform any realistic scene, including defining specific actions and objectives, living within the “truth of the moment,” and physical and vocal characterization. Students work together to prepare scenes and individually on monologues. Students may also complete projects designed to provide a window into the process of play production, including audition preparation, play proposals and the preparation of a theatrical resume. Specific term projects will be tailored to the developing skills and interests of the students enrolled. Students are encouraged to experiment beyond their individual comfort zones. Written assignments, readings, memorization, rehearsal time, and play reviews support class work. This course may be repeated.
Production Technology, Grade level: 9-12, Credit: 1 per trimester
This course provides instruction in the creation of live performances (drama, music, dance, etc.) from the perspective of the non-performing artist. Creation of scenery, properties, lighting, sound, and costume are explored as well as the safety standards and practices utilized within a working theater and scene shop. Topics covered include the tools and materials used to create a production, the safe and proper methods for using such tools and materials, basic scientific theory supporting these methods, and initial explorations into the process of designing for the stage. Students undertake construction and assembly projects in support of the school’s performing arts ensembles. This course may be repeated.
Theatrical Design, Grade level: 9-12, Prerequisite: Production Technology or permission of instructor, Credit: 1 per trimester
This course expands upon the basic knowledge and skills acquired in Production Technology. Unusual materials, advanced techniques, and scientific underpinnings are explored. This includes topics such as electrical theory, sound propagation, and color theory as well as the organization of a production company, stage management, and rehearsal techniques. Students also apply the tools and techniques they have learned in previous courses as they explore the theatrical design process and create a fully realized design for a theoretical stage production in one of the areas of scenery, lighting, sound, or costume. Students also undertake more complex projects in support of the school’s performing ensembles. This course may be repeated.
Dramatic Performance: US Play or Musical, Grade level: 9-12; Credit: 1 per trimester (pass/fail)
Students participate in Holton productions in the Fall or Winter. Students performing as actors receive 1 credit per trimester of participation, regardless of the size of their roles. Following the current rotation, In 2019-20 Holton will produce a musical in the Fall season. In 2020-21 Holton will produce a play. Participation by audition only.
Applied Technical Theater: US Play or Musical 1 trimester Grade level: 9-12; Credit: 1 per trimester (pass/fail)
Students who perform technical roles in association with the Fall or Winter Upper School play receive 1 credit per trimester of participation, regardless of the size of their roles. This includes: Stage Managers, Running Crew, Wardrobe, etc. Participation by application only.
Applied Technical Theater: MS Play or Musical 1 trimester Grade level: 9-12; Credit: 1 per trimester (pass/fail)
Upper School students who serve as Assistant Directors for Middle School productions can receive 1 credit for their work. Prerequisite: Permission of the director
DANCE
Middle School
Dance Workshop - Grade level: 7,8
In Dance Workshop students of any level participate in dance technique classes in modern, jazz, contemporary and ballet, with potential master classes in other styles. Students work on learning at least one dance choreographed by the teacher, and work together to choreograph a dance on their own. Then they work with the teacher to determine if they want to perform their dances, and if so, for whom. (This class is offered during the school day as an arts elective and during the spring sports season).
Dance Composition Lab - Grade level: 7, 8
Dance Composition Lab is an experiential class for students in creating solo and small group dances using tools to build and expand their movement vocabulary. As a culminating project the students will present some of their work for an audience of their choosing.
Upper School
Dance Composition and Choreography, Grade level: 9 – 12, Credit: 1 per trimester, (Credit is given for Physical Education or Performing Arts, but not both.)
Dance Composition and Choreography is designed to introduce students to the creative process and compositional tools that are at the core of making dances. Students will explore various choreographic tools through short movement studies and in longer works-in-progress. Each student, regardless of ability level, will be encouraged to expand her movement vocabulary, her perception of dance, and her understanding of music and sound as expressive partners. Solo studies and small group choreographic projects will help students explore the source of movement ideas and movement development and gain a greater appreciation for dance as a vehicle for artistic expression. This course may be repeated.
Dance Technique (Spring Trimester), Grade Level: 9-12, Credit: 1 per trimester (Credit is given for Physical Education or Performing Arts, but not both.)
Dance Technique is geared towards the beginning and intermediate dancer, building upon the dance experiences in Lower and Middle School. The primary emphasis is on exploring the elements and stylistic nuances of modern, ballet and jazz dance technique. Students will acquire technical skills and gain an understanding of dance as an expressive art form. This course may be repeated.
Intermediate-Advanced Dance Technique, After School (Fall Trimester), Grade Level: 9-12 Prerequisite: Permission of the department., Credit: 1 per trimester, (Credit is given for Physical Education or Performing Arts, but not both.)
This course allows a student to enroll in a dance technique class outside the conventional school day by taking three technique classes per week (during the first trimester) with the Orchesis company members. Modern, ballet and jazz technique are studied in depth, with students participating in warm up, center, and traveling exercises appropriate to each styles of dance. This is designed for students who are not members or the Orchesis Ensemble.
Intermediate/Advanced Pointe Repertoire Class 1 trimester Grade level: 9-12; Credit: 1 per trimester
Prerequisite: Students need to be enrolled in ballet and pointe classes at an intermediate/advanced level outside of school; taking at least 3 ballet classes and 2 pointe classes a week at their outside studio. Teacher Permission is required.
Students will participate in a ballet/pointe warm up each class, and then learn original classical variations and new contemporary ballet pieces. As part of this class you will work on building an online portfolio that can be used for summer program/dance studio auditions and college applications. When appropriate, students will perform their dances for an audience or the videos of their work would be shared outside of class.
Orchesis Associate Member, After School (Fall, Winter Trimesters), Grade level: 9-12, Prerequisite: Permission of department, Credit: 2 (for 2 trimesters) (Credit is given for Physical Education or Performing Arts, but not both.)
Associate company members meet three days a week, for up to two hours, for technique classes and rehearsals. Performance opportunities are offered through peer, faculty, and guest artist choreography. The commitment to Orchesis as a class and company spans the first two athletic seasons.
Orchesis Dance Ensemble, After School (Fall, Winter Trimesters), Grade level: 9-12, Prerequisite/Co-requisite: Dance Composition and Choreography and permission of department, Credit: 2 (for 2 trimesters) (Credit is given for Physical Education or Performing Arts, but not both.)
This course provides interested students with a more intense dance experience. Company members meet four days a week, for up to two hours, for technique classes and rehearsals. Modern, ballet and jazz technique are studied in depth, with students participating in warm up, center, and traveling exercises appropriate to each styles of dance. Students also participate in various aspects of the choreographic process. Performance opportunities are offered through peer, faculty, and guest artist choreography. The commitment to Orchesis as a class and company spans the first two athletic seasons.
* Participation by audition only.
Dance Technique, After School (Spring Trimester), Grade level: 9-12 (open to 8th graders, but not for credit), Credit: 1 per trimester (Credit is given for Physical Education or Performing Arts, but not both.)
This course allows a student to enroll Dance Technique outside the conventional school day by taking two technique classes per week (during the spring trimester) after school. Dance Technique is geared towards the beginning and intermediate dancer, building upon the dance experiences in Lower and Middle School. The primary emphasis is on exploring the elements and stylistic nuances of modern, ballet and jazz dance technique. Students will acquire technical skills and gain an understanding of dance as an expressive art form. This course may be repeated.
Dance and Drama FAQs
How many plays are there in a year?
There are three major Upper School productions per year: The fall and winter plays are directed/produced at Holton and the spring play is staged at Landon. The Director’s Workshop is made up of short plays that offer great opportunities for students wanting to try acting or tech on a smaller scale.
When do the plays rehearse?
Rehearsals are either in the afternoon or evening, with occasional weekend rehearsals. For major productions, students can expect to rehearse 3-4 times/week, 2 weekends, and each night the week of the show. There are far fewer rehearsals for the Directors’ Challenge.
How can I get involved if I am not a performer?
Holton has a thriving technical theater program. The production technology courses offer hands-on opportunities for students to learn how to build sets, hang and focus lights, run the sound and light boards, and more. Students also produce the technical aspects for every show (set, lights, sound, props, costumes, hair and makeup, and stage management). There is a drop-in tech workshop open to all students most days from 3:45-5:30 p.m. There are apprentice and leadership opportunities available to students on every show.
Do I have to enroll in a class to participate in the plays?
No. The classes are designed to provide a curricular foundation and a broader study of the craft, and prepare students for successful involvement in the play(s).
Are all dance and drama performance opportunities by audition only?
No. Dance and acting classes during the school day do not require an audition and sometimes culminate in informal showings of work in progress. Orchesis and the other plays are by audition.
What is Orchesis?
Holton’s Upper School dance company, selected by audition. Orchesis meets from 3:40-5:30 p.m. four days a week for technique classes predominantly in modern, ballet, and jazz, and to rehearse original student and teacher choreography to be featured in an annual concert in February. Orchesis meets from September through February. There are two tiers of membership: Full members attend all classes/rehearsals; Associate members are students who dance extensively outside of Holton and attend 2-3 days of classes/rehearsals with Orchesis.
When are the auditions for Orchesis?
Auditions for Orchesis are held in the spring for the following fall, and again in the fall.
Can I be in Orchesis and a play at the same time?
Yes, but dancers are encouraged to seek a limited participation in a play during their dance seasons. Students performing at the highest dance level may find it difficult to participate in a play because of their many academic, dance, and rehearsal responsibilities.
Can I be in a music ensemble and participate in the plays or Orchesis?
Yes. Music ensembles rehearse during the school day and do not conflict with drama rehearsals or Orchesis.
Can I be in a play and participate in sports?
Yes, but athletes are encouraged to seek a limited role (technical or acting) in a play during their sport season(s). Students performing at the highest athletic level may find it difficult to participate in a play because of their many academic and athletic responsibilities.
Can I be in Orchesis and participate in sports?
Yes, but only in the spring when Orchesis is not in session.