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 and/or performing arts are required for graduation.

DEPARTMENTAL GOALS AND COMPETENCIES

LOWER SCHOOL

Dance 3, Grade level 3

In third grade dance, students use a collaborative approach to find and use their artistic voice, and to creatively problem solve. They work on building a movement vocabulary based on the core elements of dance, as well as exploring basic dance technique in Modern, Ballet, and Jazz. They use experiential learning to create thematic dances based on topics that explore ideas that could range from identity, to gratitude, to storytelling.

Dance 4, Grade level 4

In fourth grade dance, students learn to use a global perspective to explore and create dance. They broaden their skills, knowledge, and understanding of different styles of dance, while also learning to use dance as a way to better interpret and interact with the world around them. They work collaboratively on thematic dances that connect to content from their Social Studies class.

Drama 4, Grade level 4

Students in LS Drama engage in a variety of drama activities that allow them to develop characters, and use their bodies and voices to collaboratively tell stories. In 4th Grade students focus on storytelling through puppetry and dramatic play.

Dance 5, Grade level 5

In fifth grade dance, students explore the positive impact artists of color and female artists have had in dance. While deepening their skills, knowledge, and understanding of different dance styles, they also learn about a few famous choreographers and discuss their influence in the dance world. Students participate in technique classes and choreography activities inspired by these artists, and reflect on their own creative work and that of their peers.

Drama 5, Grade level 5

Students in LS Drama engage in a variety of drama activities that allow them to develop characters, and use their bodies and voices to collaboratively tell stories. In 5th Grade students focus on creating scenes and short plays set in outer space, exercising their abilities as both playwrights and performers.

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. In the culminating project, students prepare and present scenes to share. This course may be repeated.

Middle School Production Technology, Grade level: 7, 8

Students in Middle School Production Technology will learn the basic skills, tools, and techniques for creating scenery, properties, lighting, sound, and costumes for the theater. Students will learn the safety standards and practices utilized within a working theater and scene shop as well as studying theater 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. This course may be repeated.

UPPER SCHOOL

Acting: Improv and Devising, Grade level: 9-12, Credit: 1 per trimester

Acting: Improv and Devising provides a foundation in acting through improvisation and devised works. Through units on improvisation, devised theater, character study, ensemble-building, physical and vocal expression, 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 classwork. Specific assignments will be tailored to the developing skills and interests of the students enrolled. This course may be repeated.

Acting: Scene Study and Monologues, Grade level: 9-12, Credit: 1 per trimester

This course builds on the skills of acting with greater emphasis on scene study and monologue work. 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 classwork. 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 a non-performing artist. The 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: US Production Technology, Credit: 1 per trimester, [3rd-trimester course]

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 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 performances. 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 odd-numbered years, Holton produces a musical in the Fall season. In even-numbered years Holton produces 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. *Participation by permission of the director only.

DANCE

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dance Workshop, Grade level: 7,8

In Dance Workshop, students expand their views and perspectives on what dance is, through the exploration of multiple styles of dance and choreography. They participate in technique class in a variety of dance genres and work on creating dances based on different thematic prompts. Through class discussions and reflections, they compare and contrast different styles of dance, and learn to appreciate the benefits of knowing a variety of styles.

Middle School Junior Orchesis

In Middle School Junior Orchesis, students begin to develop their voice as artists. They build a technical foundation in multiple styles of dance, so they have diverse movement vocabulary to use to express themselves. They learn how to bring the artistic vision of others to life, by exploring the skills necessary to learn and perform dances composed by their peers, teacher, and/or guest artist. They also work collaboratively to develop their choreographic capabilities, as they create thematic dances in small groups. They also learn how to cultivate a collaborative and team-based approach to being an ensemble that works towards achieving shared goals.

UPPER SCHOOL

Dance Composition and Choreography, Grade level: 9-12, Credit: 1 per trimester. Credit is given for either Physical Education or Performing Arts.

In Dance Composition and Choreography, students learn how to use dance as a voice to communicate with and to better understand the world around them. This course is designed to introduce students to the creative process and compositional tools that are at the core of making dances. Students explore various choreographic tools through short movement studies and in longer works-in-progress. Each student, regardless of ability level, is encouraged to expand their movement vocabulary, their perception of dance, and their 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 (During the School Day, Spring Trimester), Grade Level: 9-12, Credit: 1 per trimester. Credit is given for either Physical Education or Performing Arts.

Dance Technique (After School, Spring Trimester), Grade level: 9-12 (open to 8^th graders, but not for credit), Credit: 1 per trimester. Credit is given for either Physical Education or Performing Arts.

In Dance Technique, students find and develop their voice as artists. They build a technical foundation by participating in dance classes in a variety of genres. They also begin exploring basic student choreography through the creation of short dances based on different thematic prompts. They compare the similarities and differences among different styles of dance and work on being able to demonstrate these in their performance of different movement combinations. This work allows students to develop a sense of pride in their personal growth, based on individual learning goals. This course is geared towards students of any skill level in dance. The after-school option allows students to take Dance Technique outside of the conventional school day by participating in two technique classes per week (during the spring trimester) after school. 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 either Physical Education or Performing Arts.

This course allows a student to enroll in dance technique class outside the conventional school day by taking two technique classes per week (during the first trimester) with the Orchesis company members. Modern, ballet and jazz techniques are studied in-depth, with students participating in warm-up, center, and traveling exercises appropriate to each style of dance. This is designed for students who are not members of Orchesis Ensemble, but are intermediate or advanced dancers. This course may be repeated.

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 either Physical Education or Performing Arts.

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 either Physical Education or Performing Arts.

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. Students may also opt to be Associate members, meeting only three days a week, for up to two hours, for technique classes and rehearsals (contact the Dance Director for additional details). Modern, contemporary, ballet, and jazz techniques are studied in-depth, with students participating in warm-ups, center, and traveling exercises appropriate to each style 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 trimesters. *Participation by audition only.

INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS

Video Editing [Asynchronous], Grade Level: 9-12; Credit: 1 per trimester

In this interdisciplinary arts course, students will learn the basics of video production and video editing and hone their skills through projects and practical applications. The class will provide an introduction to both iMovie and Introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro, as well as learning the basics of shooting quality videos (lighting techniques, framing, the rule of 3rds, wide-medium-closeup shots), editing techniques, effects, color correction, titles, and shooting/editing styles. This course may be repeated.