Theatre Courses
Indian River Central School District Philosophy on Theatrical Education
Recognizing that theatre is a distinct and holistic art form important to the development of affective, cognitive and kinesthetic growth of young people, the Indian River Central School District has developed this curriculum to promote Theatre in grades 9 -12 in accordance with the New York State Standards in Theatre Arts. Theatre Education is a powerful tool for understanding human differences and celebrating diversity. It enables students to acquire personal resources and life skills through intellectual, physical, emotional, aesthetic, and creative development. Theatre also fosters a disciplined approach to critical thinking and problem-solving, emphasizes individuality, and builds on the individual strengths of the students involved. It provides students a mode of self-expression by developing confidence in verbal and non-verbal skills, and the power of their imagination. Students are inspired to explore a range of human emotions and develop an understanding of these forces. Therefore, they are able to explore social situations with a view to acquiring the skills and understanding to deal objectively with social problems. Therefore, we at Indian River believe that Theatre Education is Essential Education and we strive to reach the following goals (based on the New York State Theatre Standards.) Students will:
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Refine and complete artistic work.
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
Perceive and analyze artistic work.
Interpret meaning in artistic work.
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Relate and synthesize knowledge and personal experiences to inspire and inform
artistic work.
Investigate ways artistic work is influenced by the societal, cultural, and historical context and in turn how artistic ideas shape cultures past, present and future.
Course Descriptions
Students will explore all aspects of the Theatre Arts. The class units include theatre history, acting (pantomime, improvisation, character analysis, monologue and scene work), stage combat, play-writing, directing and technical theatre (lights, sound, props, costume and make-up). The course meets the graduation requirement.
Students will explore different areas of technical design and stage craft; including elements of design, the scene shop and tools, lighting equipment and design, sound equipment and design, prop design, costume tools and design, make-up techniques and design drafting. Each student will research, design and build scale models and sketches of several different plays.
Students will explore the use of research, vocal techniques and body movement in character analysis and development. Each student will work on two or three monologues, 2-3 scenes and a short play. Each student will explore both classic and contemporary pieces.
Students will develop job skills needed to enter the field of acting. Students will prepare audition pieces, practice auditioning skills, and develop resume and head-shots. Students will also speak with a variety of professionals in the field.
Students will explore several types of genres in the theatre. The class will read plays such as: Everyman, Shakespeare, The Laramie Project, Greensboro, A Streetcar Named Desire, A Raisin in the Sun, and Mother Hicks. Students will read plays aloud in class and every student will complete an analysis of each play. A class discussion will follow each reading.
Students will explore every job as a director including; analysis, research, casting, blocking and character development. Each student will direct a 10-minute play which will be showcased in an evening performance.