Drama / Theater

Credits: 5 per semester  

College Prep Course

This course is an introduction to the study and practice of Drama and is intended to build the confidence and composure needed for a live stage performance.  No previous acting experience is required.  In this class, students will learn proper vocal technique for live stage performance, the terminology of theatre, the process of preparing for a performance, and how to write a play performance critique.   Performances will include both individual and duo or group assignments.  All performances for this class take place in the classroom, not for the general public.

Credits: 5 per semester

College Prep Course

This course is a continuation of Creative Drama F, and the skills learned in the previous course are fundamental to success in the spring semester.  All Creative Drama (S) students will perform in the Spring Theatre Arts Showcase for the general public.  Students will engage in the entire theatre performance process, from auditions to script analysis, rehearsal, performance and reflection.  In addition to preparations for the Spring Showcase, students will also study the history of Broadway and American Musical Theatre as well as audition techniques that will prepare them to audition for Intermediate and Advanced Drama, the fall play, the musical as well as community theatre or college admission.

Beginner Level open to all grade levels - No Experience Necessary

Credits: 5 per semester

College Prep Course

UC / CSU approved

A course designed to develop the student’s talent in the performance of musical theatre. Students will participate in dance, singing, and acting sessions.  No experience necessary to join.  The course includes the study of vocal techniques, music theory, ballet fundamentals, musical theatre dance, performance scene study, and character/lyric/text analysis. Students will take part in individual and ensemble performances based around specific class material and performed as a public showcase at the end of each semester. 

Credits: 5 per semester - Audition Required  

College Prep Course

This course will explore various acting techniques for both stage and screen.  Students will learn to analyze a script and develop a character through research, observation, imagination and improvisation.  Students will engage in many exercises that will develop the skills needed to create a believable character, and they will apply this to several performance projects including monologues and duo or group scenes.  Students will also learn to write a meaningful play performance critique, as well as audition techniques applicable to on campus productions, community theatre and college admissions.

Intermediate Drama students are also eligible to participate in theatre festivals where students perform for adjudicators and compete with students from all over the Southern California region.

This course also focuses on Children's Theatre through our annual production for local elementary schools.  Intermediate Drama students develop a Children's Theatre production including writing the script, staging/choreography, costumes, props, etc. and travel the production to local schools for a special in-school assembly.

Intermediate Drama students all perform in the Spring Theatre Arts Showcase.

Note: Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time.

Credits: 5 per semester Audition Required

College Prep Course

The emphasis of Advanced Drama is fully realized theatrical productions through the application of skills learned in previous courses such as script analysis, acting technique and directing.  Students will direct, produce, design and act in multiple productions throughout the year for performance for Irvine High students as well as the general public.  Some rehearsal time outside of the class meeting time will be required.  Students will also prepare monologues and/or scenes for entry in to adjudicated theatre festivals (minimum of 1 entry per semester).

Note: Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time.

Credits: 5 per semester  

Course: CP

The curriculum is aligned to the CA CTE Model Curriculum Standards and Career Ready Standards for the Sector Arts, Media, and Entertainment and the Production and Managerial Arts- Tech Theater/Music Tech career pathway.

The Beginning Tech Theatre course is designed to teach students the skills and terminology of the various technical fields of live event and theatre production.  Over the course of two semesters, the class will address the following fields:  

• Set Design & Construction

• Scenic Painting

• Stage Management

• Lighting Design, Programming & Operation

• Costume Design & Construction

• Sound Design & Operation

• Publicity & House Management

• Prop Design and Construction

Some of these fields will be addressed as units of study including hands-on training, written assessments and authentic, project-based assessments.  Other fields will be addressed through observation of experienced Irvine High students as well as industry professionals.

Note: Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time..  Approximately 12 hours of extra-curricular time will be required each semester for observation and work experience.

Credits: 5 per semester  

Interview/Work Sample Required

College Prep Course

Advanced Technical Theatre students serve as designers and leaders of the production teams for the three major stage productions (fall play, musical, spring showcase).  Students choose an area of specialty (lighting, sound, costumes, etc.) and create the designs for the production.  Students will develop their skills through the execution of the full design process from script analysis to research, sketches, design pitches, budgeting, and drafting/building/programming to bringing designs to completion for a stage production.  A high level of commitment and self-direction is required to ensure the success of the production.  Time commitment outside of the class meeting time varies based on the demands of the student's chosen specialty.  Those specialties requiring a significant number of hours in rehearsal and performance will earn the student additional credit in the Play Production course.

Note: Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time.  

Audition or Interview Required; Director Approval Required

Credit: Variable    

Play Production forms the performing unit for the after-school plays and musicals presented at Irvine High School. This production class is intended for the student actors, stage crew, production managers, and box office personnel: all of whom are intensely involved with producing a theatrical show for public performance.

There will be at least one play or musical produced in each year. All participants must audition/interview with the director. Each student must also meet the "C" average grade requirement prior to the audition. Upon selection as an actor or member of the production crew, the student will automatically be enrolled in Play Production. *(Note: students will not pre-enroll prior to the audition date). All rehearsals and production duties will be held after school. A student will earn one unit of credit for each 36 hours of work completed. A maximum of five units may be earned in a semester.  

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate appropriate performance skills pertaining to acting techniques or production assignments.

2. Analyze and interpret the play script.

3. Produce a play/musical for public performance.

Note: Students will be expected to spend additional hours beyond the regular class time.