In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act classified the arts, including Theatre, as core subjects. Researchers have found that sustained learning in Theatre correlates to greater success in math and reading, and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds see the greatest benefits. Participation in Theatre education enables students to embrace the full range of the human experience and develop a myriad of skills directly applicable to a variety of future life opportunities.
Theatre can help students develop 21st century skills that are valuable in both college and career.
PLUS, IT'S FUN!!!
**Foundations, Intermediate and Advanced Acting, Beginning and Intermediate Tech qualify for Concurrent Enrollment through Red Rocks Community College!
To audition for the yearlong Theatre IV class for the following school year, students must memorize and perform one of the following options...
Two contrasting monologues from plays of choice totaling NO MORE THAN 3 MINUTES
A monologue from a play of choice and 16-32 bar cut of a song from a musical of choice totaling NO MORE THAN 3 MINUTES
...and complete a brief interview with Ms. Newman.
Students wishing to be considered for the Theatre III class should have taken prerequisite courses: Theatre I (Foundations) and II (Intermediate). This course is geared toward juniors and seniors. Exceptions can be made; please email with Ms. Newman with any questions.
In Foundations of Theatre Arts, students are introduced to the variety of programs and occupations in the arts, and the process of production. Students will learn the basics of acting, improv, and how to create characters to portray a story. Within this context, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in this cluster and the knowledge, skills and educational requirements for those opportunities. This class is the usual starting point for students interested in theatre due to its comprehensive curriculum. (Semester, Fine Art/CTE Credit, Concurrent Enrollment with RRCC)
In Theatre Intermediate, students dive deeper into how to create convincing characters to create a story. Using specific methods of character and story creation, students have the opportunity to fine tune their acting skills with several scenes working both by themself and with partners or groups. This class is heavily focused on different types of performances, the audition process, and directing. (Semester, Fine Art/CTE Credit, Concurrent Enrollment with RRCC)
Theatre III allows for individualized, advanced, and/or cumulative work in a program of study. The specific content and course design is determined by the instructor, in collaboration with the student group. This course will also delve in to the techniques of other western acting teachers including Meisner, Hagen, Chekhov, and others. Students in Capstone will be required to attend the Annual Colorado Thespian Conference in December and perform an IE (individual event), participate in the Jeffco Theatre Festival, as well as perform in and produce the annual Advanced Acting Showcase in the spring. In addition, students write and direct the Spring One Acts, and will be required to put in time outside of class for rehearsals and performances. (Semester, Fine Art/CTE Credit, Concurrent Enrollment with RRCC)
Unified Theatre is designed to partner students with and without significant disabilities through the lens of theatre. The mentor student model will be used so that students will collaborate throughout the semester to develop theatrical skills, social-emotional expression, and creative problem solving. The course will culminate in a daytime performance of a Unified Theatre production. All students can expect to build skills in improvisation and characterization, working as an ensemble, and more. Mentor students can also expect to develop skills in leadership, project management, and direction. This course prepares students to manage the planning, design, preparation, and production of plays and other theatrical production. Course content may include instruction in theatrical design, program management, dramatic production, rehearsal management, personnel management and casting, actor coaching, directing concepts and techniques, dramaturgy, and script interpretation. (Semester)
Technical Theatre introduces students to different methods of constructing and painting scenery and properties, operating stage lighting and sound equipment, and implementing costumes and multimedia into productions. This course also explores the proper procedures of serving on Stage Crews. Students in this class will also help develop staged sets for productions for CSH Theatre. (Semester, Fine Art/CTE Credit, Concurrent Enrollment with RRCC)
Advanced Technical Theatre students explore topics within their interest, and take on most of the production projects needed for CSH to produce their extracurricular productions. Students focus on designing, marketing, and production management. This course is self-directed and is based on student interest. (Semester or Yearlong, Fine Art/CTE Credit, Concurrent Enrollment with RRCC)