Classes & StafF

DRAMA

DRAMA CP

This performing arts course is designed for beginners and covers the basic elements of theater performance. It is a vocational CTE course and can also count as fine art elective when necessary. It focuses on public speaking skills to promote success in all professions. We will study acting in scenes and monologues, and improvisational technique. There will also be a focus on historical and cultural influences on the theater, the role of audience and actor, adaptation of literature to stage, and some technical skills of stagecraft. Through the study of movement, sense-memory, and characterization, students will prepare individual and group performances for class, live stage, and video productions. Throughout the year we will focus on awareness of self and others, mastery of voice, physical control, and the power of expression.

MUSICAL THEATER

This course is an exciting introduction to the world of musical theater, exploring its principles, skills, and history. You'll dive into voice production, stage movement, acting, dance, and the technical aspects of musical productions. Designed to meet California Content Standards all performing arts, it encourages your creativity and connects you to potential career paths. There will also be extra opportunities for attending plays or concerts and working on after school productions.

Grade Level: 9th -12th

Course is UC/CSU-f approved

ADVANCED DRAMA CP

Students who have successfully completed two semesters of Theater Arts may continue their studies. They will be expected to lead group activities, demonstrate performance skills, and advise beginning students to help them succeed. Advanced students will be required to perform more challenging assignments, write more original work, and direct the performances of beginning students. In addition, they will be expected to support the staging of school productions and lead by example in the class.

Grade Level: 10th -12th

Course is UC/CSU-f approved

Theatre Tech

THEATER ARTS PRODUCTION CP

Theater Production Arts is an introductory hands-on course covering all aspects of stagecraft and production for running a theater. The class represents a working crew that will design sets, costumes, scenery, lights, sound, make-up, and props for Terra Nova productions. Students will practice safety as they work in teams, acquire basic skills, solve problems, and complete projects in a variety of disciplines. Students will work with Theater professionals, Photoshop, and power tools as we build, paint, advertise, draw, rehearse, manage, support, and strike sets on all shows. Whatever the project, techies will get it done. Course credits will be applied as CTE or Fine Arts credits.

Grade Level: 9th-12th

Course is UC/CSU-f approved

ADVANCED THEATER ART PRODUCTIONS CP

After two semesters of the introductory course, students may continue their work in Theater Tech, taking charge of specific departments within the program. Advanced students will be expected to fulfill the same number of hours as they collaborate to design and stage shows for the school. They will do more advanced work on individual projects within their chosen field (i.e. Lighting, Sound, Costumes, Set construction, Marketing) Research and skill acquisition will be a priority. They will work to expand their portfolio while leading crews of beginning students on various projects. At the end of the year they will share their portfolio, and demonstrate competence.

Grade Level: 10th-12th

Course is UC/CSU-f approved

DANCE

PE 10: EMPHASIS DANCE

This course is designed for all students with or without previous formal dance training. It consists of a comprehensive introduction to dance as a form of fitness activity, group activity, and self-expression. Course assignments include basic concert, folk, social, and combat dance; study of dance history; group projects and presentations; written tests; performances; and physical fitness tests. Evaluation is based on participation, effort, performance, cooperation and creativity, as well as ability and projects.

Grade Level: 10th

PE: DANCE 1 CP

In-depth course focusing on Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Hip Hop, building upon foundation learned in P.E. 10 Emphasis Dance. Students will learn and practice techniques required to perform advanced skills in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Hip Hop. Course assignments will include advanced routines in the previously mentioned dance forms, group projects, and individual choreography for each dance form. Evaluation is based on participation, effort, performance, cooperation and creativity, as well as ability and projects.

Grade Level: 11th-12th

Course is UC/CSU-f approved

Prerequisite: PE 10 Emphasis Dance

STAFF

SCOT SCHNEIDER

Drama + Tech Teacher
Director
Tech Director

Scot Schneider has been teaching English and Fine Arts here for the past 25 years. He took over the Terra Nova Drama program in 2007, ushering its expansion into the new theater from 2012 until the present. He has staged 30 live productions and over 15 Student Film Festivals, taught in four departments, coached a team to the State finals, and run a variety of clubs at the school over the years. He acts as CTE Department Head, teacher of Drama, Theater Tech, and Film as Literature, Director, and Technical Director of Terra Nova Shows.

ASHLEIGH KARKAZIS

Director
Vocal Coach

Ashleigh Karkazis developed a passion for the dramatic arts at a young age, performing in plays and musicals. While battling leukemia, she began volunteering with the Terra Nova Performing Arts program in 2018 as a vocal choreographer. Her love for working with students led her to earn a teaching credential, and she has since served as assistant director and vocal choreographer. In 2024, she made her directorial debut with Shrek the Musical. Outside of school, Ashleigh has been a production manager for JB Presents and continues to perform herself. Whether on stage, behind the scenes or singing to her neighborhood from her front porch, Ashleigh can't thank the Terra Nova theater program e high for helping to reignite her love for the arts, which she now shares with her students daily.

GIAMAICA ZEIDLER

Director
Dance Director
Dance Teacher

Giamaica Zeidler believes that everybody can dance, and has been bringing dance to Terra Nova for 15 years. She has been dancing since she was 3 and loves tap, contemporary, and acro dance in particular. She has choreographed all the musicals in the Terra Nova Theater from Grease to Heathers, and looks forward to directing and choreographing Cabaret! She is also grateful and honored to be a dance choreographer on several People's Circus Theater projects, including The Nightingale and Reindeer Games. Outside of work, she loves to play with her 3-year-old, do crosswords, and practice flying trapeze and hand balancing.

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