Department Philosophy

The JIS Performing Arts program offers a thoughtfully structured sequence of courses, each designed to progressively increase in curricular complexity.  Following this sequence allows students to build on their experiences and develop skill in Dance, Music, and Theatre. 

DANCE COURSES

The High School Dance Program offers three varying levels of performance and technique courses leading into International Baccalaureate (IB) Dance. Dance students planning to continue their postsecondary dance studies should complete the varying levels and IB Dance. Placement in the higher-level dance groups requires teacher’s approval. Dance courses are elective, and all students are welcome to participate. Students are expected to assume the cost of dance wear and costuming.

Dance 1: Dance Discovery (9310y)

One year - 1 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Dance 1: Dance Discovery is an introductory dance course designed to develop students’ appreciation of dance as both an art form and a lifelong physical activity. Students will build foundational technical skills, including control, coordination, temporal clarity, and spatial awareness, while also developing performance skills such as expression, presence, and confidence. This course introduces students to basic techniques and movement principles from a variety of dance styles, including Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, and others. Students will also learn dance vocabulary and explore the historical and cultural contexts of each style.

Each class will include structured warm-ups, across-the-floor progressions, choreography, and reflection or review. The course culminates in performances as part of the Performing Arts Showcase and the Spring Dance Concert, for which attendance and participation is required. This course may include some after-school rehearsals prior to performances, and depending on the production, students may be expected to contribute to the cost of purchasing costumes.

No previous dance experience is necessary.

Dance 1: Dance Discovery Semester (93101s)

One semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This course is the semester option of the Dance

1 year-long course. The d the year-long class; however

units may differ based on which semester the course

is taken. Students will build foundational technical skills, including control, coordination, temporal clarity, and spatial awareness, while also developing performance skills such as expression, presence, and confidence. This course introduces students to basic techniques and movement principles from a variety of dance styles, including Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, and others. Students will also learn dance vocabulary and explore the historical and cultural contexts of each style.

Each class will include structured warm-ups, across-the-floor progressions, choreography, and reflection or review. The course culminates in performances as part of the Performing Arts Showcase or the Spring Dance Concert, for which attendance and participation is required. This course may include some after-school rehearsals prior to performances, and depending on the production, students may be expected to contribute to the cost of purchasing costumes.

No previous dance experience is necessary.

Dance 1: PE & Dance Discovery (79311)

One semester – 0.5 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Dance 1: PE & Dance Discovery is a Physical Education course that uses dance to develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. Students will explore fundamental movement principles and techniques from a variety of dance styles, including Hip-Hop, Ballet, Contemporary, and more. This course will be combined with Dance 1 Discovery. Through regular physical activity and creative exploration, students will build movement skills, confidence, and enjoyment in dance.

This course will have culminating performances as part of the Performing Arts Showcase or the Spring Dance Concert, for which attendance and participation is mandatory. This course may include some after-school rehearsals prior to performances, and depending on the production, students may be expected to contribute to the cost of costumes.

No previous dance experience is necessary.

Dance 2: Dance Design (9320s)

One semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:

• Dance 1: Dance Discovery or

• Dance 1: Dance Discovery Semester or

• Dance Teacher’s approval

Dance 2 is an introductory choreography course focused on the fundamentals of dance composition and creative process. Students will explore how movement is generated, structured, and developed into complete choreographic works using essential compositional tools and principles. Students will learn through improvisation, composition assignments, class discussion, peer feedback, and reflective practice. Students will apply these processes to create and refine original choreography, culminating in a final piece presented at the end of the term.

The course includes performances as part of the Performing Arts Showcase and/or the Spring Dance Concert, for which attendance and participation are required. This course may include some after-school rehearsals prior to performances, and students may be expected to contribute to the cost of costumes for public performances.

Dance 2: PE & Dance Design (79321)

One semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:

• Dance 1: Dance Discovery or

• Dance 1: Dance Discovery Semester or

• Dance Teacher’s approval

Dance 2: PE & Dance Design is a Physical Education course that uses choreography and dance composition as a means to further develop strength, coordination, spatial awareness, endurance, and movement efficiency. It will be combined with Dance 2: Dance Design. Building on foundational movement skills, students will explore how movement is generated, structured, and developed into complete choreographic works using essential compositional tools and principles.

Students will learn through improvisation, composition assignments, class discussion, and peer feedback. Emphasis is placed on movement design, problem-solving, and sustained physical engagement as students create, revise, and perform original choreography. These processes culminate in a final choreographic work presented at the Performing Arts Showcase and/or the Spring Dance Concert, for which attendance and participation are required. The course may include some after-school rehearsals prior to performances, and students may be expected to contribute to the cost of costumes.

Dance 3: Dance Performance (9330s)

Dance 3: Dance Performance (9330s)

One semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:

• Dance 2: Dance Design or

• Dance Teacher’s approval

Dance 3 is an advanced dance course designed to consolidate and extend the technical, creative, and performance skills developed in Dance 1 and Dance 2. The course focuses on intermediate and advanced level dance techniques, emphasizing strength, alignment, musicality, and expression.

Students will engage in daily technique classes alongside structured choreographic explorations. Through solo, duet, and group composition tasks, students will apply and refine compositional tools, expand their movement vocabulary, and develop artistic intention. Learning experiences include technique training, improvisation, choreographic assignments, peer feedback, reflective discussion, and rehearsal processes.

Students will create and refine original choreographic work, culminating in a performance presented at the Spring Dance Concert, for which attendance and participation are required. The course may include some after-school rehearsals prior to performances, and students may be expected to contribute to the cost of costumes for public performances.

Dance 3: PE & Dance Performance (79331)

One semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:

• Dance 2: Dance Design or

• Dance Teacher’s approval

Dance 3: PE & Dance Performance is a Physical Education course designed to consolidate and extend the technical, creative, and performance skills developed in Dance 1 and Dance 2. It will be combined with Dance 3: Dance Performance. The course focuses on intermediate and advanced dance techniques, emphasizing strength, alignment, musicality, expression, and more. Students will participate in rigorous technique classes alongside structured choreographic explorations that develop movement efficiency, endurance, and artistry. Through solo, duet, and group composition tasks, students will apply and refine compositional tools, expand their movement vocabulary, and develop their own artistic voice.

IB H1 Dance (9332y)

One year - 1 credit

Grade 11

Highly Recommended:  

• Minimum one completed Dance class

or

• Dance Teacher’s approval

This is the first of a two-year International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IB H1) Dance course. The course is designed for dance students with an invested interest in dance and it is very strongly recommended that the student has had prior dance experiences. The course consists of three main components: Composition and Analysis, which focuses on the making of dances and on identifying and analyzing the processes through which student dances are composed or arranged; World dance studies, where students, through dancing and classroom activities, will investigation dance cultures and/or traditions, both familiar and unfamiliar to them; and Dance Performance, requiring that students develop and demonstrate technical and performance skills while dancing in solo, duet or group work. This course will have culminating performances as part of the Performing Arts Showcase and/or the Spring Dance concert. Attendance and participation is mandatory and will include some after school rehearsals prior to the performance. Students are also expected to contribute to the cost of purchasing costumes for public performances.

IB S1 Dance (9331y)

One year - 1 credit

Grade 11

Highly Recommended:  

• Minimum one completed Dance class

or

• Dance Teacher’s approval

This is the first of a two-year International Baccalaureate Standard Level (IB S1) Dance course. The course is designed for dance students with an interest in dance performance and choreography, and it is strongly recommended that the student has had prior dance experience. The course consists of three main components: Composition and Analysis, which focuses on the making of dances and on identifying and analyzing the processes through which student dances are composed or arranged; World dance studies, where students, through dancing and classroom activities, will investigation dance cultures and/or traditions, both familiar and unfamiliar to them; and Dance Performance, requiring that students develop and demonstrate technical and performance skills while dancing in solo, duet or group work. This course will have culminating performances as part of the Performing Arts Showcase and/or the Spring Dance concert. Attendance and participation is mandatory and will include some after school rehearsals prior to the performance. Students are also expected to contribute to the cost of purchasing costumes for public performances.

IB H2 Dance (9333y)

One year - 1 credit

Grade 12

Prerequisite:  

• IB H1 Dance

This is the second year of a two-year International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IB H2) Dance course. Students will continue exploring and working to complete the examination requirements of the IB Dance course. Both duet and group compositions will be completed as well as written analyses based on the choreographic process. Familiar and unfamiliar dance cultures and/or traditions will continue to be explored while comparing and contrasting the historical contexts and dance elements of various dances. Performance and technical skills will also be refined through a number of formal and informal performances. This course will have culminating performances as part of the Performing Arts Showcase and/or the Spring Dance concert. Attendance and participation is mandatory and will include some after school rehearsals prior to the performance. Students are also expected to contribute to the cost of purchasing costumes for public performances.

IB S2 Dance (9334y)

One year - 1 credit

Grade 12

Prerequisite:  

• IB S1 Dance

This is the second year of a two-year International Baccalaureate Standard Level (IB S2) Dance course. Students will continue exploring and working to complete the examination requirements of the IB Dance course. Final compositions will be completed as well as written analyses based on the choreographic process. Familiar and unfamiliar dance cultures and/or traditions will continue to be explored while comparing and contrasting the historical contexts and dance elements of various dances. Performance and technical skills will also be refined through a number of formal and informal performances. This course will have culminating performances as part of the Performing Arts Showcase and/or the Spring Dance concert. Attendance and participation is mandatory and will include some after school rehearsals prior to the performance. Students are also expected to contribute to the cost of purchasing costumes for public performances.

MUSIC COURSES

A wide range of opportunities are offered in music, including both performance and academic courses. The student who plans to continue his/her music studies in university should participate in at least one performance group each year of high school. Placement in a performance group generally requires an audition. Music courses are elective and all students are welcome to participate. Instrumental music students are encouraged to use their personal instrument or may rent a school instrument.  Students in all music classes are required to perform in proper concert attire. Generally music classes are year-long and students are expected to make this commitment to the course. Students with class conflicts, for example full IB Diploma candidates, must discuss this with their counselor.

Students wishing to participate in extracurricular music groups such as; IASAS Music, Strings Chamber Music, Jazz Ensemble, etc must be enrolled in a JIS music class. 

Concert Choir (9222y)

May be Repeated

One year - 1 credit    or    Semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Concert Choir is a non-auditioned, beginning-level vocal ensemble open to all students who love to sing and want to improve their vocal skills. This course provides a welcoming environment for singers of all experience levels to explore the joy of choral music while developing fundamental techniques in vocal production, sight-singing, and ensemble performance.  Students will develop confidence as singers, gain a deeper understanding of music from all genres, and experience the camaraderie of being part of a choir. Whether you’re new to singing or looking to build your skills, Concert Choir is a great place to grow musically and connect with others through the power of song. This course may be repeated for credit. Attendance at all scheduled performances after school or on weekends is required. Students missing for any reason other than severe illness or death in the family will receive an NG in gradebook which may negatively affect the semester grade average. Students must pay for their own costumes or uniforms. No prior experience or audition is required—just bring your voice and enthusiasm.

Advanced Choir (9870y)

May be Repeated

One year - 1 credit    or    Semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  

• Minimum two semesters of HS Concert Choir and / or MS Advanced Choir 

or

• High school Choir Teacher’s approval through Audition

Advanced Choir is an intermediate-level vocal ensemble designed for high school students with prior choral experience who want to further develop their vocal and musical abilities. This course emphasizes advanced vocal techniques, music literacy, and expressive performance skills while exploring a diverse and challenging repertoire. Students will refine their vocal and ensemble skills, deepen their understanding of choral artistry, and gain confidence in performing complex music. This ensemble provides a supportive and collaborative environment where students can grow as musicians and performers. This course may be repeated for credit. Attendance at all scheduled performances after school or on weekends is required. Students missing for any reason other than severe illness or death in the family will receive an NG in grade book which may negatively affect the semester grade average. Students must pay for their own costumes or uniforms.  Join the Advanced Choir course and take your singing as well as musicianship to the next level while enjoying the thrill of performing as part of a talented group.

Joint Sound (9230y)

May be Repeated

One year - 1 credit    or    Semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  

• Two semesters of HS Advanced Choir 

or

• High school Choir Teacher’s approval through Audition

Joint Sound is an advanced-level high school vocal ensemble for skilled and dedicated singers. This elite group specializes in performing challenging music where each singer often holds their own part, requiring strong independent musicianship and advanced vocal technique. The ensemble explores a diverse repertoire, including contemporary, classical, and a cappella styles, and is committed to creating captivating and nuanced performances. Students will develop exceptional vocal and ensemble skills, refine their ability to perform with precision and confidence, and gain experience as versatile, independent musicians. Joint Sound offers an environment for advanced singers to achieve musical excellence while building a sense of unity and professionalism. Students missing concerts and dress rehearsals for any reason other than severe illness or death in the family may receive an NG in grade book which will negatively affect the semester grade average. Students must pay for their performance costumes or uniforms. Join Joint Sound for the opportunity to perform intricate and exciting music at the highest level.

Concert Strings (9240y)

May be repeated

One year - 1 credit    or    Only Semester 1 - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites:  

• Prior string ensemble experience

and

• High school Strings Teacher’s approval through Audition

Concert Strings is a performing group open to students who have prior string ensemble experience and who have a sound knowledge of basic bowing and left-hand technique, including some third position. No audition is required. Members of Concert Strings will occasionally join other JIS High School instrumental ensembles in concert. Concert dress is required. With the exception of cellists and bassists students are encouraged to own their own instruments. Some instruments are available for rental. Attendance at all scheduled general rehearsals and performances are required. 

String Sinfonia (9290y)

May be Repeated

One year - 1 credit    or    Semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  

• Concert Strings

or

• High school Strings Teacher’s approval through Audition

String Sinfonia is an advanced performing ensemble for strings open to all students in grade 9-12 upon instructor approval through audition. In addition to regular concert performances of classical string music, the Sinfonia may occasionally combine with other High School music ensembles to perform chamber or symphonic orchestral works. With the exception of cellists and bassists students are encouraged to own their own instruments. Some instruments are available for rental. Concert dress is required. Attendance at scheduled general rehearsals and performances is required. On rare occasions, the orchestra may be asked to perform off campus. 

Beginning Band (9250y)

One year - 1 credit    or    Only Semester 1 - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This class is designed for students who desire to learn an instrument for the first time, or who wish to learn to play a new or second instrument. Students with no prior musical experience are welcome as are students who have sung or previously played an instrument. Only instruments of the woodwind, brass and percussion families are taught in this class. The teacher reserves the right to limit the types and numbers of instruments offered in the above three families to ensure proper ensemble balance. At the end of one semester, and at the teacher’s discretion, students may then be allowed to move to a section of Concert Band or continue in Beginning Band. An instrument will be provided for each student in the Beginning Band. Unless waived by the teacher, students using school-owned instruments will be charged a nominal rental fee. Attendance at all Beginning Band performances is required. 

Concert Band (9260y)

May be Repeated

One year - 1 credit    or    Only Semester 1 - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  

• High school Band Teacher’s approval through Audition

Concert Band is open to all students in grades 9 - 12 with prior band experience. Students will perform Grade Level 2 - 3 band literature as well as learning and playing basic theory, including scales, modes, rhythms, etc. No audition is necessary, but it is expected that students applying have completed at least the equivalent of a Beginning Band class. At the very minimum, students are expected to be able to read music at a basic level. With the exception of large instruments, (examples: tuba, euphonium, bassoon, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone) students are encouraged to purchase their own instruments by the time they take this class. A limited number of smaller instruments are available for rent. Attendance at all Concert Band rehearsals and performances is required. 

Wind Ensemble (9270y)

May be Repeated

One year - 1 credit    or   Semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: 

• Concert Band

or

• High school Band Teacher’s approval through Audition

Wind Ensemble is the top-level band at JIS and is only open to students in grades 9-12 through a required audition with the teacher. Wind Ensemble performs Grade Level 4-5 band literature. In addition, students will build on the basic theory learned in Concert Band by learning and working in all major, minor and chromatic scales; modes; chords and advanced rhythms. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals and performances is required. With the possible exception of large instruments, (examples - tuba, euphonium, bassoon, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone) students are expected to purchase their own instruments. 

Percussion Ensemble (92701y or 92712s)

May be Repeated

One year – 1 credit or Semester – 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Percussion Ensemble is a performing group open to all high school students who want to explore music through instruments of the percussion family. This course welcomes beginners through advanced musicians and provides differentiated instruction so that students can grow at an appropriate pace, whether they are learning percussion for the first time or looking to expand and refine advanced skills.

Students will perform and create music using a wide range of percussion instruments, including snare drum, timpani, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone, drum set, djembe, and various Latin percussion instruments. Beginning students will focus on fundamental technique, rhythmic literacy, reading skills, and ensemble playing. Intermediate and advanced students will have opportunities to study more challenging repertoire and develop specialized skills such as four-mallet technique, extended techniques, accessory percussion proficiency, and increased musical independence within an ensemble setting. This course may be repeated for credit, allowing students to explore new instruments, repertoire, and leadership roles over multiple semesters or years.

As with all performing ensembles, regular home practice and attendance at all scheduled performances after school or on weekends is required. Concert performances are an integral part of the curriculum.

Guitar 1 (92912s)

May Not be Repeated

Semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This semester course is offered to all HS students who are interested in learning guitar. This class is for beginners and at the same time open for students who would like to improve their skills. By the end of the semester, students will be able to perform music and or songs at a beginner level in a pop, rock and/or classical style, often together with other students in a group (band). All students will have the opportunity to study and perform a wide variety of classical and popular music. In addition, an emphasis is placed on individual instrumental performance and developing musicianship skills. As with all performing ensembles, home practice and concert performances are an expectation. Acoustic guitars are available for rental. Concert performances are part of the curriculum.

Music Production: Creation and Composition (92821s)

One semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This course introduces students to the art of creating original music using digital audio workstations (DAWs). Students will explore the building blocks of music, including melody, harmony, rhythm, and song structure. Through hands-on projects, they will learn to compose and arrange tracks, experiment with sampling and synthesis, and bring their musical ideas to life. By the end of the semester, students will complete original compositions and gain confidence in developing their musical ideas from concept to production.

Music Production: Engineering and Mixing (92820s)

One semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This course focuses on the technical aspects of music production, guiding students through the process of recording, editing, and mixing audio. Students will learn professional techniques for capturing sound, enhancing recordings, and creating polished mixes that meet industry standards. By the end of the semester, students will have a working knowledge of audio engineering principles and complete a polished mix of a recorded or produced track.

AP Music Theory (98800y)

One year - 1 credit

Grade: 11, 12

Prerequisite: 

• Interview with high school Music Teacher

Highly Recommended:  

• Prior experience in Choir, Band, Strings, Music Production, or private lessons

• Experience reading music notation

This advanced music course is designed for students interested in pursuing music at an advanced level, preparing for college-level music studies, or gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and structure of music. Students will engage in a comprehensive exploration of music's structural elements, fostering critical listening, analytical, and compositional skills. Students will develop fluency in music notation, ear training, and theoretical analysis, enabling them to read, write, and interpret music with confidence. Students will actively engage with music through singing, playing, listening, and creating. The course emphasizes real-world application of theory to prepare students for success on the AP Music Theory Exam and further studies in music.

Indonesian Studies: Music (38873s)

MoE Approved

One semester - 0.5 credit   and   0.5 MoE Indonesian Studies Requirement Credit for Non-Indonesian Passport Holders

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

This fun one-semester elective course aims to develop musicianship through exploration of Indonesian Folk music. This course allows students to learn Solfège, Chord Symbols as well as rhythm and melody exploration based on Indonesian Folk music from various regions of the archipelago. Throughout the semester, students will explore different and distinct music, such as Pelog and Slendro-influenced music from Java, lyrical music from Sulawesi, and short yet lively music from Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua. This course will combine basic numbered notation and chord reading combined with ensemble skills using traditional Indonesian instruments such as Kolintang, Angklung and or the Kendang. This course will have culminating performances as part of the Creative Arts Showcase or the Senior Farewell concert. Attendance and participation are mandatory and will include some after-school rehearsals prior to the performance. Involvement in this course may include travel outside of JIS to experience and view live Angklung or Kolintang performances.

IB H1 Music (9886y)

One year - 1 credit

Grade: 11

Prerequisite: 

• Interview with high school Music Teacher

Highly Recommended:  

• Minimum two semesters of a high school music class completed in grade 10

• Experience reading music notation

This is the first year of a two-year International Baccalaureate Music course. IB HL Music involves an in-depth study of historical and cultural survey of the major style periods of western and non-western music. Students will study, listen to, analyze, perform, create, and write about a variety of music. The course will follow the IB Music curriculum. Aside from being a strong foundation for further study in music at university level the class will enrich the education of any student that has an interest in music but is pursuing other careers. IB HL Music students will have an extra assessment of composition and collaboration with other art disciplines in a real world setting.

IB S1 Music (9881y)

One year - 1 credit

Grade: 11

Prerequisite: 

• Interview with high school Music Teacher

Highly Recommended:  

• Minimum two semesters of a high school music class completed in grade 10

• Experience reading music notation

This is the first year of a two-year International Baccalaureate Music course. IB SL Music involves an in-depth study of historical and cultural survey of the major style periods of western and non-western music. Students will study, listen to, analyze, perform, create, and write about a variety of music. The course will follow the IB curriculum. Aside from being a foundation for further study in music at university level the class will enrich the education of any student that has an interest in music but is pursuing other careers. 

IB H2 Music (9887y)

One year – 1 credit

Grade: 12

Prerequisite:  

• IB H1 Music

This is the 2nd year of a two-year International Baccalaureate Music course. IB H2 Music will continue following the HL Music requirements involving an in-depth study of historical and cultural survey of the major style periods of western and non-western music. Students will study, listen to, analyze, perform, create, and write about a variety of music. Aside from being a foundation for further study in music at university level the class will enrich the education of any student that has an interest in music but is pursuing other careers. Higher level students will have an extra assessment of composition and collaboration with another arts discipline in a real world setting.

IB S2 Music (9882y)

One year - 1 credit

Grade: 12

Prerequisite:  

• IB S1 Music

This is the 2nd year of a two-year International Baccalaureate Music course. IB S2 Music will continue following the SL Music requirements involving an in-depth study of historical and cultural survey of the major style periods of western and non-western music. Students will study, listen to, analyze, perform, create, and write about a variety of music. Aside from being a foundation for further study in music at university level the class will enrich the education of any student that has an interest in music but is pursuing other careers. 

THEATRE COURSES

The High School Theatre program is designed to provide a flexible and exciting program allowing students to maximize the opportunity to study theatre throughout their four years. Each of the theatre courses is designed to support young theatre makers interested in International Baccalaureate Theatre Studies.

Theatre 1a - Intro to Theatre (95403s)

One semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

In this course, students will be introduced to many different aspects of theatre, with a focus on the fundamentals of acting and performance. Students will explore a variety of approaches to performance, including improvisation, mask work, physical theatre, monologue and scene study.  Students will demonstrate their learning in a public performance of a one-act play. While it is preferred that students complete Theatre 1a and Theatre 1b, students may take Theatre 1b without completing Theatre 1a during semester one. 

Theatre 1b - Intro to Theatre (95404s)

One semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

In this course, students will build upon skills introduced in Theatre 1a.  In this course, students will continue to engage with many different aspects of theatre and performance and will be introduced to different theatre and performance traditions including Physical Theatre and Devising, British Panto, and Children's Theatre, as well as world performance traditions such as Indonesian Topeng Dance Theatre.  Students will demonstrate their learning in a public performance of a one-act play. While it is preferred that students complete Theatre 1a and Theatre 1b, students may take Theatre 1b without completing Theatre 1a during semester one.  

Theatre 2a - Devising Original Theatre (9570s)

One semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  

• Theatre 1a - Intro to Theatre   

or  

• Theatre 1b - Intro to Theatre

Students work in small and full-class ensembles to collaborate, devise, rehearse and perform original pieces of theatre. Students will research a variety of theatre practices and companies that create original work in order to devise their own original pieces of Physical Theatre, Verbatim Theatre, Immersive and Site-Specific work.   In this course, students will learn to create, rehearse, and perform works of Physical Theatre, Verbatim Theatre, Immersive, and Site-Specific Theatre for a live audience.  This course is highly recommended for students wishing to take IB H1 Theatre Arts.

Theatre 2b - Acting Styles (95402s)

One semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  

• Theatre 1a - Intro to Theatre   

or  

• Theatre 1b - Intro to Theatre

How could the flick of a fan create outrage in 1670? What was the proper way to doff a hat or greet a host in the 1800s? In this advanced acting course, students will explore specific acting styles in conjunction with the historical life and times that formed those styles. Students will perform scenes from three different genres and styles of classical (western) theatre. The work in this class will couple the technique-oriented and physical aspects of portraying a character from Elizabethan Theatre, Restoration and Comedy of Manners, and Realism (Chekhov and Ibsen), with constant attention to the basics that unite all acting -- character analysis and intention playing. This course is highly recommended for students wishing to take IB H1 Theatre Arts.

Theatre Design and Technology 1 (98610s)

One semester - 0.5 credit

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Ready to create your unique vision on stage Designers?  Students will be introduced to theatrical design (set, lighting, sound, costumes and  makeup - if time allows) through theoretical and practical applications in the form of 4 - 5 large projects based on a singular script. Through script analysis students will get to the heart of the play and with research find their individual perspective and vision for productions, costumes, scenery, sound and lighting design.. Students will also learn the important skill of collaboration by working together in small teams on a grand final project that includes all aspects of the design process and creative elements needed to produce a scaled in depth model. All work will be documented, collected and graded in a Digital Design Portfolio and in class notebooks to assist in any future college portfolio applications.

Theatre Design and Technology 2 (98612s)

One semester - 0.5 credit. This course can be taken more than once.

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  

• Theatre Design and Technology 1

Theatre Design and Technology 2 builds upon the skills learned in Theatre Design and Technology 1 concepts in set, lighting, sound, costumes are explored in greater detail with the opportunity to create design work for several JIS productions throughout the semester. This course also provides students with opportunities to pursue particular areas of interest within technical theatre by assisting with after school concerts and performances as a designer or Stage Manager. Due to the nature of the course, working on a JIS FAT, Jatayu or Mulati production is essential to student learning through hands-on experiences, which cannot be achieved in the classroom, therefore each student is required to assist on a tech crew for at least one performance event within the semester. 

IB H1 Theatre Arts (9850y)

One year - 1 credit

Grade 11

Prerequisite: 

• Interview with high school Theatre Teacher

Highly Recommended: 

• Minimum one semester of a high school Theatre class completed

This is the first year of a two-year International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IB HL) Theatre Arts course. The IB Diploma Program Theatre course is a multifaceted theatre-making course of study. It gives students the opportunity to make theatre as creators, designers, directors, and performers. It emphasizes the importance of working both individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. It offers the opportunity to engage actively in the creative process, transforming ideas into action as inquisitive and productive artists. Students will experience the course from contrasting artistic perspectives, and will learn to apply research and theory to inform and to contextualize their work. Theatre arts encourages students to appreciate that through the processes of researching, creating, preparing, presenting and critically reflecting on theatre as participants and audience members they gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community and the world. Throughout IB HL Theatre Arts, students will complete a mock exam for each of the four IB Theatre assessments: The Research Presentation, The Collaborative Project, The Production Proposal and the Solo Theatre Performance.

IB S1 Theatre Arts (9845y)

One year - 1 credit

Grade 11

Prerequisite: 

• Interview with high school Theatre Teacher

Highly Recommended: 

• Minimum two semesters of a high school Theatre class completed

This is the first of a two-year International Baccalaureate Standard Level Theatre course. The IB Diploma Program Theatre course is a multifaceted theatre-making course of study. It gives students the opportunity to make theatre as creators, designers, directors, and performers. It emphasizes the importance of working both individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. It offers the opportunity to engage actively in the creative process, transforming ideas into action as inquisitive and productive artists. Students experience the course from contrasting artistic perspectives. They learn to apply research and theory to inform and to contextualize their work. Theatre arts encourages students to appreciate that through the processes of researching, creating, preparing, presenting and critically reflecting on theatre as participants and audience members they gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community and the world. Throughout IB SL Theatre Arts, students will complete a mock exam for each of the four IB Theatre assessments: The Research Presentation, The Collaborative Project, The Director's Notebook and the Solo Theatre Performance.

IB H2 Theatre Arts (9860y)

One year - 1 credit

Grade 12

Prerequisite:  

• IB H1 Theatre Arts

IB H2 Theatre Arts builds upon learning, performance techniques and theatre processes introduced in IB H1 and focuses on completing the four IB Theater assessments. In the Research Presentation students undertake practical and physical research into an unfamiliar world tradition and present their findings. For the Production Proposal, students adopt a directorial perspective and to develop the concept and staging of a published script. It includes written work, scenarios, images, storyboards and any other materials that convey the essence of the proposed performance. The Solo Performance is an individual performance based on the theory of an established, published practitioner. Finally, the Collaborative Project gives voice to the students as young theatre makers in creating an original piece of theatre.

IB S2 Theatre Arts (9846y)

One year - 1 credit

Grade 12

Prerequisite:  

• IB S1 Theatre Arts

IB S2 Theatre Arts builds upon learning, performance techniques and theatre processes introduced in IB S1 and focuses on completing the three IB Theater SL assessments. In the Research Presentation students undertake practical and physical research into an unfamiliar world tradition and present their findings. For the Production Proposal, students adopt a directorial perspective and to develop the concept and staging of a published script. It includes written work, scenarios, images, storyboards and any other materials that convey the essence of the proposed performance. Finally, the Collaborative Project gives voice to the students as young theatre makers in creating an original piece of theatre.