Sheila Newton - MHS Drama Director/Performing Arts Department Chair

sheila.newton@mansfieldschools.com

(508) 261-7540 X 33128

Mansfield High School  Drama Course Offerings:

Drama 1: This introductory theatre course is designed for students who are interested in learning more about theater and acting. Students will explore improvisational acting techniques, scene work, monologues, character and script analysis, and performance challenges. Students will be required to attend and critique a live theatrical performance. This is a performance/project-based course in which students will be expected to participate in all areas of study. A final class play will be performed for an audience. In the event of virtual or hybrid instruction, certain aspects of this course may be modified. Open to grades 9-12.

Drama 2/3: This advanced theatre arts course is designed for students who are serious about acting, writing, and directing. Students will read plays, prepare monologues, write and perform original scenes, and study a variety of theatrical genres. This is a performance/project-based course in which students will be expected to participate in all areas of study. Projects will include performances that are written, directed, and produced for an audience. Students will be expected to analyze and critique their theatrical experiences. Students will be expected to complete written assignments that involve attending, analyzing, and critiquing plays outside of school. In the event of virtual or hybrid instruction, certain aspects of this course may be modified. Open to grades 9-12. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drama 1.

No Fear Improv: Students will learn improvisational techniques that will be explored by doing laugh-filled exercises and skill-driven “short form” games. Structured, simple play will guide each improviser to experience individual success, discover the joy of ensemble support, and build a foundation to increase their creative and critical thinking skills. In the event of virtual or hybrid instruction, certain aspects of this course may be modified. Open to grades 9-12.

Technical Theatre 1 &2: This is an introductory technical theater class. Students will learn how to operate the MHS sound and lighting equipment, design and build scenery, work as a part of the stage crew to move scenery backstage during dress rehearsals and performances, create a variety of images using specialized painting techniques, design and make props, select appropriate costumes, and collaborate with theater professionals from the local area. Students must be available after school to participate on the stage crew prior to and during performances. In the event of virtual or hybrid instruction, certain aspects of this course may be modified Open to grades 9-12. This class may be repeated.

Advanced Technical Theatre: This honors theatre course will build off the knowledge from Technical Theatre 1 & 2, students will be put in leadership positions “behind the scenes” for various MHS theatrical productions. These students will work closely with the director and will be mentored by local theatrical professionals to design lights, sound, make-up, costumes, stage-manage, and lead the backstage crew. Students must be available to attend rehearsals and performances after school. In the event of virtual or hybrid instruction, certain aspects of this course may be modified Open to grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Technical Theatre 1 & 2 and teacher recommendation.