Grade 9 Coursework

ACTING I: THE BASIC TOOLS: This course is designed to introduce the student to the vast world of the theatre. Students will also learn basic theatre history and basic theatre conventions. They will also begin to learn how to express themselves through drama and learn what career opportunities there are in the field.

VOICE AND MOVEMENT: This class focuses on exploring one’s instruments as an actor-the body and the voice. The use of physicalization and vocalization will be practiced together and separately, and techniques will be taught to improve diction and movement.

IMPROVISATION: The actor will use the tool of improvisation through structured theatre games and exercises. Students will work alone, in pairs and in groups to develop creativity and confidence.

TECHNICAL THEATRE I: In this course, students will be introduced to basic elements of technical theatre practices. Through a series of practical exercises and authentic projects, students will explore the various production roles of Sound and Lighting, Production Operations, Costuming, Makeup and Hair, and Set Construction. Students will also demonstrate understanding of fundamental industry language and terminology of Technical Theatre practices and be able to apply them. This floating unit will be infused throughout a student’s academy course work in grades 9 and will prepare students obtain a CTE credential in Technical Theatre.

Grade 10 Coursework

ACTING II: SCENE STUDY: Particular attention will focus on developing skills that will begin to define and refine unique expression as an actor, consisting of scene work and characterization. Students will also study theatre theorists, theatre traditions and practices from around the globe.

PLAYWRITING & DIRECTING: Focuses on the creation of original One Act plays through writing and devising exercises, amplifying skills in creating given circumstances, character development and motivation, and dialogue.

BROADWAY BASICS: This class will introduce students to basic Broadway Musical Theatre history and conventions, focusing on choreography and performance style. Students will work in small groups staging and performing musical numbers from contemporary as well as classical musicals from the Broadway canon.

TECHNICAL THEATRE II: In this course, students will be introduced to basic elements of technical theatre practices. Through a series of practical exercises and authentic projects, students will explore the various production roles of Sound and Lighting, Production Operations, Costuming, Makeup and Hair, and Set Construction. Students will also demonstrate understanding of fundamental industry language and terminology of Technical Theatre practices and be able to apply them. This floating unit will be infused throughout a student’s academy course work in grade 10 and will prepare students obtain a CTE credential in Technical Theatre.

Grade 11 Coursework

ACTING III: CAREER PLANNING: In the first semester, students will explore Classical acting styles from Ancient Greece to Shakespeare and career planning. Dramaturgy is introduced and each student will be a "dramaturg" for a classic play ending with a presenting that they visualized and directed. Students will be selecting and performing Classical and contemporary monologues for college theater auditions. In the second semester, students will be researching and selecting college programs, and their specific application requirements and will prepare materials to meet those requirements. Other areas of study will include portfolio preparation, audition preparation, resumes and pictures, union memberships, agents, job opportunities, auditions, interviews, and on-camera acting techniques.

MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP: The first semester introduces the student to the synthesis of acting and singing the song. Students explore song material drawn from major periods of the American musical. Sight-singing skills and musicianship are also emphasized. During the second semester, students will perform short musical theater scenes, duets, and solos. This class culminates in a final public performance.

TECHNICAL THEATRE III: In this course, students will be introduced to basic elements of technical theatre practices. Through a series of practical exercises and authentic projects, students will explore the various production roles of Sound and Lighting, Production Operations, Costuming, Makeup and Hair, and Set Construction. Students will also demonstrate understanding of fundamental industry language and terminology of Technical Theatre practices and be able to apply them. This floating unit will be infused throughout a student’s academy course work in grade 11 and will prepare students obtain a CTE credential in Technical Theatre.