Theater, TV, Film and English Courses

This course introduces the student to the study of theatrical performance. Students participate in a variety of activities designed to enhance performance and communication skills while working both independently and cooperatively. Assessment is performance-based and requires written explanation and analysis. Students are provided with the opportunity to develop as a performer and as an articulate, well-rounded individual.

This course covers a comprehensive array of theatrical items, including: additional characterization skills, further monologue and scene study with class analysis and critique, further stage make-up techniques, voice production for acting, the process of charting a successful career in the performing arts, writing and production of student-generated scripts, and the presentation of a full-length production such as Children’s Theater.

Pre-requisite: Drama

This course is open to students who have taken a theater-related course and wish to further their skills. All aspects of the theater experience--acting, directing, producing, costuming, and more— are encompassed. Prerequisite: Drama Workshop, Play Production or Stagecraft

In this course, students experience all of the elements included in a theatrical production. Students participate in a variety of activities designed to enhance creative and collaborative communication skills. This beginner level course provides a foundation in the realm of the theater practices, its application, and production through the introduction of hands-on theatrical practices in both performance and technical theater.

Playwriting is a half-year workshop-style course that will cover writing dialogue, generating subtext, gathering story ideas, creating dynamic character, analyzing structure, and developing plot and theme.  Students will read one-act plays and write original scenes and monologues, a ten-page play, and will plan a full-length play.  

This course provides the student with an opportunity to study period costume design and create costumes and sets for school productions and Children’s Theater.  Students become familiar with forms of scenery and scene design and constructing model sets.  They construct stage scenery and props using power tools and utilize special techniques for painting scenery. In addition, they learn how to operate stage lighting equipment to create mood, special effects, and lighting patterns. Students also learn how to create special sound effects for the productions.

Movement for the Actor is an advanced semester course that offers a mix of yoga, blocking technique, and basic audition movement skills for students interested in the Drama/Theatre Track. This class will strengthen and elongate muscles and will help to develop self-awareness. They will also study pilates and basic styles of breathing. Students will experience the elements of movement, as well as posture, alignment, kinetics and coordination and will also perform yoga postures. They will practice uniting breathing and movement and relaxation meditation techniques. Students will also examine the history of theater as it relates to movement, as well as famous figures and the roles of both in culture. No prior experience is needed. Comfortable clothes are encouraged. For Arts Academy Students (Offered at HS North only)

Prerequisite: None

This course will allow students to work on acting methods, higher level scene study, and directing at an advanced level. Students will take a turn at directing by analyzing scripts and creating a director's prompt book, while also working on bringing their vision to the stage. This course is the next level after Drama Workshop, and is specifically for upperclassmen Arts Academy students. It is complemented by the “Movement for the Actor Honors” course. Advanced Acting and Directing gives the students the opportunity to work on honing and finalizing their acting and directing skills before entering higher level theater institutions.  For Arts Academy Students (Offered at HS North only)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides students with the opportunity to become proficient visual communicators in a field that is constantly evolving.  Students have the opportunity to learn how to use TV/Film production equipment  to create content that is both informative and artistic in nature. Students create a portfolio of work throughout the school year and develop an understanding of the history and theory of visual communication as well as learn how to use production equipment and technology platforms and applications in their work.

This course provides students with the opportunity to further develop their skills as visual communicators through the production of content that is both informative and artistic in nature.  Students understand the history and theory of visual communication and apply it in their work.  Expectations are designed for students who may wish to pursue TV/Film production as a career.  Students work with high-level production equipment and learn how to handle this equipment properly.

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of TV/Film Production and Teacher Recommendation

This course   is   designed   to   develop   students’ appreciation of film technique through the analysis of a selection of “classic” films. Using this popular  medium of our  culture today as a primary resource, students view, discuss, and develop an awareness of the elements of narrative and theme in film and the impact film artists have on the culture in which they live.