Fine Arts - Drama

Course Descriptions

Theatre Performance I

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S    Prerequisite: None     Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

This course explores acting and what it takes to perform on stage. Throughout the semester, students engage in the basics of voice and movement, improvisation, characterization techniques, and scene work. This is an active class full of performance opportunities!

Theatre Performance II

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S    Prerequisite: None     Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

This class is an extension of Theatre Performance I for students that want to continue “shining” onstage. Students deepen their study of acting; exploring characterization and different acting theories, as well as tackling directing, and working on a one-act play to be performed in May. Students enrolled in this course perform in the spring Performance II one-act plays.  This class is for the serious actor.

Technical Theatre: Scenic & Costumes

Grade Level Placement: 09, 10, 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S    Prerequisite: None     Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

This class is for students interested in theatre, but who would never be caught on stage alive. Students learn about the important backstage roles of costume and scenic designer. Throughout the semester, students explore design techniques and implement them by designing and creating sets and costumes for various plays. Students will also get their hands dirty learning basic elements of set construction.

Advanced Theatre

Grade Level Placement: 10, 11, 12

1 Unit/Y    Prerequisite: Two semesters of theatre courses (any combination)     Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

Throughout the year students study a variety of significant pieces of theatre, encompassing a number of performance styles from different time periods and world locations. Besides reading, analyzing, critiquing, and performing theatre, students also explore playwriting, and the development of new theatre.

Theatre Studio: Directing

Grade Level Placement: 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S    Prerequisite: Teacher approval    Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

In this second semester independent course, students work as a production director. They are involved in organizing, managing and directing a semester ending production. 

Advanced Technical Theatre: Lighting, Sound, and Makeup Design

Grade Level Placement: 10 (with instructor approval), 11, 12

1/2 Unit/S    Prerequisite: A or B in Technical Theatre    Credit Type: Fine Arts (FA)

Students will study both design theory and practical application of theatrical lighting, sound, and makeup.  Students will demonstrate their learning of these key areas of technical Theatre by designing and producing the lights, sound, and potential makeup for one of our spring HS one acts in conjunction with the Theatre Two acting course.  Students will also create a portfolio of their makeup designs complete with photographs of themselves with different styles of stage makeup to be displayed at the HS one acts.