DRAMATIC ARTS ELECTIVES

   INTRO. TO THEATRE

Grade - 9TH – 12TH Credit - .50 credit

Course Number - 000071         Length of Course - Semester

Prerequisite - English teacher recommendation

“All the world’s a stage,” and most of us would like our chance to perform in front of an audience. This course introduces students to basic acting techniques.  Students will present projects, which will stress both vocal and physical skills, which are essential for actors. The course is composed of both individual and group projects, which involve the creation of original scenes to perform as well as short scenes from plays. Students will also be introduced to several areas of technical theater and will complete projects to demonstrate basic understanding of: costuming, scenic design, stage lighting, and script reading. For the final class project, students will work in production groups to produce short scenes for the class. Improv and creativity are important to the process of this course. 

INTRO. TO THEATRE II

Grade - 10TH – 12TH Credit - .50 credit

Course Number - 000072         Length of Course - Semester

Prerequisite - B in Intro to Theatre and recommendation from Intro to Theatre teacher 

This course is designed for students who have been successful in Dramatic Reading I who would like to refine their acting skills and expand their knowledge about dramatic literature. Students will work in small groups each day and choose from a variety of projects, which focus on comic acting, dramatic acting, and pantomime. Performance of classic scenes from major historical periods will be emphasized. Students will also be able to select individual projects to expand their knowledge in design areas such as: scene painting, costuming, lighting and sound, script reading, and stage makeup, and to explore special topics such as musical theatre, theatre management, playwriting, and directing. (Students may take this course a second time for an additional .5 credit with the permission of the instructor, but not during the same school year as Intro to Theatre II.)

INTRO. TO COMMUNICATION

Grade - 9TH – 12TH Credit - .50 credit

Course Number - 000073                 Length of Course - Semester 

Prerequisite - English Teacher Recommendation

In order to interact effectively with others, it is important to have an understanding of the process of communication and to be able to practice speaking in a comfortable environment. This course will introduce students to the main factors that influence communication with single individuals, within small groups, and in front of a large group (public speaking).

Students will learn and practice both oral and nonverbal communication skills by interacting with students in the class as well as through interviews and discussions with adults and students outside the class. Public speaking is a major component as students will practice and improve skills for presentation and speech-making.