Theatre

Middle School Course of Study

Theatre I

In this course, students will explore and build on the foundations of theatre focusing on the development of performance technique, examine non-performing creative roles in theatre, and delve into a basic understanding of theatre arts vocabulary. Students will learn and practice vocal, physical, improv, and acting exercises utilizing both solo and scene work. Students will explore not only theatre performance but writing for the theatre and directing for the theatre as well. Students will gain a basic understanding of current performing arts and specifically theatre arts vocabulary.

Theatre II

The goal of this course is to provide a foundational and practical understanding of Stanislavski's system of acting and Keith Johnstone's suggestions around improvisation. This class is based on the training still taught at the Moscow Art Theatre, using "etude" work to practice the foundations of acting and storytelling. Concepts and approaches will be applied in the second semester to classical texts as students will explore some of Shakespeare's works. Students will be learning improvisational techniques throughout the year supporting mindfulness, connection, and creativity which will culminate in performances.

Theatre III

In this workshop based class, actors will participate in an intensive daily training steeped in improvisation, monologue study, vocal and physical training, textual analysis and performance. We will examine the methods of Konstantin Stanislavski and Uta Hagen, explore the exercises of Viola Spolin, Viewpoints, Alexander Technique, and study the texts and cultural context of Magical Realism. Students will also prepare to “audition” for all three concentrations of the high school theatre sub-pathway, which will take place at the end of the school year. In the second semester, actors will train in audition technique and etiquette., prepare a musical theatre song, workshop a new monologue, and do a detailed script analysis and play presentation.

High School Course of Study

Concentration Courses (will depend on which path students want to focus on: Acting or Musical Theatre):

• Acting Theory: The mission of this class is to inspire the imagination, emotion, and intellect of the student actor by emphasizing the process and presence required to grow and improve as a performer. Through a focus on exploration and curiosity, we will seek to connect the meaning and vision of the play and playwright to the truthful moment-to-moment presence that makes any performance compelling. Each student will develop a disciplined approach to voice, speech, and movement, as well as intellectual rigor in dissecting text, subtext, and style.

• Acting Theory II: The mission of this class is to inspire the imagination, emotion, and intellect of the student actor by emphasizing the process and presence required to grow and improve as a performer. Through a focus on exploration and curiosity, we will seek to connect the meaning and vision of the play and playwright to the truthful moment-to-moment presence that makes any performance compelling. Each student will develop a disciplined approach to voice, speech, and movement, as well as intellectual rigor in dissecting text, subtext, and style.

• Acting Theory III: This class will be an examination of the theoretical foundations of acting as an art form by using theatrical texts. Through exercises, scenes, and monologues, the actor works toward the goal of increasing range, depth, and flexibility. Students will have an increased workload to emulate some of the real life challenges they may experience as a professional actor.

• Shakespeare I: This class is intended to introduce students to the wonderful world of Shakespeare. The language and the context will be explored. Students will learn how to approach Shakespearean text for the purposes of auditioning and/or performing.

• Shakespeare II: This class is intended to supply students with experience, knowledge and specific skills so they will feel confident in their ability to audition and act clearly in any Shakespeare or other verse plays.

• Shakespeare III: This class is intended to supply students with experience, knowledge and specific skills so they will feel confident in their ability to audition and act clearly in any Shakespeare or other verse plays. Students will practice performing scenes in different styles.

• Physical Theatre I: The mission of this class is to engage students in the physical components of theatre and performance. Tools they will develop are full-body awareness, mindfulness, ensemble, deep listening and play. Students will apply the approaches of Mary Overlie and Ann Bogart (The Viewpoints) Tadashi Suzuki and Jerzy Grotowski, as well as borrow from the worlds of Clown and Improv to develop characters and tell stories. Where in Acting Theory we explore the psychological and “realistic” inside-out techniques of traditional American acting schools, in Physical Theatre we explore the physical, “Surrealistic” outside-in techniques of the broader international theatre community.

• Physical Theatre II/III: This course will explore the techniques of the major theorists of physical theatre, including Jacques Lecoq, Tadashi Suzuki, Jacques Copeau, Michael Chekhov, and Anne Bogart. This workshop-based class involves rigorous physical training and exploration, as well as consistent creation of original work by students that demands investigation, self-discovery and the development of awareness through movement. This course seeks to develop a disciplined and embodied actor who regards the space of the stage as a dynamic poetic realm.

• Directing: This class is intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills to participate in the creation of scripts, and theatre/film productions as a collaborative and empowering artist. We will study practitioners, their works and create original works so students can develop their own creative process.

• Musical Theatre (Acting Studio) : In this course we will be exploring and studying the fundamentals of acting using the body, voice, and imagination as our artistic tools. We will investigate different approaches to acting and examine specific traditions and techniques. You will begin to hone your tools of performance: diction, projection, dynamics, physicality, spontaneity, presence, focus, intention etc. We will learn the basics of text analysis and how to use the text and your imagination to fill a performance with strong choices and energy. The important skill of research and self study will be utilized in independent projects. Everyone will tackle and perform both monologues and scene work. There will be a strong emphasis on Strasberg technique (“method acting”) as well as Stanislavski. You will learn basic audition and performance etiquette, as well as the skills of basic text analysis. And most importantly, you will continue to discover your own relationship to acting and who you are as an actor - all with a commitment at looking through a lens of cultural oppression, particularly in regards to race and gender.

• Musical Theatre (Acting Studio II/III): In this course you will deepen your understanding and skills in using the body, voice, and imagination as your artistic tools. You will investigate and immerse yourself in a number of acting techniques with an emphasis on The Strasberg technique (Method Acting) and Stanislavsky. You will continue to cultivate your tools of performance: diction, projection, dynamics, physicality, spontaneity, presence, focus, intention etc. You will build your ability to analyze and make choices around a given text, as well strengthen your aptitude for theatrical/historical research. Everyone will demonstrate their skills and artistry performing both monologues and scene work. And most importantly, you will continue to deepen your own relationship to your individual craft and who you are as an artist - all done with a commitment to approaching the work through a lens of cultural oppression, particularly in regards to race, gender, and sexuality.

• Musical Theatre Dance: In this course you will learn the fundamentals of dance with a focus on ballet, tap, and jazz. You will gain a thorough understanding of the historical context and impact of these styles of dance especially in relation to Musical Theatre. You will develop a strong foundation in the vocabulary both verbal and physical of these dance styles. You will cultivate your body as a creative instrument, working on strength, flexibility, and physical awareness. You will learn proper class, rehearsal, and performance etiquette as well as the skills of digesting, understanding, executing and retaining choreography. You will strengthen your awareness of yourself as a moving body, capable of great creative expression.

• Musical Theatre Dance II/III: This course is designed to give the Musical Theatre performer the essential training in various dance techniques, an understanding of the structure behind stage choreography, and an insight into the necessary showmanship and performance of that choreography. Students will explore various dance styles through technical training and explore their historical context and artistic impact on the musical theatre genre. Throughout the year students will engage in comprehensive technique and training practices in the styles of ballet, tap, Dunham Technique and contemporary styles. Students will also explore movement analysis, anatomical study, as well as prepare performance pieces in a variety of dance styles and techniques of developing choreography.

• Musical Theatre Voice: In this class students will explore the fundamentals of vocal technique and breath work, using Fitzmaurice and Alexander Technique. Students will work solo rep pieces, ensemble and group numbers from the early musical theatre cannon as well as workshop contrasting songs for musical theatre audition preparation. This year we will study the history of the genre through specific examples of books and scores from influential musicals from the beginning of American Musical Theatre in the late 1800s to 1940, as well as the historical context from which the shows are written. Students will also study skills of acting through song, using character development and scene study.

Musical Theatre Voice II/III: In this class students will explore the fundamentals of vocal technique and breath work, using Fitzmaurice and Alexander Technique. Students will work solo rep pieces, ensemble and group numbers from the early musical theatre cannon as well as workshop contrasting songs for musical theatre audition preparation. This year we will study the history of the genre through specific examples of books and scores from influential musicals from the beginning of American Musical Theatre in the late 1800s to 1940, as well as the historical context from which the shows are written. Students will also study skills of acting through song, using character development and scene study.

Electives:

• Broadcast: High energy, on the spot live broadcasting requires quick decision-making and a few tricks as well. The goal of this course is to train students on the daily workings of radio i.e. programming, music selecting, script writing and show hosting. They will learn to produce live broadcast talk shows, develop their on-air personality including all aspects related. The course provides the opportunity for students to learn basic journalistic and technological skills to be used in career choices and radio & television productions. Students will research, gather, and analyze information to create audio & video productions to be aired on various media outlets including Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and www.kosaradio.org

• Improv: In this course you will learn how to perform improv and stand-up comedy in front of a live audience. We will create and develop your comedic character. You will also learn formulas for writing jokes that are used over and over again by some of your favorite comedians.

• Accents and Stage Combat: In this one-semester class we will be exploring specific tools for the actor. We will blend learning the basics of the International Phonetic Alphabet to aid the actor in dialect acquisition with the fun and mechanics of armed and unarmed stage combat. Additional workshops will be provided including: improvisation, making safe vocal extremes like coughing, screaming and vomiting, and more!