Course Description

Beginning Theatre

This is the first course in a sequential series of standards-based theatre courses for the middle-school level. It is a beginning-level course designed for students who want to build fundamental performance skills and explore the elements of theatre through creating, performing, responding, and connecting to the real world. Topics include introductory vocabulary, pantomime, improvisation, dialogue, playwriting, the actor’s tools, character creation, given circumstances, staging techniques, beginning monologue and scene work, rehearsal, performance, reflection, and interpretation. Collaboration and ensemble work is emphasized. Basic plot analysis and acting techniques are investigated. Students identify how culture influences drama. Also surveyed are behind-the-scenes jobs in theatre as well as simple design and technical theatre study.

Intermediate Theatre

This is the second course in a sequential series of standards-based theatre courses designed for the middle-school level. The course continues the exploration of the elements of theatre through creating, performing, responding, and connecting to the real world. Topics include building additional knowledge and skills in theatre vocabulary, pantomime, improvisation, dialogue, playwriting, the actor’s tools, character creation and use of objectives, given circumstances, rehearsal, formal and informal performance for an audience, reflection, and interpretation. This next level introduces problem solving through script analysis, creative staging of a theatrical piece, and further investigation of design and technical theatre. Students are expected to describe their artistic process and make connections to personal and cultural experiences. Students research and create projects related to world theatre history. Students must work in collaborative teams and demonstrate strong ensemble skills.

Advanced Theatre

This is the third course in a sequential series of standards-based theatre courses for the middle-school level. Students in this course develop advanced theatre skills in creating, performing, responding, and connecting. They are expected to exhibit a professional demeanor as they acquire the tools necessary to continue their theatrical education at the high school level. In this class, students create multiple solutions to staging, design, and character creation, serve in leadership roles and as part of collaborative teams, analyze scripts, utilize basic theatre technology, participate in the rehearsal and production process, perform in both formal and informal situations, write critiques, understand and communicate the creative process, and articulate the role of theatre in society. Different styles of theatre, including musical theatre, are explored. Students identify the role of American history and technology and the influence it has had on American theatre. Students research career options in the arts, media, and entertainment industries.