Dance and Theater

Dance I

Course #: PH139   Grades: 9-12   Credits: .5   Length: Semester   Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

For all active students looking for fine arts or physical education credit, or the most unusual class offered in high school, this course includes study of dance technique, choreography, and dance history. Dancers, athletes, gymnasts, cheerleaders, or any other movers may take this class regardless of previous experience. Performing is required. Course may be audited.

Text and materials: No text required.                          

Expectations: Grades are based on individual improvement and achievements during the semester, participation, comprehension and effort being the most important factors. Students are expected to wear clothing they can move in (sweats, shorts, t-shirts, etc) - dance clothing is not expected.  Students will have to perform for fellow students and complete written peer reviews and self reflections.

Dance II

Course #:    Grades: 9-12   Credits: .5 (fulfills a fine arts or a PE credit)  Length: Semester   Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Dance I or teacher approval

This class continues with the work done in Dance I, further improving dance technique, and exploring more creation of choreography adding in elements of partnering and production. Dance history and its relevance to today will be discussed. Dancers, athletes, gymnasts, cheerleaders, or any other movers may take this class after taking Dance I or with teacher approval. Performing is required. Course may be audited.

Text and materials: No text required.    

Expectations: Dance II grades are based on individual improvement and achievements during the semester; participation, comprehension and effort being the most important factors.  Students are expected to wear clothing they can move in (sweats, shorts, t-shirts, etc) - dance clothing is not expected.  Students will have to perform for fellow students and complete written peer reviews and self reflections.

Theater I

Course #: FAO131   Grades: 9-12   Credits: .5   Length: Semester   Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

This course explores the world of theater. Students study many different aspects of theater, including: improvisation, pantomime and mime, the voice and diction, acting, the structure of drama, the varieties of drama, the evaluation of drama (reviews), and the history of drama. Students experiment with improvisation and pantomime, read plays, see various performances and write reviews, work on monologues and scene work, and do various projects with selected plays. 

Expectations: This is a hands-on course. Students are very active, and a willingness to participate is essential.

Scripts to Life

Course #: FAO130    Grades: 9-12   Credits: .5   Length: Semester   Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

Scripts to Life offers students the opportunity to craft theater through the process of writing, devising, acting, and directing.  Attention will be given to the basics of story-telling, script writing, script analysis, acting, and beginner production elements. In addition to staging original work, students will analyze other existing works including Shakespeare. Ultimately, students will engage in writing, analysis, and performance techniques that will help bring theater off the page and onto the stage. 

Expectations: This is a hands-on course. Students are very active, and a willingness to participate is essential.