Credits: 1 Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Full Year Course (2 semesters)

This course is an introductory study in theatre. Students will study voice and diction, improvisation, pantomime, acting, structure of drama, evaluation of drama, theatre history, play production, stage scenery, state lighting, costuming, makeup, and oral interpretation/performance studies. In addition students will be expected to perform shorter and more sustained pieces to help them gain an appreciation for the art form and increase their ability to use writing as a form of critique. Students’ studies will culminate in a performance of a One Act as the final for the Spring Semester. Path: Arts and Communication, Human Services

Credits: ½ Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Semester Course (Fall)

A beginners course in theatrical design, construction, and production. Students will construct scenery, props, and costumes for main-stage productions. Students will apply artistic, technical, and dramatic principles and techniques to the communication of dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through technical theater methods. Academic units in sound engineering, staging, stage management and construction will accompany hands on experiential learning. Students will also explore careers in the technical theatre world. This course is a hands on course designed for the student who is interested in theatre, but doesn’t want to perform onstage. Theatre history, play script analysis, and dramaturgy are also explored as tools used by professionals in the industry. Students will develop technical skills transferable to other production/stage settings using technology, equipment, and materials. Path: Arts and Communication, Human Services

This course may be repeated for credit with instructor approval.

Credits: ½ Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Semester Course (Spring)

A beginners course in theatrical design, construction, and production. Students will construct scenery, props, and costumes for main-stage productions. Students will apply artistic, technical, and dramatic principles and techniques to the communication of dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through technical theater methods. Academic units in lighting design, staging, and costuming and make-up will accompany hands on experiential learning. Students will also explore careers in the technical theatre world. Students will also explore the marketing/business side of theatre. This course is a hands on course designed for the student who is interested in theatre, but doesn’t want to perform onstage. Theatre history, play script analysis, and dramaturgy are also explored as tools used by professionals in the industry. Students will develop technical skills transferable to other production/stage settings using technology, equipment, and materials. Path: Arts and Communication, Human Services

This course may be repeated for credit with instructor approval.

Credits: 1 ½ Grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre or Instructor Permission.

Advanced Theatre Arts I is based on the Missouri Academic Standards for Theatre. Students enrolled in Advanced Theatre Arts I read and analyze plays and apply criteria to make informed judgments. Students will draw on events and experiences to create scripted monologues and scenes that can be used to both entertain and educate the community and will also be used competitively in the theatre industry as well as the MSHSAA One-Act Play and Readers Theatre Competition. Students will create scenic designs for existing plays, develop technical theatre skills, and build characters through observation, improvisation, and script analysis. These activities should incorporate elements of theatre history, culture, analysis, response, creative process, and integrated studies. Students’ studies will culminate in a performance(s) of a One-Act or Readers Theatre that will be performed for the MSHSAA Speech & Dramatic Competition. Therefore, students must maintain MSHSAA eligibility. Students will also incorporate their learned skills to produce and perform a touring children’s show that will travel to local elementary schools. Additionally, students explore careers in theatre arts and begin to develop a portfolio of their work. They also will have the opportunity to attend and critique theatre productions outside of their school theatre department. This course may be retaken for credit. This course has a small fee of $10 to help offset the cost of rights for the shows.

Path: Arts and Communication, Human Services

This course may be repeated for credit with instructor approval.

Credits: 1 (3 Dual Credits through ECC) Grades: 11, 12

An appreciation course designed to give an introduction to contemporary theatre literature and design. This class will expose the student to the theatre experience through the reading and discussion of various scripts, viewing of productions, and the design and creation of theatrical projects. This is not a performance-based class. Literature selection is at the discretion of the instructor.

Path: Arts and Communication