Beginning Acting (Grades 9-12, IB MYP, Semester) is designed to help the student discover the power of their artistic imagination through a variety of theatre-based activities.  Creating safe space and group collaboration is at the foundation of all the work.  Students are introduced to improvisation, script work, character development, playwriting, and a variety of skills that enhance creativity, self-esteem, and cultural awareness.  Students use this knowledge to solve problems, communicate meaning, and define their own personal creative voice.  Students will regularly perform a variety of theatrical performances in class.  Prerequisite: None.

Intermediate Acting (Grades 9-12, IB MYP, Semester) develops complexity and the depths of skills acquired in Beginning Acting to solve problems, communicate meaning, and critically analyze theatrical works.  Though advanced theatre activities, students delve deeper into character development, playwriting, improvisation, and vocal and physical work.  Students will become familiar with directing in relation to set design, costuming, props, and audience perception of performance. Students will develop a critical sense of their own and other’ performance.  Intermediate Acting students may be expected to perform in a public performance at the end of the semester.  Recommended: Successful completion of Beginning Acting with a C or higher in both quarters or teacher approval.

Advanced Acting (Grades 11-12, Full Year) is a continuation of the skills acquired in Beginning and Intermediate Acting.  In this class, students will build on their performance skills by participating in advanced level improvisation, script work, and playwriting.  They will also focus on intense career preparation that includes creating a resume, photos, and taking part in mock auditions.  They will be immersed in their community by touring throughout the Twin Cities area and attending required field trips to professional theatre companies.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Beginning Acting and Intermediate Acting with a C or higher in all quarters or teacher approval. 

Introduction to Theatre Arts (Grades 9-12 , IB MYP, Semester) is a survey course that gives students an overview of theatre's influence on and reflection of a variety of cultures and societies, both current and historical.  Students will participate in activities, experiencing a range of skills used to create theatre productions.  Activities include, but are not limited to: storytelling, pantomime, improvisation, acting, stagecraft, backstage safety, and history.  Students will learn the value of interacting with a live audience and gain an appreciation for both performance and technical aspects of productions.

Musical Theatre (Grades 9-12 , IB MYP, Semester) is an advanced theatre course in which students prepare and perform a major musical production.  Prior to producing their show, students will learn about the historical and culrtural components of Broadway musicals.  Students will also learn about and be involved in the many production jobs needed to successfully produce a show (actors, performers, musicians, music director, singers, dancers, costumes, props, etc.).  Students will prepare for audtions and expolre set and costume design.  Prerequisite: This class is by audition or by teacher approval.

Theatre Improvisation (Grades 9-12 , IB MYP, Semester) is a course where students learn techniques to perform short-form improvisation.  Students will be introduced to and learn the rules of improvisation to develop characters and short scenes for performances.  Students will perform short-form improvisation games in front of an audience at the end of the course.

IB Theatre Arts (Grades 11-12 , IB DP, Full Year) is a multifaceted theatre-making course of study that gives students the opportunity to make theatre as creators, designers, directors, and performers.  Students will engage actively in the creative process, transforming ideas into action as inquisitive and productive artists.  Students will also gain knowledge through experimentation, the taking of risks, and  the presentation of ideas to others; experiencing theatre as a dynamic, collaborative, and live art form.  Students will learn to apply research and theory to inform and to contextualize their work.  Students will learn to appreciate the processes of researching, creating, preparing, presenting, and critically reflecting on theatre -- as participants and audience members.  Recommended: Successful completion of Beginning Acting with a C or higher in both quarters or teacher permission.