Courses & Clubs

Acting and Directing is a semester course introducing students to the art and methods of acting, eras of performance history, acting for camera, and the fundamentals of technical theatre, with emphasis on critical thinking, perception, observation, and self-actualization; students develop basic vocal and physical skills for on- and off-camera work through engaging hands-on projects and individual and group activities—such as improvisation, acting techniques, technical and production processes, media skills, performance analysis, entertainment history, memorization techniques, and ensemble building—and demonstrate learning through class performances, assessments, and creative activities while being encouraged to participate in theatre festivals and Spartan Theatre performances. Acting Techniques extends Acting and Directing by enhancing perception, interpretation, and performance: students sharpen script interpretation, production-process essentials, and reflective evaluation of their own and others’ work, continue study of improvisation, acting methods, staging, character analysis, and ensemble building, and add directing, producing, and playwriting skills; they apply these skills in Spartan Theatre productions, rehearsals, and class multimedia projects, increasing their likelihood of securing roles, and are required to participate in Spartan Theatre performances each semester and in theatre festivals.

Stagecraft: Advanced Technology is a year-long course that emphasizes technical practice, production, and management of live entertainment for students who want to be involved in technical production; it introduces a variety of technological practices seen in today’s entertainment industry and gives students hands-on experience with elements of design—scenery, lighting, props, costumes, and sound—while integrating cross-curricular disciplines to build communication, organization, and creativity skills through practical assignments and assessments; students are required to participate in live performances each semester and to submit work for theatre festivals. Stagecraft: Production Technology & Safety is a yearlong class that allows students to develop advanced skills with industry technology and safety protocols, including learning and observing OSHA safety standards to ensure proper workplace practices and injury prevention; students apply technical knowledge in a hands-on, industry-standard environment by creating designs for shows and helping run live productions, gaining experience on sets, costumes, lights, and sound, with the opportunity to be assessed on the USITT BACKstage Exam to evaluate readiness for post-secondary technical theatre activities, and students are required to participate in live performances each semester and to submit work for theatre festivals.

Performance Portfolio is an extension of the Advanced Acting & Directing class. Students who have reached this level are expected to showcase their talents and knowledge in leadership positions within the department. At the highest level, individualized instruction is given to satisfy student needs.The student’s artistic perception and analytical abilities are sharpened and applied through acting and directing responsibilities. Portfolio students are expected to take leadership roles in class and in Spartan Theatre productions. They are expected to apply their skills to Spartan Theatre productions, in school and after school rehearsals, and multi-media class productions. Students enrolled in theatre courses have a greater likelihood of securing roles in Spartan Theatre productions. Students are required to participate in Spartan Theatre performances each semester and are required to participate in theatre festivals.