Speech and Drama Classes

Speech and drama classes meet during the school day, and work both independently and in conjunction with the productions put on by the drama department. Speech and Drama I-II students work largely in their classes, with the opportunity to learn about all the aspects of theater, and support the musicals and plays that the department puts on. The fall production is generally a drama or comedy performed by Speech and Drama III/IV students.

SPEECH & DRAMA I - 1 Credit towards graduation

Speech and Drama I is an introduction to speech arts and theater. The primary focus is on public speaking, and will include many categories of speech skills including impromptu, informative and persuasive speaking, oral interpretation or prose and poetry, special occasion speeches, and dramatic interpretation. Additionally, students will be introduced to drama through theater games and the study of dramatic literature with a focus on classic American playwrights.

SPEECH & DRAMA II- 1 Credit towards graduation

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Speech and Drama I or permission of the instructor.

Speech and Drama II takes a more in-depth look into theater and the craft of the actor. Study of the dramatic literature continues as the vehicle for the students to begin work on character analysis, motivation, and staging and blocking through the presentation of monologues and duo scenes. Other topics include Radio Plays, Readers Theater, and History of Theater. Study of dramatic literature with a focus on American classics will continue.

SPEECH & DRAMA III- 1 Credit towards graduation

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Speech and Drama II and permission of the instructor.

Speech and Drama III continues work on character creation and play study but expands into theater production with an emphasis on technical aspects. Students will learn about and be involved with main stage production aspects that include make-up, costumes, lights, props, sets, box office, and advertising. Other topics include study of varied acting and theater styles including Greek Theater, Shakespearean Theater, Commedia dell'arte, and Theater of the Absurd. Study of dramatic literature will continue and will include examples from these periods in theater.

SPEECH & DRAMA IV- 1 Credit towards graduation

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Speech and Drama III and permission of the instructor.

Speech Drama IV is an introduction to conceptual elements in production. Students will study theater as a creative process with emphasis on the perspectives of the director and designers. Projects will be designed for the specific talents of the group. Students will also work on building an individual audition repertoire for postgraduate involvement in theater. Continued study of dramatic literature will focus on contemporary playwrights and current advances in theater.