936 Acting and Play Study 

Gr 11- 12 | 3 Credits | Semester-Long | 5x per Cycle

*PREREQUISITE: Foundations of Acting and Improv and Actor's Workshop or approval of instructor.

This course will maintain the workshop structure aimed at dedicated acting students. Building on the foundations

established in Acting I and II, students will examine, investigate, and perform scenes that represent various genres

and eras in the history of theater. The repertoire will span from Greek Theatre to the Theatre of the 19th Century,

covering genres such as Shakespearean performances, French Comedies, and 19th Century Realism. In-class

activities will concentrate on the physicality and vocal skills of the actor. Students will deepen their training by

exploring Stanislavski's methods, emphasizing emotional and sensory memory as they develop a fully realized

character and prepare two classical monologues. Students will also curate their theater portfolio, including two

contrasting classic monologues, an actor’s resume, and a personal statement with reflection. Workshops will cover

essential monologue practices and effective audition strategies.

Essential Skills

The Wellesley Public Schools Performing Arts Program offers a comprehensive program of experiences for all students. Courses offered through the Performing Arts are grounded in the Massachusetts State Arts Framework Essential Skills and Standards; Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. 

Acting Courses Essential Skills:

Creating:      

• Students will organize and develop artistic ideas and work through an Artists’ Journal.  

• Students will refine and complete artistic works.

Performing:  

• Students will select, analyze and interpret artistic work for presentation through Scene Study and Monologue work.

• Students will convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work through the devising of original plays

• Students will develop and refine artistic techniques and work for the presentation of student-directed One Act Plays

Responding:

• Students will interpret intent and meaning in artistic work by reading plays presented at WHS and analyzing the text and then attending the performances. 

Connecting: 

• Students will relate artistic ideas and works to societal, cultural, and historical contexts to deepen understanding through the study of Social Justice and Documentary Theatre