Theatre Arts

Theatre I

Course Code:

Prerequisite: None

Elective

1 Credit

In this course students will explore theatre as an ensemble art by developing communication strategies, collaborating to implement personal artistic choices and respecting the ideas and viewpoints of others. Students will create and strengthen trust and expand listening skills through participation in theatre games and improvisations (e.g., solo and group dramatizations, portrayals of characters in conflict, experiments in rhythm and imagery, pantomimes). Students will demonstrate the skills necessary to perform theatrical works by creating and maintaining an imagined reality using the body and voice as expressive tools and employing diction and projection. The student will apply the creative process in storytelling, playwriting, and acting by creating and writing a monologue and/or scene, analyzing the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of characters, employing voice, body, and imagination in role playing, presenting a memorized monologue and/or scene from a published work. The student will demonstrate theatrical direction, including blocking and staging a scene. The student will become familiar with the principles of technical theatre and theatre management.

Theatre II

Course Code:

Prerequisite: Theatre I

Elective

1 Credit

In this course students will refine skills learned in Theatre I and use these skills to create theatre projects and productions through collaboration,respecting the ideas and points of view of others. Students will continue to create and strengthen trust through participation in theatre games and improvisations that incorporate dialogue and listening skills to express character relationships. Students will apply principles of directing by selecting scenes and participating in script analysis, casting, staging, and rehearsing. Students will communicate directorial choices, including pacing, mood, concept, and style employing ethical standards in script selection, revision/adaptation, and presentation. Students will demonstrate mastery of theatre production by assisting with a live production.

Theatre III

Course Code:

Prerequisite: Theatre II

Elective

1 Credit

In this course students will build on skills learned in Theatre I and II. Theatre III students will be expected to employ self evaluation and critique.  Playwriting/Analysis and Directing become a focus for this level as well as greater responsibility for class ensemble work. Students in Theatre III will make production decisions for live JHHS performances and many become officers in Drama Club and participate in the VHSL One Act Competition. 

Theatre IV

Course Code:

Prerequisite: Theatre III

Elective

1 Credit

In this course, students will build on Theatre I, Theatre II, and Theatre III by adding career and college connections which may include portfolio work for college auditions. Theatre IV students will assist as student directors and play a major role in show selection and venue choices.

Technical Theatre I

Course Code:

Prerequisite: None

Elective

1 Credit

In this course, students will be exposed to aspects of technical theatre including; lighting, sound, design, construction, painting, prop construction, costume creation and promotional materials. The goal of this class will be to provide support for real life projects in the building and to give students a look at careers in theatre tech.

Technical Theatre II

Course Code:

Prerequisite: Technical Theatre I

Elective

1 Credit

In this course, students will expand on the skills learned in Technical Theatre I.  Students will have greater proficiency and autonomy on lighting and sound equipment.  Students will additionally have opportunities for leadership roles in performance events.  Technical Theatre II Design will include aspects of project management. The objective of this course is to provide students with marketable skills in Tech to enhance collegiate life or to apply directly in the workforce.