Drama Courses
SPEAKING PROFESSIONALLY (Public Speaking)
Are you afraid and nervous in front of a group? Do college or job interviews give you nightmares? Do you want to go into a speaking profession like law and need to develop your poise and confidence? This course is recommended for every student in this school. Learn how to speak naturally in front of an audience and how to prepare for college interviews. This course will make public speaking fun. Video tape will be used for self evaluation. You will learn to support your ideas and opinions with research and evidence using the internet and conventional library resources.
1/2 unit of credit. No prerequisite. Meets 1/2 unit of Art/Music/Drama requirement
DRAMA (Full Year)
Acting is fun—performing before the class and discovering talents you may not have realized before! This course is designed to allow the student to develop performance skills. We will also delve into the history of theater and view productions of varying styles. All aspects of theater such as acting, directing, playwriting, scenery design, costumes, lighting and make-up will be explored in order to instill a deeper appreciation of the art of the theater and its relevance to our society today.
1 unit of credit. No prerequisite. Meets the requirement of one credit of Art/Music/Drama.
DRAMA I (Semester Course)
This is a shortened version of the full year class in Drama (see above). This course is recommended only for those students who can’t fit a full year of Drama I into their schedule.
1/2 unit of credit. No prerequisite. Meets the 1/2 year requirement of Art/Music/Drama.
DRAMA II - 1st Semester
This course is designed for the student who wishes to continue to study Drama, however, is not ready for the more advanced work of the Repertory Theater class. Games/improvisations and physical/vocal exercises will continue to serve as daily warm-ups for class. Beginning with simple exercises that require the observation and re-creation of a daily activity, we will progress to more advanced re-creations demanding greater insight. Building upon this work of behavioral observation and representation, we will begin to develop dramatic characters. Short scenes from representative plays will then be introduced as we learn the fundamentals of practical scene analysis.
1/2 unit of credit
DRAMA II
2nd Semester See above description.
1/2 unit of credit. Prerequisite - Drama I or approval of Department Chairperson.
DRAMA III – (Producing and Performing)
Is available on an independent study basis with an emphasis on stage management and production.
1/2 unit of credit. Prerequisite - Drama I or II.
REPERTORY THEATER – Full Year – Honors
In this class, students will continue to acquire the tools necessary to appreciate and practice Theater Arts on a more advanced level. We will continue to explore plays, not as literary texts, but as living documents to be experienced in real time. Each year, we will explore and perform passages from a variety of styles including ancient verse, Naturalism, American Expressionism and Absurdism. More advanced work on the Linklater voice-work progression will be introduced, leading to a greater openness and expressivity. We will explore the Director’s role in shaping the dramatic experience and providing it with meaning. In-class viewings and field trips will be planned in order to experience a range of dramatic performances and evaluate their differing styles. Exploration will include western and non-western performance styles.
1 unit of credit. Prerequisite – Drama I and approval by instructor
LIGHTING AND SOUND DESIGN (P.M.)
A course for students interested in the technological aspects of production, including basic lighting and sound design and implementation. This ―hands-on‖ course uses computers to do sound editing and lighting plot sequencing. Students will also have the opportunity to learn basic repair and installation of the equipment. Students are expected to contribute to school productions. The course will meet on a flexible schedule after school.
1/2 unit of credit No Prerequisite Meets requirement for 1⁄2 unit Practical Arts or Art/Music/Drama. This course meets the requirement for computer literacy.
STAGES
This course, developed by the Social Studies, English, Music, and Drama departments is for seniors who have a strong interest in the performing arts. The emphasis of the course is on the processes inherent in the composition of theatrical material, the examination, analysis, and creation of music and drama, and the development and production of a performable piece. Students will study literature, style, politics, economics, history, and the relationship among these disciplines.
STAGES is a three-period, three-credit course which meets the English and Social Studies requirements for the 12th grade. Students also receive an elective credit in the performing arts.
3 units of credit. Prerequisite – American History approval of STAGES faculty
TUNE IN!: Performance Workshop
Students will be coached in performance and interpretive practices using pop songs, music theater songs, jazz, rock and R and B along with their own original material. They will learn how to make the most of song lyrics, study musical material, and develop the skills required for a strong performance. The goal is to inspire students to invest emotionally, explore various styles, build performing confidence, and learn how to connect with an audience. The Duets, solos with backup groups, and small ensembles will be coached as well. The class will perform and present their work in various venues throughout the year.
To be offered jointly with the music department. 1/2 unit of credit Available for grades 10 – 12 only
Are you afraid and nervous in front of a group? Do college or job interviews give you nightmares? Do you want to go into a speaking profession like law and need to develop your poise and confidence? This course is recommended for every student in this school. Learn how to speak naturally in front of an audience and how to prepare for college interviews. This course will make public speaking fun. Video tape will be used for self evaluation. You will learn to support your ideas and opinions with research and evidence using the internet and conventional library resources.
1/2 unit of credit. No prerequisite. Meets 1/2 unit of Art/Music/Drama requirement
DRAMA (Full Year)
Acting is fun—performing before the class and discovering talents you may not have realized before! This course is designed to allow the student to develop performance skills. We will also delve into the history of theater and view productions of varying styles. All aspects of theater such as acting, directing, playwriting, scenery design, costumes, lighting and make-up will be explored in order to instill a deeper appreciation of the art of the theater and its relevance to our society today.
1 unit of credit. No prerequisite. Meets the requirement of one credit of Art/Music/Drama.
DRAMA I (Semester Course)
This is a shortened version of the full year class in Drama (see above). This course is recommended only for those students who can’t fit a full year of Drama I into their schedule.
1/2 unit of credit. No prerequisite. Meets the 1/2 year requirement of Art/Music/Drama.
DRAMA II - 1st Semester
This course is designed for the student who wishes to continue to study Drama, however, is not ready for the more advanced work of the Repertory Theater class. Games/improvisations and physical/vocal exercises will continue to serve as daily warm-ups for class. Beginning with simple exercises that require the observation and re-creation of a daily activity, we will progress to more advanced re-creations demanding greater insight. Building upon this work of behavioral observation and representation, we will begin to develop dramatic characters. Short scenes from representative plays will then be introduced as we learn the fundamentals of practical scene analysis.
1/2 unit of credit
DRAMA II
2nd Semester See above description.
1/2 unit of credit. Prerequisite - Drama I or approval of Department Chairperson.
DRAMA III – (Producing and Performing)
Is available on an independent study basis with an emphasis on stage management and production.
1/2 unit of credit. Prerequisite - Drama I or II.
REPERTORY THEATER – Full Year – Honors
In this class, students will continue to acquire the tools necessary to appreciate and practice Theater Arts on a more advanced level. We will continue to explore plays, not as literary texts, but as living documents to be experienced in real time. Each year, we will explore and perform passages from a variety of styles including ancient verse, Naturalism, American Expressionism and Absurdism. More advanced work on the Linklater voice-work progression will be introduced, leading to a greater openness and expressivity. We will explore the Director’s role in shaping the dramatic experience and providing it with meaning. In-class viewings and field trips will be planned in order to experience a range of dramatic performances and evaluate their differing styles. Exploration will include western and non-western performance styles.
1 unit of credit. Prerequisite – Drama I and approval by instructor
LIGHTING AND SOUND DESIGN (P.M.)
A course for students interested in the technological aspects of production, including basic lighting and sound design and implementation. This ―hands-on‖ course uses computers to do sound editing and lighting plot sequencing. Students will also have the opportunity to learn basic repair and installation of the equipment. Students are expected to contribute to school productions. The course will meet on a flexible schedule after school.
1/2 unit of credit No Prerequisite Meets requirement for 1⁄2 unit Practical Arts or Art/Music/Drama. This course meets the requirement for computer literacy.
STAGES
This course, developed by the Social Studies, English, Music, and Drama departments is for seniors who have a strong interest in the performing arts. The emphasis of the course is on the processes inherent in the composition of theatrical material, the examination, analysis, and creation of music and drama, and the development and production of a performable piece. Students will study literature, style, politics, economics, history, and the relationship among these disciplines.
STAGES is a three-period, three-credit course which meets the English and Social Studies requirements for the 12th grade. Students also receive an elective credit in the performing arts.
3 units of credit. Prerequisite – American History approval of STAGES faculty
TUNE IN!: Performance Workshop
Students will be coached in performance and interpretive practices using pop songs, music theater songs, jazz, rock and R and B along with their own original material. They will learn how to make the most of song lyrics, study musical material, and develop the skills required for a strong performance. The goal is to inspire students to invest emotionally, explore various styles, build performing confidence, and learn how to connect with an audience. The Duets, solos with backup groups, and small ensembles will be coached as well. The class will perform and present their work in various venues throughout the year.
To be offered jointly with the music department. 1/2 unit of credit Available for grades 10 – 12 only
