Theatre Arts I
Ten Credits
Open to Grade 9
PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION: This class is designed for the student with little or no experience in theatre arts. The curriculum covers the history, application and appreciation of theatre, through on-your-feet improvisation and scene work; acting terminology, theatre history (primitive society to current day); watching and reviewing plays; composing and reciting a Shakespearean sonnet; vocal dynamics; and the discussion of current events. The semester-long ‘Creative Research Project’ is a major component of the final grade, and covers research techniques, outline, bibliography, essay writing and independent study skills. The project culminates in an oral presentation where the student ‘teaches’ the class what he has learned about his topic with the help of show and tell objects/presentation aids. This course meets the University of California requirement type F.

Introduction to Acting
Ten Credits
Open to Grade 11 and 12
PREREQUISITES: None

DESCRIPTION: This course is a “how to” for beginning actors, where students learn aspects of the craft and work to gain confidence and ease expressing themselves in front of others. Students study terms and techniques, get up on their feet and “do,” and participate in character development vis-à-vis scene study, audition, lip sync, & on-camera techniques. The class encourages imagination, spontaneity, and risk-taking. Activities & exercises include: Character Walk/Observational Analysis/Integrated Character; Rock Star lip-sync; Newscast videotaping; Script Analysis; Rehearsal & Performance; Improvisation; Shakespearean Sonnet; written compositions & reviews; and oral opinions. This course meets the University of California requirement type F.