The Department of Public Instruction
Theatre Arts I promotes learning the essential vocabulary and processes of theatre as well as reading, writing, and researching theatre literature, acting and technical theatre. Acting experience in this course, addressed in goal 2, includes exploring the concepts of self, body and voice work, improvisation, acting techniques, and reading and writing related to theatre study. In addition, students learn about and reflect on aspects of theatre through history and in different cultures, as well as the various forms of theatre and theatre-related media. Students have opportunities for practical application of knowledge in informal productions. This course develops creativity and spontaneity in those students wanting to explore theatre, as well as those who wish to commit to a theatre program. Students create a portfolio or collection of their work and related activities that can grow as a result of subsequent theatre arts courses.
Theatre Arts II follows Theatre Arts I and is for students who wish to continue their exploration of theatre arts. It is a more detailed study of theatre vocabulary, reading and writing of theatre literature, acting, and technical theatre. The acting experience in Theatre Arts II furthers the exploration of the concepts of self, body and voice work, improvisation, acting techniques, and reading and writing. In addition, students analyze and critique work developed by themselves or other students, as well as that generated throughout history and in various cultures. This course develops students' knowledge base, expands their understanding of theatre, and begins the application of learning in forms of theatre and theatre-related media through informal and formal productions. Students continue to add to their portfolio or collection of their work and related activities to illustrate their growing comprehension of theatre arts.
Theatre Arts III follows Theatre Arts II and is for students who wish to continue to study and develop their knowledge of theatre arts on a more challenging level. This course involves the applied study of theatre vocabulary, reading and writing of theatre literature, acting, and technical theatre. Acting experience in Theatre Arts III continues and refines the exploration of the concepts of self, body and voice work, improvisation, acting techniques, and reading and writing. In addition, students begin to practice individual analysis and critiquing of student work to develop a personal understanding of theatre arts by utilizing the knowledge base gained in previous study. Theatre study at this level places a greater emphasis on the execution of skills, ensemble work, and collaboration with other student artists. Students use a wider variety of theatre literature and styles from theatre history and various cultures in forms of theatre and theatre related media through informal and formal productions. Students continue to add to their portfolio or collection of work and related activities to illustrate their growing understanding of accomplishments in theatre arts.
Theatre Arts IV follows Theatre Arts III and is for students who wish to complete the broad-based study of theatre arts. Through more independent study and increased production responsibilities, study in Theatre Arts IV involves the application of expertise prepared for and acquired in previous theatre arts studies. Analysis of theatre processes, self-motivation, personal discipline and more demanding projects in directing, design, and writing are emphasized. The acting experience in Theatre Arts IV concludes the exploration of the concepts of self, body and voice work, improvisation, acting techniques, and reading and writing. Independent work in this course develops commitment, helps students form aesthetic judgements and refine artistic choices. Students finish and evaluate their portfolio, or collection of their work and related activities, to illustrate their learning, experiences, accomplishments and growth in theatre arts.
Technical Theatre I and II classes learn set construction and desigz,
lighting design and implementation, property organization and creation, scenic painting, program and publicity
design, costume design and construction, and stage make-up.