List of 5 items.

• Introduction to Theater

  The objective for this course is to provide students with an understanding of the development of written and performed drama, with a focus on its roots in ancient Greece, the Shakespearean era, and present-day musical theater.

   

  Beginning with an exploration of the theater space and the aforementioned historical examination, the course progresses to more “hands-on” aspects of the art form.

   

  The next areas of focus are the technical aspects of theater. With emphasis on set building safety, students learn the proper use of tools used in the scenic building trade and dabble in scenic painting techniques. Students move on to basic costume construction techniques.

   

  The remainder of the course focuses on Training for the Speaking Voice. This basic building block of the acting trade proves beneficial for every student. Using the work of Kristin Linklater, the goal is to provide students with a solid basis in clear vocal production and text analysis for public speaking and performance.

• Acting I

  This course is designed to provide the student actor with the beginning tools of voice, movement, and acting technique. Beginning with a focus on healthy vocal production and physical relaxation, students progress into the development of a personal acting technique using methods developed by Robert Cohen. The final exercise of the year is a unit of basic stage combat and safety.

• Acting II

  The course enhances a student actors' development and personal technique by exploring three major styles theater: early-Realism with Henrik Ibsen, High Comedy using the principles of Maria Aitken, and William Shakespeare.
  
  The course begins with Ibsen, examining the plays “A Doll House” and “Hedda Gabler.” Students research and present on various topics pertinent to the plays of study. Maintaining an actors journal adds to the depth and honesty required for this style of theater and is displayed in a scene from the students assigned play.
  
  Following 19th-century Realism is a study of High Comedy using the Maria Aitken text and touching on comic styles from English Restoration to Noel Coward. Throughout the year we devote time to dialect work, with a focus on English Received Pronunciation and Cockney. The dialects are used regularly in our study of High Comedy. Finally, each student selects, prepares, and presents a Shakespeare speech.

• Acting III

  In Acting III, the student actor is expected to continue to hone their personal acting technique and put it to use in the self-motivated preparation of a great deal of practical work.

   

  With a focus on contemporary theater, students work through a number of new plays, analyzing them as in a real rehearsal process (ie “table work sessions”). The final project has students on their feet, exploring one of the plays for in-class studio production.

• Stage Craft

  The goal of this course is for the student actor to develop an understanding of the design and construction aspects used in theater. Through presentations, students see the development of the art form and learn about its luminaries. Through practical work, students learn fundamentals of set shop safety, tool usage, and scenic construction and painting.

   

  Following the work in the scenic shop, the course moves into costume shop technique and construction. Additionally, students work on the Winter Musical and Spring Drama with portions of the set and costume designs being used as the basis for practical learning experiences.