Performing Arts: Dramatic Arts

Cinema & Society
Grades 11 - 12
The purpose of this class is to encourage discussion, process, and write about art – in this case, one particular art form that we call film – and how it reflects the society in which we live. With the knowledge you gain from this class, you will watch film more critically and with a better understanding of how form and content are interrelated.

Drama
This course is a performance-based class that is designed to fulfill the California State Standards for Drama. Students will polish their theater knowledge through activities which guide their learning about character development, voice expression, stage terminology, and theater history. Class members will perform scenes from various periods in theatrical history, write plays, and explore characters and space through improv. Throughout the year we will explore the human condition, acting styles, and genres from modern drama times all the way to Shakespeare of the twentieth century. 

Drama Advanced
Grades 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Drama or instructor consent
Drama is fun; it is also hard work. This performance-based class is definitely a bit of both! This class is designed to fulfill the California State Standards for Drama. Students will polish their theater knowledge through activities that guide their learning about character development, voice expression, stage terminology, and theater history. Class members will perform scenes from various periods in theatrical history, direct group written plays, and explore characters and space through improv. We will perform a play at the end of the second semester to show our culmination of skills learned. Throughout the year we will explore the human condition through Shakespeare’s plays and many modern and contemporary playwrights.

Technical Theater
This course is a hands-on skill based class. Students will gain technical theater knowledge through activities that guide their learning about set design, set construction, painting techniques, lighting, costume design, and more. Class members will learn how a play transforms from written word to performance by helping to design and build sets for the fall musical and the spring play. Throughout the year students will be using power tools and various electrical equipment. It is imperative that all students practice theater safety, wear clothing that is comfortable, and are self-directed learners.