Theatre Arts Courses - General Education
Theatre Arts Appreciation (overview of all aspects of theatre) This course is a comprehensive study of all aspects in the theatrical process. The course brings awareness to acting and technical areas. Class activities include video and film study, basic acting skills, theatre history and exploration of career opportunities in all areas of the theatre.
Theatre Arts Classes – Acting Intensive
Theatre Arts I – Acting – (rigorous course of study in acting styles) - Students explore theatre as a comprehensive performing art from the actor’s perspective. Focus is on training of the actor’s instrument including voice, diction, stage movement, and introducing ensemble techniques. Shakespeare “First Folio” techniques are used for this course. The course culminates in polished performances before an audience.
Studio “A” – Acting - This is a year-long course that consists of students in Theatre II, III, III Honors, IV, IV Honors and Independent Study Theatre. This class provides intensive study for the advanced acting student. Students refine character development, vocal expression, improvisation and ensemble skills. This is a hands on studio style approach of teaching and students are evaluated on an individual as well as ensemble basis. Students must take Studio A in order to receive honors credit in theatre. To receive honors credit students must audition for and participate in all eligible whole school productions. (see requirements below) These students are also the core repertory performers for our educational matinee series.
Students taking Honors level theatre class are required to do the following to receive that credit:
-Take two consecutive theatre arts classes (one each term)
-Audition and participate fully in one main stage fall show and one main stage spring show.
-If a student is not cast in an acting role from the audition, he/she must participate fully in the technical aspects of the production as follows: 50 hours = A, 40 hours = B, 30 hours = C, 20 hours = D, below 20 hours = F.
-OR complete a dramaturgical research project discussed and assigned by the instructor
Studio “B” – Acting – This is a term long course that consists of students in Theatre II, III & IV. This course focuses on the training of the actor’s instrument including voice, diction, stage movement, and introducing ensemble techniques. This is a hands on approach of teaching and students are evaluated on an individual as well as ensemble basis. Honors credit is not offered in Studio B.
Theatre Arts Classes – Technical Theatre
Technical Theatre I– This course introduces students interested in all aspects of backstage work including but not excluded to lighting design, scenic design, sound design, make-up, costume design, and stage management. This class is the technical core for all classroom showcases, community events and Wakefield Theatre Company productions.
Studio “A” – Technical Theatre II & III – These courses further the study of all aspects of backstage work including but not excluded to lighting design, scenic design make-up, costume design, and stage management. This class is the technical core for all classroom showcases, community events and Wakefield Theatre Company productions.
HONORS credit may be earned for technical theatre students in Theatre III & IV. Students must sign up for the year long Studio “A” class in order to receive HONORS credit in technical theatre. HONORS students must complete an individual design project as well as taking on a crew chief position for one of the main stage productions.