Middle School Curriculum Guide

The function of drama in the fifth grade is for every student to have access to the basics of theater performance. Through a variety of improvisation exercises and scenes, students will work on building characters and telling clear and interesting stories. Students will also repeatedly practice being supportive and constructive audience members.

The class will be broken down into two units: Acting and Stagecraft. In the acting unit, students explore warm-ups, theater games, improvisation, and a variety of scenes. Following the acting unit, the students will have the opportunity to learn the art of stagecraft. With hands-on learning, students will discover the function of lighting design, plan and develop the sound design for a scene, as well as build and create sets and costumes. This semester-long class will culminate in a presentation of scenes that incorporate all technical elements learned in the course.

INTEGRATED PERFORMING ARTS (Two-trimester course, T1 and T2) – Music and Drama/Dance
Integrated Performing Arts is an exploration of the combined disciplines of music, dance, and theatre arts. The first trimester will focus on choral and musical theatre repertoire in preparation for a winter concert. Additionally, students will study drama and dance techniques through classes by learning choreography, acting, and song interpretation. The second trimester will focus on bringing all three disciplines together for their annual musical production. By exploring these three unified crafts, students will experience a well-rounded education in the performing arts.

INTRODUCTION TO IMPROV (T1, T2, or T3)
The objectives of this course are to discover the fundamentals of improvisational comedy, improve storytelling skills, learn techniques to think quickly, and to be more creative. This spirited, fun course is designed for any student who wants to learn the essentials of good scenic improvisation and improve teamwork and communication skills. Through coaching, warm-up exercises, creative performance games, and basic short-form scene-work, you will learn how to be more spontaneous, trusting, and cooperative and how to listen in a fun, creative atmosphere.

PLAY PRODUCTION (T1, T2, or T3)
This course is for students to expand upon the skills learned in 5th and 6th grade drama to engage in the production of a One-Act play. Classes are structured to provide students with the opportunity to produce a play from the ground up. The trimester will begin with One-Act selection, rehearsal planning, and an informal audition process. Each student will be expected and encouraged to contribute to the production through acting in the production or behind-the-scenes technical design and execution. As classes progress, students will work together to rehearse, design, and create a final performance. The trimester will conclude with a performance for friends and family.

DANCE LAB (T3 ONLY)
Dance Lab is a non-performance-based dance class in which students will have the opportunity to learn techniques from a variety of dance styles. These include jazz, modern, ballet, zumba, contemporary, improvisation, musical theatre dance, and more! Students will also have the chance to begin to create their own movement and dance vocabulary through dance composition exercises. All levels of dance experience are welcome!