Upper School Curriculum Guide

Public Speaking is a practical course designed to offer the novice speaker a number of opportunities to organize and prepare public speaking assignments within the confines of a safe and supportive space . In business, in school, and in public life, we are often called upon to “make a few comments.” Often, people tasked with such speeches become flummoxed. They might not know what to talk about, or ramble without making a point, or simply be confusing to listen to. This course is designed to help you shine where others falter. The course aims to reduce students’ anxiety in public presentations, emphasize speech preparation, enhance public speaking skills, and make students better able to evaluate their own performance and that of others. (1/2 unit, fall & spring, grades 9-12, no prerequisite, grants ½ Arts credit)

Improv seeks to expand the student's capability for spontaneity, flexibility of thought, creativity, communication and teamwork through the use of theatre games and specifically structured improvisation exercises as seen on Saturday Night Live and Second City. No previous acting experience is necessary for this course. Every level of performer or non-performer will have something to contribute and learn from this experience. Topics such as non-verbal communications, staying positive, building on ideas offered by others, and developing narratives will be explored throughout this class. This course meets twice a cycle. (¼ unit, fall & spring, grades 9-12, no prerequisite, grants ¼ Arts credit)

This course is designed to use the craft of acting as the vehicle through which students explore and develop essential skills professionals need in the 21st century workplace. Through the study of film and stage acting, students are encouraged to problem solve, take risks, embrace and learn from mistakes, and persevere towards innovation. The course fosters a lifelong love of learning, investigates important 21st century skills through acting, and provides daily opportunities to build confidence and work collaboratively. This course is equally appropriate for students interested in exploring acting for stage and film for the first time and those with previous experience. (½ unit, fall & spring, grades 9-12, no prerequisite, grants ½ Arts credit)

In this advanced-level course, students will build upon the fundamentals learned in Acting for Stage & Film in order to explore their voice as a developing artist. Over the course of 18 weeks, students will participate in projects and activities that further strengthen their ability to take risks, make bold choices, and express themselves with confidence and clarity. Advanced Acting for Stage and Film puts a heavy emphasis on scene-work, text analysis, listening as an actor and deconstructing human behavior. Students will also explore the art and science of comedic acting, and how to effectively direct a scene. After taking Advanced Acting for Stage and Film, students will be better able to examine text, read “between the lines” and form a better understanding of characters and their motivations. They will advance their ability to collaborate in small groups and express themselves vocally and physically. The skills and concepts emphasized in Advanced Acting for Stage and Film will prep them for the next phase of the drama curriculum (Play Production) and prepare them to become a responsible, caring citizen in our global community. (½ unit, fall & spring, grades 9-12, no prerequisite, grants ½ Arts credit. Department approval required)

This honors course is designed to build on the skills of the Acting for Stage & Film classes. Working with the speed and skill of a college level class, students continue to use the craft of theatre as the vehicle through which they explore and develop essential 21st century skills. Sophisticated presentation skills are developed through the rehearsal of a play for performance. The crafts of acting and directing are of primary focus, with additional exploration of dramaturgy, design, and technical theatre. Topics include audition techniques, in-depth text and character analysis, and formulating an artistic vision and how to realize that vision on stage. In this lab environment, students explore the creative process while concretely working on their communication skills, problem solving, gameness for risk taking, adaptability, productivity, and critical thinking skills. The course culminates in a fully produced show. (½ unit, fall & spring, grades 9-12, no prerequisite, grants ½ Arts credit. Department approval required)

In this course, students in the filmmaking and dramatic arts will come together to collaborate on a number of projects that set out to strengthen both skills in front of, and behind the camera. Throughout the semester, students will work with groups to get a taste of what it’s like to work on a professional film set. Class time will be split between hands on workshops, lectures, and time to film. At the end of the semester, students will be guided on how to submit their films to a variety of student film festivals, including the All American High School Film Festival. This is an interdisciplinary course with the Visual Art Department. (1 semester: ½ credit in EITHER Drama or Visual Art. Prerequisites: Intro to Video or Acting for Film and Stage)

Students in this course will explore modern technical theatre. New techniques in theater require the integration of complex electronics, physical sets, and sound and lighting design. Students will have the opportunity to research and learn about new and innovative approaches currently being used in the theatre, while simultaneously learning foundational concepts of sound and lighting and foundational concepts of coding. Students will collaborate with students in the drama department, building the design for scenes they are learning. This is an interdisciplinary course with the Computer Science Department. (1/2 unit, spring only, grades 9-12, no prerequisite, grants ½ Arts credit)