Drama Courses 2008-09

Core Course
Introduction to Theatre (1 credit)
Open to grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Prerequisites: None.
This course will provide students with a general background in the history of theatre in various cultures, styles of production, the fundamentals of design, acting theory, theatre criticism, great plays and their genres, and artistic movements that have contributed to the way we understand theatre today. Attending some rehearsals and performances both at Schenectady High School and elsewhere in the local artistic community will be one component of the course. Introductory readings for much of the class will be taken from Edwin Wilson's The Theatre Experience.

Introductory Level
Acting I (1 credit)
Open to grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Prerequisite: None.
This course will focus on modern acting theory as developed through the teachings of Constantin Stanislavsky, Richard Boleslavsky, and others. Students will work independently on monologues and exercises as well as present scenes with others in the class. All participants will learn the importance of both giving and receiving constructive criticism. Readings will include Stanislavsky's An Actor Prepares as well as other technical texts. In addition, students will read a number of classic and contemporary plays that will be chosen for scene work.

Stage Production (1/2 or 1 credit)
Open to grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Prerequisite: None.
Stage production will introduce students to the fundamentals of stagecraft through work on projects related to actual productions being staged at Schenectady High School and in the local artistic community. Set construction, lighting, sound, costume, and stage properties will all be addressed from the design phase through the completed work. Some study of theatre history in each of these areas may be involved to provide a creative vocabulary and general background from which students will develop their own ideas.

Intermediate Level

Musical Theatre (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Core Course
This course will provide students with one full credit towards a three to five credit Fine Arts/Theatre focused sequence. This course will explore the history of the American Musical, the evolution of the art form and techniques related to performance of musical theatre through critical analysis and practical application of various techniques, exercises and organizational concepts. Through acting, singing and dancing, students will learn important skills and performance styles related to producing a successful musical. This course will provide students with an appreciation and understanding of this important art form developed primarily in 20th century America. All participants will learn the importance of both giving and receiving constructive criticism. In addition, students will read and watch a number of important musicals, including representative works from each decade from the 1940s to the 1990s, analyzing their structural components. Because performance is central to understanding this form, the course will culminate with students presenting a Musical Theatre Review in the spring. Students will also have the opportunity to see and critique several performances of professional and Community Theater throughout the year.

Playwriting (1/2 credit)
Open to grades 10, 11 and 12.
Prerequisite: Core Course and successful completion of English 9.
Introduction to Playwriting will provide students with a half credit elective selection or a requirement towards a three to five credit Fine Arts/Theatre focused sequence. When taken in combination with Introduction to Directing (either before, after or concurrently), this course offers students the opportunity to apply for Senior Seminar Credit in Theatre by proposing and successfully producing and directing a one act play open to the community. This course will explore the nature of playwriting through critical analysis and practical application of various playwriting techniques, exercises and organizational concepts. The effectiveness of these techniques will be evaluated in both existing theatre literature and students' own work. It is our goal to provide students with an appreciation and understanding of the process involved with playwriting and the stages of play development. All participants will learn the importance of both giving and receiving constructive criticism. Readings will include selections from Buzz McLaughlin's The Playwright's Process and from David Ball's Backwards and Forwards. In addition, students will read a number of contemporary and classical plays, such as The Wild Duck and Hamlet, analyzing their structural components, as well as a number of theater reviews from The New York Times. The course will culminate with students writing ten-minute plays and having them featured in a staged reading festival. Students will also have the opportunity to work with professional playwrights, as well as seeing and critiquing several performances of professional and Community Theater throughout the semester.



Advanced Level
Acting II (1 credit)
Open to grades 10, 11, and 12.
Prerequisite: Acting I.
This course will build upon the skills taught in Acting I, and will provide opportunities for preparing longer scenes. Acting theory will be further developed, and time will be spent refining the critical skills that were introduced in Acting I. Students will prepare several one act plays, and a performance of these works will serve as the culminating activity for the course.

Actors' Studio III (1 credit)
Open to grades 11 and 12.
Prerequisite: Acting II.
The final course in a three level series exploring the art of acting emphasizes advanced development of the voice and body as acting instruments. Students in Actors' Studio III must be self-motivated and serious about acting in order to benefit from the class as well as make a positive contribution to it. Instruction will include student directed vocal and physical exercises, relaxation techniques, and scene work. Students will work on advanced ensemble acting techniques, monologue performance, script analysis, and learn about the realities of business related to working as a professional actor.

Directing (1/2 credit)
Open to grades 10, 11 and 12.
Prerequisite: Core Course, Acting I, and Successful Completion of English 9.
Introduction to Directing will provide students with a half credit elective selection or a requirement towards a three to five credit Fine Arts/Theatre focused sequence. When taken in combination with Introduction to Playwriting (either before, after or concurrently), this course offers students the opportunity to apply for Senior Seminar Credit in Theatre by proposing and successfully producing and directing a one act play open to the community. This course will explore the nature of directing through critical analysis and practical application of various techniques through student directed scenes from both contemporary and classical drama. This course will provide students with an appreciation and understanding of the role of a director and the evolution of a theatrical production from its initial planning stages to the opening performance. All participants will learn the importance of both giving and receiving constructive criticism. In addition, students will read a number of contemporary and classical plays, as well as a number of theater reviews from The New York Times. The course will culminate with students directing short plays; (either published or unpublished scripts may be submitted to the instructor for approval). Students will also have the opportunity to meet and learn from professional directors, as well as seeing and critiquing several performances of professional and Community Theater throughout the semester.