Staples High School--Info--Course Descriptions--

THEATER

All Stage productions are an outgrowth of Theater Department classes. Students in the program have the opportunity of participating in major productions, as well as Studio Theater activities. During the eight-week period preceding a major performance, learning experiences in theater classes will reflect a curriculum related to the staging of productions. Students not enrolled in theater classes are not as well prepared to participate in such productions; however, they are invited to participate.

THEATER ONE: ACTING FUNDAMENTALS (681,682) 1/2 credit

Either semester

This first level course explores the fundamentals of acting as an art. Students are encouraged to explore their creativity while developing skills and taking theatrical risks. Activities include theater games geared toward achieving focus, improvisation, observation journals, and scene study.

THEATER ONE: ACTING FUNDAMENTALS (684) (2 days per week) 1/2 credit

Full year

This class meets two days per week for the full year. Students electing both Theater 1 and Freshman Chorus who have scheduling problems should choose Theater 1 (746) which meets opposite Freshman Chorus, on alternate days. This will allow both subjects to be scheduled during one period.

ADVANCED THEATER: ACTING FUNDAMENTALS (686) 1 credit

Full year

A course of study for the upper class student interested in expanding skill and knowledge in the area of acting technique and the study of theater as an art. Students will continue their journey toward creating characters, taking theatrical risk and exploring motivation through the theories of Stanislawski and Viola Spolin. Improvisation, scene work and study of Shakespeare will be primary activities. May be elected for credit each year.

ADVANCED THEATER: ACTING FUNDAMENTALS (688) (2 days per week) 1/2 credit

Full year

This class meets two days per week for the full year. Students electing both Advanced Theater and Staples Chorale who have scheduling problems should choose Advanced Theater(750) which meets opposite Staples Chorale, on alternate days. This will allow both subjects to be scheduled during one period.

ADVANCED THEATER: DIRECTING (690) 1 credit

Full year

Designed for students interested in the art of direction. Students will explore scene study and problem solving from the director’s point of view. All directors will participate in the One Act Play Festival and will be eligible to direct a Studio Theater Production, although registration in the course does not guarantee a spot in the season.

ADVANCED THEATER: COSTUME AND DESIGN (692) 1/2 credit

Second semester

Designed for students who are interested in creating costumes for the stage. While instruction will include sewing and drawing, there is no previous experience necessary. Whenever possible, lessons will be tied to the play/musical in production at that time.

STAGECRAFT: SCENE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION (694) 1/2 credit

First semester

Designed for students interested in the technical aspects of theater. Students will focus on the role of the artist as a designer of the setting and lighting. Instruction will include set design and construction, lighting and audio. Students will be expected to work on major productions throughout the year, as well.

STAGECRAFT 1 credit each quarter

Independent Study (after school), by contract. Full year

Designed for students interested in the technical aspects of theater. Students may concentrate on set design and construction, lighting, audio, photography, make-up, costumes, business and finance, etc. Students will complete an independent study contract with the Theater Technical Director for yearlong study. Whenever the student accumulates 60 hours of participation, he/she will receive a grade for that marking period worth 1/4 credit at the end of the year. Consequently, students can earn as little as 1/4 credit or as much as 1 full credit during the school year.