Theatre

Fall 2024

(Satisfies Fine Arts Graduation Requirements)

Introduction to Stage Makeup: Dive into the captivating world of theatre makeup where brushes become wands of transformation. From subtle enhancements to dramatic characterizations, discover the secrets behind creating mesmerizing stage personas. Learn techniques for age, fantasy, and special effects makeup while mastering the art of contouring, highlighting, and color theory. Join us for hands-on sessions and unlock the power to bring any character to life under the spotlight. Unleash your creativity and let your imagination take center stage!

Acting for the Camera: Students in this class will learn the various techniques of film performance and how it differs from performance for the stage.  Camera acting techniques, vocabulary, and approaches will be studied and incorporated into practical filmed experiences directed by students in the film production class.

Punches, Slaps, and Kicks - Oh My! - The Art of Unarmed Stage Combat: Students will learn the fundamentals of unarmed stage combat focusing on safety and the creation of “realistic illusion” and storytelling. Participants will learn various punches, kicks, slaps, pulls, holds, slams, strikes, and blocks as well as the proper and safe way to fall. The learning of combat vocabulary and terminology will also be required. The class will culminate in the presentation of a choreographed unarmed fight on stage. Counts for PE credit

Swashbuckling - Beginning Stage Combat: Students will learn the fundamentals of sword handling and combat with specific emphasis on the weapon of choice during the Renaissance, the rapier. Students will learn the proper positions, stances, footwork, attacks and parries necessary to create an effective and safe combat scene on stage. Participants will be required to learn basic history of the sword and its usage in the culture of the period as well as the classical combat terms utilized in training. The class will culminate in the presentation of a choreographed sword fight. Counts for PE credit

Beginning Comedy Improv: Students in this course will learn basic techniques of performing improv in the style of “Whose Line Is It Anyway.” The elements of comic theory, ensemble techniques and performance approaches will be emphasized. A variety of improv games will be played weekly. Students will present a live improv performance  at the end of the semester.

Mythology in Musicals: Students in the course will study the major works of musical theatre that have a direct connection to World Mythology. Among the works to be covered are: Hadestown, Hercules, Little Mermaid, Frozen, Peter Pan, Camelot, and The Frogs. Aspects of the original mythos will be examined prior to viewing of the musical and discussion of the various connections and distortions which exist between the original myths and the musical adaptations.

Theatre History 1 - Prehistory to the Renaissance: Theatre is the oldest of all art forms.  Where did Theatre originate?  What were its earliest forms? How did early theatre influence the theatre of today? Students in this course will learn about the beginnings of theatre, the first formal theatre of ancient Greece, the rediscovery of theatre during the Middle Ages and the golden age of Shakespeare and the Renaissance. Each unit studied will culminate in an artistic or performance project about the theatre of the time period.

Improvaissance on Tour: This course will continue the study of comedy improvisation with those  students who are current members of the Renaissance Improv troupe IMPROVAISSANCE. The focus will be on preparation for and presentation of performances and workshops for elementary and middle school students in the area. PREREQUISITE: Instructor permission required