Drama

Drama I is designed to give a basic understanding and knowledge of theatre literature and history; to introduce the basic elements of voice, diction, and movement; and to provide opportunities for classroom scenes and the evaluation of performances.  Drama is a one semester course.  The outline below addresses either semester.

Drama II is designed for those students who have taken Drama I and are ready to put on a full length production as a class.  The focus of each month is the same as Drama I but in much more detail.  The production is student led and decision making is critical in this process.  Students learn to work as a team with reaching consensus as a goal, learn to give and take criticism, develop a character, create and design a set, work with sound and lighting equipment, develop an advertising scheme and produce their chosen production.

The course outline will be as follows:

August/January-Students will be engaged in whole group activities that will require 100% participation.  These will be activities that lead to acting on an individual basis.

September/February-Students will be expected to perform a sample of improvisation, pantomime, mime, monologue, and a scene for more than one person.

October/March-Students will be prepared to make short presentations before an audience.  They will begin discussing stage settings, building scenery, basic lighting principles, costuming and makeup.

November/April-Students will begin to prepare for a public presentation.  This will include discussion of producing, set design, costuming, lighting and makeup.

December/May- Students will critique their own performance as well as that of others giving constructive suggestions. Students will take part in a production that will produced during the semester they are enrolled.

Students will be responsible for theatre etiquette throughout the semester.  They will have several opportunities to write critiques of performances to be consistent with other disciplines.