Division:  Middle School

Department: Fine and Performing Arts:  Theater

Course Title/Code:  Theater     ARTTA400 

Course Description: This course investigates the development of character and the numerous tools an actor can use during the creative process. Emphasis is placed on the integration of breath, voice, and body, as well as movement and the physical demands of staging. Students also receive an introduction to the technical aspects of theater and a brief survey of the theater’s history and origins. Scenes from selected plays are used to help further the exploration of character and character relationships. 

Goals

Students’ work will focus on the integration of breath, voice, and body.  Students will also explore the use of movement and the physical demands of staging a scene or work.  Focus will also be placed on theatrical history and production.  Students will determine the role of theater in society as well as its influences.   

Skills

• Develop a respect for the art and the artist
• Fortify the use and understanding of our physical and vocal instruments
• Build self-esteem and confidence through both informal and formal presentations
• Investigate the role of theater in historical and contemporary society
• Determine the importance of ensemble and collaboration in the theater
• Explore the fundamentals of acting for stage and film, playwriting, and analysis

Activities/Content

• The Basic Elements of Ensemble: students develop improvisational skills as they explore the elements of Respect, Trust, Commitment, and Discipline.
• The Monologue: students use the lyrics of their favorite song as a springboard for exploring character, given circumstances, and performance technique.
• Acting for Film: students apply their past experiences to working both in front of and behind the camera.  Students learn acting techniques, film/video terminology, editing and camera skills, directing and writing, etc.
• Stage Combat: students explore unarmed and armed combat techniques for both stage and film under the guidance of a certified fight combatant/choreographer.  Students create and share fight combinations and apply their skills to scenes from original and/or published texts.
• Who’s Responsible?: students use published plays and essays to determine the role of theatre in society, its power, its shortcomings, and the influence the art form has on those who participate.

Assessment

• Students are evaluated weekly based on their in-class participation, preparation, and commitment to the ensemble ethic.
• Student presentations are graded using a number of criteria: peer evaluations, self-evaluations, and assignment-specific rubrics.
• Other assessment methods include: objective tests and quizzes, message board postings and other written assignments.

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