Performing Arts Courses

Credit: 1/2 (Fine Arts Credit)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective Course
Prerequisite: None
Fee: No

Music Appreciation is for the student who is interested in the history and inner workings of western and non-western music, as well as a better understanding of the global community and its cultures. Topics include composers, time periods, genres, cultures, etc.

Credit: 1/2 (Fine Arts Credit)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective Course
Prerequisite: None
Fee: Yes

Music Theory is for the student who wants to learn the basic workings of music.  Students will be writing music by the end of the course. This is a detailed study of music, so learners, ideally, have some background in traditional music training, but it is not required.

Credit: 1 (Fine Arts Credit)
Grades: 11, 12
Elective Course
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation suggested to ensure course readiness.
Fee: Yes

This college-level music course follows the syllabus established by the College Board. Topics covered include basics of all composition, including harmony, melody, rhythm, musical form and analysis, sight singing, and ear training. Concepts covered in this course are equivalent to the study completed by college freshmen music majors. Recommended for serious music students only. 

Credit: 1 (Fine Arts Credit)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective Course; Co-Curricular
Prerequisite: None
Fee: Yes

Emphasis will be placed on improving technical skills, musicianship, ensemble training and interpretive and group performance skills.  Musical literature is varied and includes all styles from Baroque to Contemporary.  Attendance at out of class rehearsals and performances are viewed as an extension of the classroom and are required.  Ensembles include Concert Orchestra, Prelude Orchestra, Sinfonia and Chamber Orchestra.  Auditions will be used to determine placement in the advanced ensembles.  This course is repeatable.

Credit: 1/2 (Fine Arts Credit)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective Course; Co-Curricular
Prerequisite: None
Fee: Yes

This course is designed for the beginning theatre student interested in an introduction to theatre, acting, and technical production. Topics include beginning acting technique, an introduction to technical theatre, and world theatre history. The course will also address theatre safety, careers in theatre, as well as theatre etiquette and appreciation.  Students will read and analyze dramatic writing and are required to attend a performance of a school theatre production. 

Credit: 1/2 (Fine Arts Credit)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective Course; Co-Curricular
Prerequisite: Intro to Theatre
Fee: Yes

An active exploration of movement, vocal performance, and improvisation through performances of monologues and scene work. Students will learn to play dramatic action honestly and believably, using contemporary and classical texts. Course work includes exercises and improvisations exploring awareness, relaxation, observation, the senses, voice, and physical and emotional life.

Credit: 1/2 (Fine Arts Credit)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Elective Course; Co-Curricular
Prerequisite: Intro to Theatre
Fee: Yes

A project-based course exploring lighting, sound, set construction, costuming, make-up, and properties through hands-on, real-life skills. Students will study the “behind-the-scenes” work and the importance of technical theatre in a production, as well as implement their skills in hands-on projects.

Credit: 1/2 (Fine Arts Credit)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Elective Course; Co-Curricular
Prerequisite: Intro to Theatre
Fee: Yes

In-depth and advanced areas of theatre studies, such as Musical Theatre, Directing, Costuming and Make-up, Dramatic Literature, and Black, Indigenous, and Peoples of Color (BIPoC) Theatre Studies. The annual offerings are based on student interest and needs. Students will critically inquire into dramatic and technical processes, and/or societal or cultural contexts and theories, deepening their understanding of theatre as a whole and their personal work.  This course is repeatable. 

Credit: 1/2 (Fine Arts Credit)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Elective Course; Co-Curricular
Prerequisite: Acting or Stagecraft; or Co-requisite: Acting or Stagecraft; and Application/Audition
Fee: Yes

Advanced theatre students will refine their craft in Acting or Stagecraft collaboratively by producing or devising a play, musical, or scenes for an audience. This course challenges students in organizing and developing drama processes while deepening their understanding of what goes into producing a show with minimal rehearsals outside of class. It is ideal for students working on individual skills in leadership, design, and character through a shared creative performance in front of an audience. Some dress rehearsals and performances are required outside of class time.  This course is repeatable.