Course Descriptions
Technical Theatre
1 unit
Grades 10, 11, and 12
Prerequisite: a Fine Arts Credit
Students in Technical Theatre will gain a basic understanding of the creation of a theatre production from the technician’s perspective. This course will focus on the use of equipment and technology used to create performances. Students will study design theory, scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, and props. Students will do a wide variety of activities both as class exercises and for use in productions in the Black Box Theater and the Performing Arts Center.
Theatre I
1 Unit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: none
This is an introductory course designed to explore the process of creating theatre. Students will be exposed to different areas of theatre including theatre history, the fundamentals of acting including pantomime, voice and diction, and learning to memorize. They will also be introduced to the different areas of design such as costume, lights, sound and makeup. This course also requires students to see a theatrical performance of their choosing outside of school.
Theatre II
1 unit Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Theatre I and theatre teacher’s recommendation
This course is for students who are interested in developing their acting and production skills. Students who have experience in community, school, or church theatre, have completed Theater I and are interested in being an active part of the Dorman Theatre Department should request placement into Theatre II. The course will focus on the techniques, aspects and theories of acting through various activities including, pantomime, improvisation, script analysis, monologues and scene work. This class will also explore playwriting, and various production jobs such as stage management, and backstage crew. The course concludes with a class production allowing every student the opportunity to perform on stage.
Theatre III
1 Unit Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Theatre I, Theatre II andtheatre teacher’s recommendation
This course is for intermediate students who have demonstrated a mastery of basic acting and technical skills. Students will analyze written scripts for emotional, sensory and motivational information in order to perform effectively. Students will be expected to participate as performers and crew members in curricular theatre activities such as plays and competitions. Costs associated with trips and competitions will be the responsibility of the student but fundraising opportunities will be provided. This class will also focus on creating and performing children’s theatre. Students in this class will participate in the Dorman Theatre Department Touring Children’s Theatre Troupe as part of the class requirement. Attendance is crucial for this class and after-school rehearsals and set builds may be required. Qualifying Theatre III students may contract with the teacher to receive an honors credit for this course.
Theatre IV
1 Unit Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Theatre I, Theatre II and theatre teacher’s recommendation
In this production-oriented course students work constantly on plays that they will perform for the public and for competitions. This course is for advanced students who have demonstrated a mastery of basic acting and technical skills. Students will analyze written scripts for emotional, sensory and motivational information in order to perform effectively. Students will be expected to participate as performers and crew members in curricular theatre activities such as plays and competitions. Costs associated with trips and competitions will be the responsibility of the student but fundraising opportunities will be provided. This class will also focus on creating and directing their own performance piece that will be showcased at the end of the semester. Attendance is crucial for this class and after-school rehearsals and set builds may be required. Qualifying Theatre IV students may contract with the teacher to receive an honors credit for this course.
1 unit
Grades 10, 11, and 12
Prerequisite: a Fine Arts Credit
Students in Technical Theatre will gain a basic understanding of the creation of a theatre production from the technician’s perspective. This course will focus on the use of equipment and technology used to create performances. Students will study design theory, scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, and props. Students will do a wide variety of activities both as class exercises and for use in productions in the Black Box Theater and the Performing Arts Center.
Theatre I
1 Unit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: none
This is an introductory course designed to explore the process of creating theatre. Students will be exposed to different areas of theatre including theatre history, the fundamentals of acting including pantomime, voice and diction, and learning to memorize. They will also be introduced to the different areas of design such as costume, lights, sound and makeup. This course also requires students to see a theatrical performance of their choosing outside of school.
Theatre II
1 unit Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Theatre I and theatre teacher’s recommendation
This course is for students who are interested in developing their acting and production skills. Students who have experience in community, school, or church theatre, have completed Theater I and are interested in being an active part of the Dorman Theatre Department should request placement into Theatre II. The course will focus on the techniques, aspects and theories of acting through various activities including, pantomime, improvisation, script analysis, monologues and scene work. This class will also explore playwriting, and various production jobs such as stage management, and backstage crew. The course concludes with a class production allowing every student the opportunity to perform on stage.
Theatre III
1 Unit Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Theatre I, Theatre II andtheatre teacher’s recommendation
This course is for intermediate students who have demonstrated a mastery of basic acting and technical skills. Students will analyze written scripts for emotional, sensory and motivational information in order to perform effectively. Students will be expected to participate as performers and crew members in curricular theatre activities such as plays and competitions. Costs associated with trips and competitions will be the responsibility of the student but fundraising opportunities will be provided. This class will also focus on creating and performing children’s theatre. Students in this class will participate in the Dorman Theatre Department Touring Children’s Theatre Troupe as part of the class requirement. Attendance is crucial for this class and after-school rehearsals and set builds may be required. Qualifying Theatre III students may contract with the teacher to receive an honors credit for this course.
Theatre IV
1 Unit Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Theatre I, Theatre II and theatre teacher’s recommendation
In this production-oriented course students work constantly on plays that they will perform for the public and for competitions. This course is for advanced students who have demonstrated a mastery of basic acting and technical skills. Students will analyze written scripts for emotional, sensory and motivational information in order to perform effectively. Students will be expected to participate as performers and crew members in curricular theatre activities such as plays and competitions. Costs associated with trips and competitions will be the responsibility of the student but fundraising opportunities will be provided. This class will also focus on creating and directing their own performance piece that will be showcased at the end of the semester. Attendance is crucial for this class and after-school rehearsals and set builds may be required. Qualifying Theatre IV students may contract with the teacher to receive an honors credit for this course.