Classes

THEATRE CLASSES

SOUTH STAGE offers six classes in acting, technical theatre, and dramatic literature. These classes count toward the graduation requirement in Fine Arts, while Dramatic Literature counts as an English course. All instructors hold graduate degrees in Theatre and are experienced theatre practitioners, as well as certified teachers. The following course descriptions are from the 2006 Program of Studies at Newton South High School. Questions about these classes should be addressed to Mr. Knoedler or Mr. Honeyman (click Contact Us).

Entry into Honors sections requires the signature of the Director of Theatre. Honors sections require one significant independent project per semester beyond regular course requirements.

Introduction to Acting and Speech — Grades 9 -10
271 Periods per week: 2 Credits: 2 1/2 Weighting: 1

This course explores the basic skills of stage improvisation, scripted scene work, and interpretive speech. No experience is necessary, but a willingness to participate in improv games, acting exercises, and prepared readings and scenes is required. Some writing and memorization is necessary, but most work consists of in-class exercises and performance.

Intermediate Acting: Building a Technique—(Prerequisite: 271 or equivalent)
272 Periods per week: 2 Credits: 2 1/2 Weighting: 1
273 Periods per week: 2 Credits: 2 1/2 Weighting: H

This course offers students the tools to analyze text and develop unique performances independently of “the director.” Students read full length plays as a basis for acting projects, and use stage combat and stage dialects to expand their skills. Homework includes reading, memorization, and some writing.

Acting and Directing—(Prerequisite: 272/273 or equivalent)
274 Periods per week: 2 Credits: 2 1/2 Weighting: 1
275 Periods per week: 2 Credits: 2 1/2 Weighting: H

This course is designed for actors interested in putting their skills to work in short plays and budding directors interested in learning the basics. Students will learn directing skills including script analysis, concept development, staging, rehearsal management, and designer collaboration. Significant preparation outside of class is necessary. One workshop performance per semester is required.

Senior Acting Showcase—(Prerequisite: 274/275 or equivalent)
276 Periods per week: 2 Credits: 2 1/2 Weighting: 1
277 Periods per week: 2 Credits: 2 1/2 Weighting: H

This course is designed for senior actors who want to polish their skills for future training or performance. During the first semester, actors will prepare monologues and strengthen audition skills. During the second semester, actors will explore non-realistic performance styles. A strong foundation in acting and disciplined vocal and physical work are required to explore period acting styles such as Ancient Greek, Elizabethan, and Neo-classical. One workshop performance per semester is required.

279 Technical Theatre—Grades 9-12
Periods per week: 2 Credits: 2 1/2 Weighting: 1

This course is a survey of basic technical theatre techniques in scene design, set construction, light design, sound design, costume design, and make up application. Students learn various technical theatre skills by working on practical projects in support of South Stage productions such as building and painting sets, hanging and focusing lights, and programming the light board. No experience is necessary, but a willingness to use power tools is required.

Senior English: Dramatic Literature (First Semester Only)
232 Periods per week: 4 Credits: 2 1/2 Weighting: 1

This course is designed for the student who is seriously interested in the literature as well as performance. Rather than the craft of acting, students study plays, playwrights, literary styles, and their historical contexts. Students will explore six to eight plays, including a Shakespeare play, and develop writing skills with the personal essay and other analytical writing.

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