For Grade 10
Technical Theatre
This course covers the important concepts of technical production primarily through hands-on experience. The students learn about the principles and basic operation of theatrical lighting, audio and video systems, theatrical rigging, the theatrical production process and technical theater's role in it, and workplace safety. Participation in school plays and Cabaret is encouraged but not required.
Visual Thinking and Community, Motion Pictures
In this course, students develop their understanding of the basic guidelines of composition, using the principles and elements of two-dimensional design in relationship to both space and time. An emphasis is placed on time-based art making techniques such as performance, animation, film, video, photography and projection. Using a variety of film and video media, students complete projects that include movie making, media literacy, performance art and animation. The goal for each project is for students to gain experience with new or familiar material, develop a strategy for completing a piece of artwork, and incorporate an art historical reference, or contemporary cultural critique. The class includes at least two field trips to a local art center and participation in the Flick Fest student film festival.
Fashion Laboratory
This course emphasizes learning to think creatively to gain a better understanding of the history of fashion as a voice for the people it clothes. In this maker's space, students will receive an introduction to sewing, both by hand and machine. Previous sewing experience is not required. Sketches and concept boards will inform three-dimensional sculptural pieces constructed from both fabric and nontraditional materials. The introduction of multicultural and historical content through the examples of contemporary and influential historical designers will inspire students to respond with designs of their own in a strong classroom community. Field trips, guest speakers and class discussion will introduce issues of identity, race and gender politics and the environmental effects of the garment industry as we discuss how, when, where and why we wear what we wear.
Acting Styles
Through improvisation, acting exercises and scene work, we will explore how acting styles have emerged from different cultures and time periods. Expect to be on your feet as we learn to understand our own physical traits so we might outwardly express the emotional life and thought process of a fictional character. We will begin with self-awareness, focusing on relaxation, flexibility, alignment, centers and creative movement. We will continue with an exploration of theater forms including Commedia dell'arte, Elizabethan theater, Absurdist Theater and Epic Theater.