Theatre

THEATRE

Theatre I (Freshmen)

Code: JMW980

This course will provide theatre students with an introduction to the theatre arts and provide a stable foundation upon which future courses will grow.  Students will explore how the theatrical tradition began in the western world. Beginning with the Greeks and ending with Shakespeare, students will read dramatic literature and explore a wide variety of source documents in an effort to discover the relevance of theater through the ages.  Students will also develop, communicate, and sustain believable characters through the study and performance of scenes and monologues from a variety of theatre styles. Improvisation games and workshops will improve collaborative skills.  Students will learn to critique both formal and informal theatrical productions. Students will learn to speak with clarity and increase awareness of their physical self. Students will analyze and critique professional and nonprofessional theater performances.

Theatre II (Sophomores)

Code: JMW981

Students will continue to develop skills and techniques from Theatre I.  Students will explore script writing through workshops that enable them to draft, edit, stage readings, and ultimately perform. Students continue to will explore how theatre developed in the western world; focusing on Moliere, English Restoration through early melodrama and end with realism and Chekov.  Students will analyze and critique professional and non professional theatre performances.

Theatre III (Juniors)

Code: JMW977

Students will continue building and developing skills acquired in Theatre II. Students will also conduct advanced text analysis and scene study from both modern and historic literary texts. Students will work with The Gamm Theatre and establish internships that enable the student to acquire valuable firsthand experience working on a professional production.  Continued study of drama will include Expressionism, Epic Theatre, and the Theatre of the Absurd.

Theatre IV (Seniors)

Code: JMW989

Students will prepare themselves for theatre after high school through a variety of practical experiences.  Students will learn to select, prepare, and present audition materials (monologues, cold readings, headshots, resumes) in order to improve their audition techniques.  Students will direct scenes and one-act plays focusing on interpretation, casting, and rehearsal procedures.  Students will help with community outreach programs that will use improvisation to foster creative expression for children.       A selected area of theatre will be explored in depth by each student, culminating in a major research paper and oral presentation.  Continued study of drama will include mid to late 20^th century English-language theatre through to our contemporary theatre.  Students will continue internships with The Gamm Theatre.