Overview
Theatre Arts I
Theatre Arts I is a two year class that explores the history, diversity, and fundamental skills of the theatrical world. There is no pre-requisite for the class; each year is designed to make beginners feel as comfortable as possible while exploring life onstage, yet there are always additional challenges for those with stage experience or for veterans from the previous year. Students who take this class as an elective for both of their years at SBJHS will still learn something completely new each year AND be able to skip straight to Intermediate Theatre if they continue to study theatre at SBHS! Year in and year out, seventh grade students regularly report that this class is the one where they made the most new friends. THIS IS NOT THE MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION CLASS. While it is possible to take both, this class is focused on building knowledge and skills, and most performances will be "private"; that is, performed in front of our class only, not in public at the Marjorie Luke Theatre.
Bottom line: this is a fun chance in your day to take a break from learning equations and writing essays to talk about what it means to be human; to explore who we are and why we do what we do, and compare notes about life from so many different perspectives. And play lots and lots of games in the process! Oh, and we take more field trips than any other class at SBJHS. Guaranteed.
Bottom line: this is a fun chance in your day to take a break from learning equations and writing essays to talk about what it means to be human; to explore who we are and why we do what we do, and compare notes about life from so many different perspectives. And play lots and lots of games in the process! Oh, and we take more field trips than any other class at SBJHS. Guaranteed.
Historical ContextInterwoven throughout both years is the historical context for theatre and its evolution over time. Beginning with the ancients, students trace the development of theatre in Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and then through the significant transformations brought about by the Renaissance and Shakespeare. Asian, Latin American, and African theatre are explored, and then the splintering in the English-speaking world that comes in the twentieth century with Realism, Non-Realism, and the birth of the Broadway musical.
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DiversityOver the course of two years, we explore the various forms theatrical performance takes, from religious ritual to Greek comedies and tragedies, from the introduction of opera and commedia dell'arte to the evolution of dance, variance among Kabuki, Noh, and Doll theatre, and the contrast of Shakespeare with the modern musical.
Along the way we have conversations about our own lives in the world today. What does it mean to be a part of this society with so many different religions, skin colors, cultures, ethnicities, FOOD!, and backgrounds that make us who we are? |
Fundamental SkillsThroughout both years, students discover and revisit the three basic skill sets of a performing artist: body, voice, and mind.
1. Body: students study the elemental principles of pantomime, stretching, and dancing. 2. Voice: students are trained in identifying and utilizing the parts of the vocal projection system, with special attention given to diaphragm support (projection,) use of mouth/teeth (enunciation,) and voice box (vocal variety.) Time permitting, we explore accents and dialects, as well. 3. Mind: students develop their quick-thinking skills through a palette of improvisation games that stress creativity, positivity, and storytelling while reinforcing skills in body and voice. |