Innovative Courses — Enrichment

Acting for the Camera
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In this course, students apply skills introduced in theatre classes to acting for the camera. Using television, film, and commercial copy, students are introduced to basic on-camera technique and terminology. Students work one-on-one with the camera, incorporating the skills developed in voice, movement, and acting classes into a variety of commercial situations. Through technique exercises, script analysis, and scene study, students will expand their range of emotional, intellectual, physical, and vocal expressiveness and be able to successfully prepare for on-camera auditioning.

Acting Methods
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1.0

This course develops proficiency in acting by promoting an understanding of the methods, principles, practices and vocabulary common for all acting styles from Greek through modern texts.

2026–2027

Acting Styles: Classical/Commedia
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1.0

In this course, students study the acting style of the Greek Theatre, the Commedia dell’Arte, Shakespearean plays, the Restoration, and Melodrama.

2026–2027

Acting Styles: Realism/Post-war
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1.0

In this course, students study texts from the 1890’s to the present. The students learn the acting elements required in theatrical realism, Theatre of the Absurd, and the modern theatre.

2026–2027

Acting Styles: Improvisation/Monologue
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1.0

In this course, students study the basic elements of improvisational acting and improvisational theatre. In addition, students study ways of preparing modern and classical monologues. The courses challenges students to use a process of character development and expand their creative processes.

2024–2025

Students enrolled in this Dance Appreciation course will explore the anthropology and historic contributions of African American and Mexican American cultures to deepen knowledge, diversity, growth, and development of dance interpretation in the United States. The goal of this dance course is to broaden the cultural awareness and development of students interested in a culturally diverse curriculum.

In the Dramaturgy course, students will collaborate with a production team to effectively synthesize literary analysis and historical research into authentic and compelling theatre (storytelling). They will collaborate with playwrights to help shape new scripts and stories as well as advocate for playwrights’ intentions during the rehearsal process. Students also collaborate with a production team by developing bibliographies and casebooks; understanding and appreciating the historical context; and educating actors, designers, directors, and audience.

Forensic Art
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1.0

This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue a career as a forensic artist by acquiring skills such as composite drawings, postmortem and facial approximation aids, and the ability to communicate these effectively.

2026–2027

In the Instrument Repair Technician course, students will build on preexisting knowledge and skills in music to provide instrument repair. Districts are encouraged to provide instruction in a supervised real-world setting. Instrument repair requires a technical knowledge and skill in the areas of employability skills, customer service, problem solving, mechanics, acoustics, and tool operation.

Integration of Abilities: Exercises for Creative Growth
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0.5

Integration of Abilities is based on exercises for creative growth. This course directs students to analyze their own creative process and guides them through exercises for personal investigation and growth. Students explore dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, using a common vocabulary to unify their discoveries.

2026–2027

Movement for the Actor
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1.0

Students acquire the knowledge and skills for movement and apply these skills effectively to stage acting and performing. It is designed to employ stage movement to express thoughts, feelings, and actions, and to analyze and describe the interdependence of all physical elements used on the stage.

2024–2025

Physical Theatre I
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1.0

Physical Theatre I, now a degree course in many colleges, is a course of study encompassing abstract movement, corporal and illusionary mime, neutral and 3-D mask work, and Commedia dell’Arte.

2026–2027

Physical Theatre II
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1.0

Physical Theatre II, now a degree course in many colleges, is a course of study encompassing abstract movement, corporal and illusionary mime, neutral and 3-D mask work, Commedia Dell’Arte, and full-length silent theatre productions.

2026–2027

The Piano Technician I course introduces piano tuning and technical skills with an emphasis on parts of the piano, tuning theory, tuning hammer technique, introduction to pitch references/devices, interval tuning, string replacement, and an introduction to basic business management skills.

The Piano Technician II course builds upon the foundations from Piano Technician I. Students will improve their skills in piano tuning and technical skills with an emphasis on tuning theory and practice, tuning hammer technique, pitch references/devices, interval tuning, string replacement, piano moving, and basic business management skills.

The Piano Technician III course advances the skills and knowledge learned in the Piano Technician I and II courses. Emphasis will be placed on refining piano tuning skills and action repair as well as action regulation.  The Piano Technician III course will continue to refine and perfect the necessary knowledge, skills, and technologies required for future employment in the music industry as a piano tuner or piano technician. 

The Piano Technician IV course is the completion course in piano tuning and technical skills with an emphasis on refining tuning, repairs, introducing voicing and business management practices.  The Piano Technician IV courses will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and technologies required for employment in the music industry as a piano tuner or piano technician. 

Theatre Management
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1.0

Theatre Management affords students the opportunity to acquire and develop administrative skills that are commonly used in the management of theatre spaces and productions. Students apply a myriad of technical theatre concepts and skills along with developing knowledge and skills associated with production responsibilities, arts administration, theatre management, and applications of previously acquired theatre arts studies.

2024–2025