Theatre

1 term, solid,1 credit, B

A basic understanding of the history of theatre and the recognition of the duties and responsibilities of the personnel involved in producing live theatre will allow students to become more critical in their own theatre experiences. The course emphasizes appreciation of theatre as one of living arts, surveys theatre history and dramatic theory from the Greeks to present Broadway, and includes introduction to basic fundamentals of stagecraft in scenery, lighting, costumes, and other technical areas as well as the actor's role in the theatre. It includes lectures, films, and discussions on the practitioners and work. Attendance at live theatre productions on campus is required. 

1 term, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1/2 credit, A

This class will address the world of theatre technology, including lighting, sound, costumes, props and sets.  Each term, the focus will concentrate on one or two aspects so that an interested student can take the class for four years and not repeat the content.  No prerequisites.  Open to anyone interested in learning about technical theatre.  

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit, A 

Acting I is an introduction to the development of the physical and intellectual tools the actor needs on stage. The course begins with basic stage movement and pantomime and continues through beginning monologue and scene work.  

1 term, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1/2 credit, A

The Acting Workshop deals with a different challenge in the acting process each term that it offered. Students can take as many of Acting Workshop classes as their schedule permits. Examples of past workshops are: Shakespeare, Restoration Comedy, Viewpoints, Auditioning, and Comedies.  

1 term, solid, 1 credit, B

This course, open to all students, explores various aspects of film, including (but not limited to) genre, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, post-production and more.  In this course we will seek to better understand and explore the construction film through both theoretical and practical application. We will be watching, reading and creating films together if/when possible.

1 term, solid, 1 credit

Film Studies II seeks to build upon the competencies gained in Film Studies. Students will apply advanced pre- and post-production tools/techniques in order to build a successful 8-12 minute “festival ready” film. Students will utilize creative self-guided laboratory time and Culver provided resources to produce advanced story ideas. Students will more deeply examine the Adobe Premiere editing platform to build necessary foundational steps required for supplementary program usage, such as Adobe After Effects (working in composition) and Adobe Audition (sound construction and manipulation) for example.

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit

This course will encourage exploration of aesthetic and communication techniques involved in producing a collaborative project across multiple disciplines in the Fine Arts.  This covers basic theory and practice of working collaboratively with other artists with a shared goal of inspiring different attitudes and means of creating art in a group setting.  Along with completing assignments, class members are expected to communicate with each other outside of class continuing work and discussions. This can include, but not be exclusive to: problems, solutions, information, etc. 

Projects will culminate with discussion and viewing of finished work (critiques) utilizing a framework that encourages students to “Clean Notice”, “Compliment”, “Criticize” and “Correct” class artifacts.  Students are expected to present completed projects and defend artistic choices from concept to realization and/or compromises evident or otherwise in final pieces. 

1 term, solid, 2 credit

Prerequisites: Enroll in Theatre classes: Acting, Acting Workshop and Intro to Theatre. Participate in 5 plays in a lead or supporting role. Candidates with a lead or supporting role in 6 or more productions are not required to take Acting in 8 or more productions are not required to take Intro to Theatre. 

The Honors Seminar in Acting is a requirement for 12th graders who are pursuing Honors in Acting.  The class covers the actual performance project that is the culmination of the Honors Concentration.  Students will choose a variety of scenes that will allow them to explore and develop various characters.  They will rehearse with fellow acting students and organize all production aspect of their scenes.  They will follow a designated schedule of preparation before their pieces are performed in front of faculty and friends.

2 Terms, non-solid meets 2 times per week, 1 credit

Prerequisites: Enroll in theatre courses for at least two terms in each of their 10th, 11th and 12th grad years. Participate in at least two of the three theatre productions each of these years. 

The Honors Seminar in Theater Technology is a requirement for 12th graders who are pursuing Honors in Theater Technology.  The class covers the actual performance project that is the culmination of the Honors/Concentration.  Students will complete a capstone project for the Winter or Spring Production of their 12th-grade year.