Theatre and Film

2 term, non-solid, 1 credit

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

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.  

1 term, solid, 1 credit

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

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 This course is offered as dual enrollment credit with Purdue University Northwest

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

Short Form Persuasive Media Creation - for the Athlete and Artist. This is a project-based learning course where students will create short form audiovisual content with a purpose of selling products/ideas. “Products” range from hypothetical inventions, information campaigns, to highlight reels and everything in between. Students will learn practical application tools through the Adobe Creative Cloud environment (Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Audition, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Animate) to build proposed projects from concept to realization.

2 term, non-solid, 1 credit

Prerequisites: 2 of 3 of the following - Film Studies, Reels to Realization, or Film Festival Co-Curricular Participation

he Honors Filmmaking Seminar is designed to immerse advanced high school students in the art and craft of cinematic storytelling. Through a combination of theoretical study, hands-on production work, and collaborative creative processes, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of filmmaking as both an artistic and technical discipline. Over sixteen weeks, students will explore the full production cycle—from concept development and screenwriting to directing, cinematography, sound design, and postproduction. The capstone seminar emphasizes creative authorship, collaboration, and critical reflection, culminating in a student-directed short film of 8–12 minutes as the capstone project.

2 terms, non-solid meets 2 day/week, 1 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 days/week, 1 credit

Prerequisites: Enroll in theatre courses for at least two terms in each of their 10th, 11th and 12th grade 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.