Arts (Cont.)

Theatre Arts 1: Introduction to Theatre (0.5 credit, fall only)

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Students will analyze, interpret, and evaluate dramatic literature and theatrical works. The course emphasizes foundational concepts, ensemble work, and skill development and provides theatrical opportunities for students to determine areas of personal interest. This course serves as an introduction to the theatre arts. Students investigate theatre as a whole by exploring the techniques and origins of various theatre arts in various cultures and periods.

Theatre Arts 2: Dramatic Literature and Theatre History (0.5 credit, spring only)

Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 1

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Through various modes of expression and performance, students investigate dramatic literature, theatrical styles, and historical periods. They study and respond to various theatrical experiences that refine their communicative, collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. Students expand their artistic abilities by examining various creative and technical roles in performance and production.

Theatre Arts 3: Honors Theatre (0.5 credit, fall only)

Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 2

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Studies live theatre production’s artistic, technical, management, and performance elements. As a part of the planning, rehearsal, and performance, students assume positions of responsibility and demonstrate basic knowledge and skills in acting, directing, artistic criticism, script analysis, staging, character creation, vocal techniques, and physical movement. Students recognize the responsibilities of the producer, director, actors, designers, technicians, and managers through collaboration in creating a theatre performance.

Theatre Arts 4: Advanced Acting and Directing (0.5 credit, spring only)

Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 3

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Enhances Level-three skills, focusing on student direction, playwriting, and design.

Ceramics 1 (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course introduces students to the basic principles of working with clay and glaze. Experiences include hand building with coils and slabs, wheel-throwing, clay sculpting, glazing, kiln loading, and kiln firing. Students are introduced to the workings of a ceramics studio with an emphasis on gaining independence as young artists through project work and active participation in all aspects of the life of the ceramics studio. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries.

Ceramics 2 (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

Prerequisite: Ceramics 1

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course continues a student’s development of the principles and techniques introduced in Ceramics 1. Students investigate design aspects of wheelthrown pottery and create hand-built sculptural work. Ceramics 2 emphasizes attention to craftsmanship and encourages the exploration of glaze application. Emphasis will be placed on students gaining mastery of their studio practice in all stages of project work. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries.

Portfolio: Ceramics (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

Prerequisite: Ceramics 2 and Department permission required 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course is for serious ceramics students only. Elements of wheel-throwing and hand-building from the two previous levels will be pursued. Students are encouraged to develop their own interests in ceramics and glaze applications. Students will work towards the development of a portfolio of works. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries.

Digital Graphics 1 (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

In Digital Graphics 1, students learn how to create engaging and attractive visual designs that communicate their ideas with purpose. The class emphasizes graphic design fundamentals, including composition, color theory, and typography, while also striving to cultivate an awareness of one’s audience and marketing target. Using two professional software programs from Adobe (Photoshop® and Illustrator®), students will create various designs in a project-based curriculum, including posters, T-shirts, logos, and short animation. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries.

Digital Graphics 2 (0.5 credit, spring only)

Prerequisite: Digital Graphics 1

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course further develops the technical and design skills acquired in our Digital Graphics I course. It assists students in increasing their understanding of digital design/art and developing the technical and conceptual aspects of their work. Each project explores different technical and stylistic approaches that target a specific marketing audience, a specific theme, and the student’s own ability to “think outside the box” as they pursue a higher level of proficiency in the design details. Students may take on design commission work, competitions, and work on projects that are of interest to them. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries.

Digital Video Production (0.5 credit, fall only)

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course will serve as an introduction to the art of video production. Students will learn the basics of script writing and development, videography, acting/directing for the Camera, basic graphics and animation, and video editing. We will focus on quality and not quantity in film creation. Projects will include experimentations in “cuts,” short news reports, and a final short film project (among others). No previous experience is necessary, and no acting-