|
Technical
Theatre 1
Technical Theatre 2
Theatre Arts 1
Theatre Arts 2
Theatre Arts 3
Theatre Arts
4
TECHNICAL THEATRE 1
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 1 and/or recommendation of theatre
arts teacher
Students explore various types of technical theatre such as
lighting, costumes, sound, scenery, makeup, properties, and
theatre management. An analysis of dramatic literature leads
students to an understanding of the design and production
process. Participation in co-curricular productions is strongly
encouraged. This course will fulfill the graduation requirement
for a credit in fine or practical arts.
TECHNICAL THEATRE 2
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Technical Theatre 1 and/or recommendation of
theatre arts instructor
Students apply technical theatre knowledge and skills by participating
in a variety of theatre lab activities and practical projects.
Emphasis is on script interpretation and execution of the
design concept. Students will collaborate to effectively and
safely create functional scenery, properties, lighting, sound,
costumes and makeup, and to develop stage management, business
and public relations skills. Participation in co-curricular
productions will be strongly encouraged. This course will
fulfill the graduation requirement for a credit in fine or
practical arts.
Supplemental Info for Technical Theatre 1 and 2:
Describe a typical lesson in this class.
This class is designed to teach the technical aspects of working
in the production areas of the Theater. Theatre Safety is
the number one priority within the high school program of
studies for theatre. Each student of this course will be brought
through a series of hands on opportunities to acquire knowledge
for the production needs of a performance space. Ultimately,
Tech theatre students will be tested on all knowledge to gain
licensure and privilege in working the resources of a functioning
theatre. The second year of this course is designed to be
as mentors to the first year students, while actively engaging
all students in various projects. To include: Stage lighting,
sound technologies, stage construction, set painting and design,
stage and house management, costume and prop construction,
and general public relations and marketing skills. Each of
these will present themselves as hands on activities that
coincide with the Theatre Departments needs throughout the
school year.
What kind/how much homework is required in this class?
Any out side of class work is to be completed during rehearsal
times for given productions through the year. Students should
actively study their safety manual, from which the County
license test is made.
What kind of materials do you use in this course ?
All tools and safety equipment is provided as part of the
Departments resources. At times, checklists of the equipment
must be made to assure the durability of the tool.
Tech students are encouraged to purchase their own County
Theatre Safety manual for $2.
Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular
activities associated with this class?
Any and all productions through out the school year are to
be utilized as hands on projects to exercise the skills of
safety and technology with in the theatre. Each Tech student
is encouraged to get involved with these after school productions
to gain experience and reliability within the Department.
There are two main stage productions offered during each year.
Tech students must obtain a minimum of 40 hours outside of
class to be averaged into a final grade. Theatre Tech students
may also apply for membership within the International Thespian
Society if they have reached the required 100 hours of extracurricular
commitments. A licensed tech may also work events within the
school's auditorium, and get paid an hourly rate for user
groups who rent out the Theater. Only licensed technicians
will granted this privilege.
How can this class help me in the future?
This course could prepare an individual for a career in stage
technology or basic skilled labor jobs. Ultimately, like with
all learning in the theatre, this class challenges the student
to work as part of a team, while having to come up with creative
solutions for a variety of problems, while always modeling
safe and mature behaviors.
Anything else I should know?
Students of this course must have some working knowledge of
the Theatre before taking this class, therefore, Theatre Arts
I is a definite prerequisite. If the given student loves the
theatre and has a passion for helping to create great art,
but has no desire to perform, this could be the right class
to take. Taking the second year of this course is to admit
responsibility to leadership with in the technical aspects
of the working theatre.
Where do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Mr. Scott Pafumi, Theatre Arts Directo
scott.pafumi@fcps.edur
Ms. Zoe Dillard -Theatre Arts Teacher
zoe.dillard@fcps.edu
Dept. Phone: 703-488-6430,
THEATRE ARTS 1
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Students explore many phases of Theatre Arts through reading,
viewing, and participating in theatre experiences. Activities
include the study of dramatic literature from various historical
periods, the fundamentals of acting and stagecraft, the basic
principles of improvisation and oral interpretation, and elements
of playwriting. Emphasis on individual study units may vary,
depending on the needs of the students. Participation in co-curricular
theatre productions may be arranged. This course satisfies
the graduation requirement for a credit in fine or practical
arts.
Describe a typical lesson in this class.
(i.e. sample topics, format: lecture, group work, hands-on
projects, writing?)
This course concentrates on ensemble learning. The students
of Theatre I are exposed to a variety of challenges and exercises
that will enhance their performance skills and knowledge of
how the Theatre works. As an ensemble class, each student
will learn along side of their peers in a way that reinforces
team effort. An overview of Theatre history, vocabulary, and
philosophies will often be discussed in open forum. This class
requires active participation on a daily basis, as this is
the majority of the grade. Units of study through out the
year include ensemble concentration games, physical and vocal
warm-ups for the stage, improvisational acting, fairy tale
story telling, musical theatre, duet scenes, and monologues.
Ultimately, this class prepares the aspiring student for a
life long commitment to the appreciation of the Art of Theatre.
What kind/how much homework is required in this class?
Homework is limited to periodic projects and study for matching
theatre vocabulary quizzes. Students are required to complete
and turn in two Theatre Application Project (TAP) reports
each quarter for Theatre work completed outside of class,
by reading , seeing or participating in a live theatre production.
Full-length plays read in other classes may be used for TAP
reports. Some memorization of lines is necessary as homework,
particularly near the end of the year , when students prepare
duo and monolgue scenes.
What kind of materials do you use in this course ?
Each Theatre student should have a three ring binder, separate
from any other subject, to document all objectives and information
given.
Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular
activities associated with this class?
Students are encouraged to become involved in the WHS Theatre
Arts Department, but it is not required. All students are
required to complete two TAP reports each quarter, which may
necessitate some work or time outside of class.
How can this class help me in the future?
This course can provide a foundation for understanding and
appreciating the art and discipline of theatre. At the very
least, every student who completes this course should become
a life long audience member who can understand how to interpret
the process.
Anything else I should know?
This course is not an easy "A". Students must work
at a consistent rate of achievement to earn high marks. Students
must be willing to work with others, trust the director/teacher,
and be willing to follow the very basic rules of the Theatre
classroom-which begins with understanding the conditions of
RESPECT. Though this is an elective course, free to be chosen
by all, a student of this course must be willing to comply
with the discipline of the art form in order to assure that
the dynamic of ensemble learning is effective and in place.
Where do I go if I have more questions about this course?
The theatre arts room is located in the Black Box Theater
in the performing arts wing, near the auditorium.
Mr. Pafumi can reached at the Department
phone: 703-488-6430 or by email, scott.pafumi@fcps.edu.
Mrs. Dillard can reached at: 703-488-6432
or by email, zoe.dillard@fcps.edu.
THEATRE ARTS 2
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 1 and/or recommendation of the
teacher
Students build and expand on the fundamentals explored in
Theatre Arts 1. Study units and activities may include: historical
and stylistic movements; acting, directing, and playwriting;
and design and execution of lights, sets, properties, costumes,
and makeup. Student participation in co-curricular theatre
productions may be arranged. This course satisfies the graduation
requirement for a credit in fine or practical arts.
Describe a typical lesson in this class.
Theatre II is designed to carry out the initiatives and objectives
as first introduced in Theatre Arts I, but at a higher level
of expectation. The student who chooses this second year elective
must be proficient in the general knowledge and disciplines
of the working theatre. The class structure will be very similar
to the first level course, including discussions of history,
vocabulary, and philosophies of Theatrical information. Students
will be expected to participate even more than was demanded
of in Theatre I, giving emphasis on more solo exercises and
leadership positions. Units of study that will be taught during
the year include: a monologue audition project, team challenge
improvisation, original One Act compilations, Children's theatre,
duet acting scenes in Shakespeare, and play critique/reviews.
What kind/how much homework is required in this class?
There is more of an extracurricular commitment to this class
than in Theatre I. Students will be encouraged to audition
and/or participate on a tech crew within one of the 2 main
stage productions offered in the fall and spring. Also, class
time will be utilized to teach, develop, and rehearse One
Acts for showcase and competition within the county. Students
who choose to make any one of those commitments in conjunction
with the class will need to make time after school for group
rehearsals. For other units of study, some at home attention
may be needed for script analysis and memorization. Students
will also be expected to see a minimum of two theatre productions
within the course of the year and write a critics review of
the experience. Each review must be at least two typed written
pages long, as compared to the one page requirement in Theatre
I.
What kind of materials do you use in this course ?
Students will need a hard cover three ring binder to be kept
as a journal and resource. It is intended to be a continuation
of the Theatre I notebook, keeping all former information
within. The goal is to build a resource text, compiling all
knowledge taught and discovered within the program of studies
as offered in this Theatre Department.
Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular
activities associated with this class?
As mentioned earlier, there are many opportunities for the
Theatre Arts II student to take their individual theatre education
to a higher level by getting involved in the after school
programs as offered by the Department. These activities include:
a fall main stage production (acting and tech crew opportunities),
Team improv competitions, involvement and membership with
the International Thespian Honor Society, a One Act showcase,
field trips to professional Theaters, acting and stage tech
workshops with professionals, children's theatre performances,
and a spring Shakespeare or musical (with acting and tech
opportunities).
How can this class help me in the future?
If the aspiring theatre student would like to pursue a career
with in the creative arts, this class will strengthen the
skills that are necessary for achieving that goal. For all
others, this course provides structure in teamwork, problem
solving, public relations, and personal confidence. Public
speaking is something all must do in their daily lives as
communicators, and so theatre is a resource to strengthen
that area of anxiety.
Anything else I should know?
Most likely, if the student is signing up for this course,
they know mostly what to expect from their experiences with
the same instructor in Theatre I. If the student is looking
to be challenged at a greater level, than this course should
be fulfilling. This class should be fun but demanding of discipline
and respect for the art form. For the transfer student who
has completed a Theatre I course elsewhere, this class should
hopefully reinforce previous ideas and offer new information
as well.
Where do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Contact Mr. Pafumi, Theatre Arts Director
Dept phone: 703-488-6430
Email: scott.pafumi@fcps.edu
THEATRE ARTS 3
Develop Independent Skills in Theatre
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 2 and/or recommendation of the
theatre arts teacher
Students exhibit independence, discipline, and commitment
to the theatre process through their work on assigned projects.
Advanced work in acting skills and preparation, play analysis,
and character interpretation are augmented by special assignments
and opportunities. Students will serve as directors or stage
managers, demonstrate artistic competence in acting and staging,
and learn the basics of theatre management. Technical elements
of theatre will be incorporated into assignments on this level,
and students will be certified in theatre safety. Strong participation
in co-curricular theatre productions is expected. This course
may be used to satisfy the graduation requirement for a credit
in fine or practical arts.
THEATRE ARTS 4 - Specialization in Theatre
Grades: 12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 3
Students identify areas of special interest in theatre arts,
and initiate and complete major research or creative projects,
such as playwriting, producing, directing, and stage-managing.
Emphasis is placed on in-depth study and completion of projects,
assumption of leadership roles, and expansion of criteria
for self-evaluation. Students will analyze and evaluate scripts,
concentrate on vocal and physical dramatics, and undertake
a special theatre project in their area of specialization.
Students are expected to assume leadership positions in co-curricular
theatre productions. Participation in major projects related
to the co-curricular theatre productions is also expected.
This course will fulfill the graduation requirement for a
credit in fine or practical arts.
Supplemental
Info for Theatre Arts 3 and 4:
Describe a typical lesson in this class.
This course is designed to be the final piece of the journey
through the Theatre Arts program as offered at Westfield High
School. All previous knowledge taught and experienced will
be applied within the confines of this classroom space. Each
and every student who commits to this course must be willing
to perform in and out of class, on a continual basis through
out the year. It will be part of each students individual
grade to log extracurricular hours within theatre related
activities, where no less than 40 hours outside of class time
will be expected in achieving the requirement for an "A".
Units of study will include Team improv, children's theatre,
duet acting scenes, solo contrasting monologues, student directing,
critical writing for the Theatre, script analysis, and modeling/teaching
theatre etiquette and ethics to newer students with in the
program. Some emphasis will also be given to prepare those
students who wish to further their theatre education in the
professional arena of performing, and/or selecting the right
collegiate arts program.
What kind/how much homework is required in this class?
There is constant attention that must be given to developing
the performer as a whole individual. Advanced course students
of Theatre 3 & 4 must be academically stable in order
to pursue the very demanding schedule of a performance/production
calendar. Students of upper level theatre courses will be
expected to be model students in all courses so that they
might represent the school in frequent extracurricular activities.
A "C" average is expected in ALL courses in order
to be allowed to fully participate in the after school program.
After class work includes rehearsal, script analysis, memorization
and regimented skills workshops. The students of this course
will also be required to review and write a 2 page critique
on 2 different theatrical productions throughout the school
year.
What kind of materials do you use in this course ?
At this point, the student of a 3 / 4 theatre class should
have a very full notebook including all previous notes, vocabulary,
quotes, old tests, reviews, scripts, programs, and fliers
of events that have been experienced through out their individual
journey within the Theatre Department. The notebook is to
serve as a theatre resource to archive all previous production
work, both within the Theatre classroom and after school activities.
A theatre arts notebook is to be compared to that of a Stage
Managers production book kept from an individual show. It
is a living document, a portfolio used to build anything from
a personal resume to the template of a lesson plan to teach
others.
Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular
activities associated with this class?
As 25% of the final grade, each student must log a series
of extracurricular hours related to the theatre during this
course year. The grades will be compared to the following
scale:
40 hours=A, 35 hours=B+, 30 hours hours=B, 25 hours = C+,
20 hours = C, etc…..
The majority of hours should come from performance time within
the staged productions through out the year. However, hours
can be met within the activities of workshops, field trips,
and seeing productions. Ultimately, each student in the class
should be eligible for membership within the International
Thespian Society, which requires 100 hours of extracurricular
work within the Theatre. This membership can be worked on
for as many years within the program it takes. Hopefully,
at this level, the individual student has the credits needed
for induction.
How can this class help me in the future?
This course has every potential to prepare the aspiring artist
for a career in the arts. Or, at the very least, help them
to embrace the process by which art develops. At the Theatre
I level, an initial objective is to create appreciation for
the theatre. By the advanced level, students should be life
long enthusiasts in keeping the discipline of the creative
process alive in all things they do.
Anything else I should know?
This class should be very challenging, often difficult, and
very demanding of the student's time. This class should only
be chosen if the student is willing to work at the level that
is expected of advanced studies within the Fine and Performing
Arts Department. They should serve as role models, leaders,
and teachers to the community. No Theatre class at Westfield
is an "easy A", and most especially, not Theatre
3 & 4. The reward of this course, is the sense of satisfaction
and respect that comes at the completion of a project, as
presented to one's community of peers and elders.
Where do I go if I have more questions about this course?
Contact Mr. Scott Pafumi, Theatre Arts Director
Dept phone: 703-488-6430
Email: scott.pafumi@fcps.edu
|
