Theatre Courses

While it is generally recommended that incoming freshmen begin in Theatre 1, students who wish to go directly into Theatre 2 courses may do so by satisfactorily fulfilling the following requirements:

• completion of beginning and intermediate Drama courses at the middle school level, or their equivalent;
• recommendation by the high school Theatre instructor based on an audition and the student's demonstrated proficiency.

Theatre 1

Abbreviation: 1070 THEATRE 1
Term: Year
Grade Level(s): Year 9-12

This course can be used to fulfill the “f“ requirement for the University of California and C.S.U.

Theatre 1 provides an introduction to theatre as a discipline and art form. Through theatre games and improvisation exercises, students will develop confidence, trust, and voice and movement skills. As they give and receive criticism on performances in and outside of class, students will apply evaluative criteria and appreciate excellence in performance. By studying theatre as an expression of both history and culture, students will explore the way in which theatre affects and is affected by its societal context.

Theatre 2

Abbreviation: 1073 THEATRE 2
Term: Year
Grade Level(s): Year 9-12

Course Preparation: Theatre 1 or Advanced Drama (1B) in middle school.

This course can be used to fulfill the “f“ requirement for the University of California and C.S.U.

Theatre 2 is designed for the intermediate student who wants to build upon the skills learned in Theatre 1. Through play analysis, scenework, and one-act play preparation and performance, students will build believable characters, apply basic technical theatre skills, develop directing skills, and work effectively in an ensemble. Students will develop audition material suitable for professional use. Students will trace the historical development of theatre through research, performance, and attendance at theatrical productions.

Theatre 3

Abbreviation: 1073 THEATRE 3
Term: Year
Grade Level(s): Year 9-12

Course Preparation: Theatre 2 or permission of instructor.

This course can be used to fulfill the “f“ requirement for the University of California and C.S.U.

Theatre 3 is designed to build upon the skills learned in Theatre 1 and 2. Through participation in in-depth projects, students will apply directing, acting, technical, and dramaturgical skills. During these projects, they will write and adapt scripts and research societal contexts. By exploring different theatrical genres, students will evaluate and appreciate a variety of production styles including non-Western and non-traditional theatre.

Theatre 4

Abbreviation: 1073 THEATRE 4
Term: Year
Grade Level(s): Year 9-12

Course Preparation: Theatre 3 or permission of instructor.

This course can be used to fulfill the “f“ requirement for the University of California and C.S.U.

Theatre 4 provides an opportunity for students to pursue an individualized course of study, taking leadership roles in in-depth theatrical projects in their areas of interest. Students will locate their productions within a theatrical genre, emphasizing the historical and cultural influences on their project. Students will create unified production concepts, integrating the contributions of the director, actor, designer, playwright, and spectator of a theatrical event.

Stage Technology and Design

Abbreviation: 1087 STAGE TECH
Term: Year
Grade Level(s): Year 9-12

or

Abbreviation: 1088 STG TECH 11
Term: Semester
Grade Level(s): Year 9-12

This course does not meet current University of California and C.S.U. Art requirement. This course can be repeated for credit for four years.

State Technology and Design is designed to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge of stage technology and design. Students will study the design and construction of sets, lighting, sound, and costumes, and apply their skills by developing design concepts and mounting productions from a variety of theatrical genres. By assuming vital roles in play productions, students will work effectively in leadership and ensemble situations, and experience the relationship of technical theatre to the theatrical event as a whole. Students will learn to operate theatrical equipment and tools safely, and use these skills to provide technical services for many school stage activities.

For Paly, this course satisfies either the Fine Arts or Career-Vocational Education graduation requirement and may be repeated for four years.