Plano Independent School District has long had a reputation for
quality Theatre Arts Programs. The school district provides opportunities
for children from Middle School through Senior High School. The
teachers and staff are dedicated to providing a variety of programming
which will challenge, improve, and strengthen what the child learns
in the Theatre classroom.
Though entry into the theatre program
may occur at any point in the secondary school years, students
may begin their study of theatre at the middle school level.
Middle School Theatre Arts:
The purpose of theatre arts in middle school is to introduce and
expose the student to the many aspects of dramatic arts emphasizing
a positive self-concept, self-discipline, creativity, and an appreciation
of the overall theatrical experience. Courses offered at the middle
school include Exploratory Theatre, and Introduction to Theatre
Arts I and II.
Exploratory Theatre is a course designed to
develop the imagination and creativity of the student. Activities
on a group or individual basis should include pantomime, original
skits, puppet shows and/or short plays which will be performed.
Exercises on the coordination of vocal and motor skills are emphasized
in creative dramatics, as well as the ability to use vocal expression
through oral reading.
Introduction to Theatre Arts I and II is designed
to further develop the creative and imaginative abilities of the
student. Classroom activities stress the growth of the individual
student's self-confidence, both on and off stage, as well as his
ability to accept directions and criticisms. The student will study
basic acting and directing techniques and terminology, improvisations,
short skits, short plays, pantomimes, and mime, as well as a basic
study of various personality types in assigned readings.
High School Theatre Arts:
Theatre Arts I and II provides the student an
overall appreciation of theatre as a performing art as well as
an introduction to production skills. It will acquaint the student
with the basics of acting and improvisation through voice, body,
and sensory explorations. In addition, the course includes instruction
in the fundamentals of play production, technical theatre, dramatic
literature, and theatre history. The course will heighten each
student's awareness and creativity and acquaint each student with
theatre as a dynamic experience.
Theatre Arts III and IV are advanced explorations
of theatre, emphasizing the study of acting techniques and philosophies.
Through these studies, the student will begin to formulate his/her
own method and philosophy of acting, stressing the importance of
listening, reacting, and physicalization predicated by spontaneity
and honesty. The study of great actors and playwrights and their
contributions to world theatre is explored. Students are expected
to become involved in some play productions during the year.
Technical Theatre I-IV offers high school students
the opportunity to learn about the many support processes that
comprise theatrical performances. Topics include set design, set
construction, lighting, sound, properties, costuming, and special
effects. Students will study stage management, exploring various
forms of leadership skills. Students will be required to attend
play rehearsals and serve on production crews outside of class.
Highly motivated senior high school students may elect to enroll
in Theatre Production I-IV , which meets for one
hour or a two hour block (this varies on each Senior High campus).
Contact your Senior High School Theatre teacher for information
regarding auditions. This course is an advanced exploration of
theatre. Students will study various acting techniques, technical
theatre, play production, voice, acting performance, movement,
and drama as literature.
