Plano East Sr. High Theatre Arts Courses

Course - 45180A Theatre I

Prerequisite – none

Description – Theatre I is an introduction and overview of the art of theatre. Subjects covered include improvisation, voice, characterization and fundamentals of play production. Study of specific texts includes RAISIN IN THE SUN, HARVEY and A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM.

Homework/Projects – scene work, monologues, reading

Benefits – Theatre I helps students improve self confidence and communication skills. It is a great overview of theatre and fulfills the fine arts credit requirement.

Course – 45380A Theatre III & 45480A Theatre IV

Prerequisite – Theatre I or Oral Interpretation I

Description – Theatre III (jrs.) and Theatre IV (srs.) are taught together. The curriculum is on a two year cycle so students my take the course both their junior and senior years and be introduced to new material. The emphasis is on acting technique and historical acting styles. Students work on script analysis, performance skills and theatre history. Students get to work with guest artists in fields such as acting, dance and stage combat. Some of the texts which are studied include HAMLET, LONG DAYS JOURNEY INTO NIGHT, ALL MY SONS, NO EXIT and THE TROJAN WOMEN.

Homework/Projects – Students are required to read one outside play and perform one monologue each six weeks. Students also prepare solo and group performances and are required to attend and review outside theatre performances.

Benefits – Students get to work with guest artist and explore theatre arts in greater depth. Theatre III-IV students produce and perform a class play during the second semester.

Course – 45510A Theatre Production I & 45530A Theatre Production III (Theatre Major Studies I)

Prerequisite – Theatre I or Oral Interpretation I

Description – This is a two-hour block course designed for serious theatre students. Admittance is by audition only. Emphasis is on production and preparing students for college theatre studies. Students work with guest artists and produce a major production as well as spring one act plays. Honors credit is available for one hour of the course.

Homework/Projects – Students are required to work on all department productions. Students are required to read plays, perform solo and in groups, attend outside productions and write a research paper.

Benefits – Students are exposed to many theatrical periods and styles. This course can help a student decide whether a career in theatre is right for them.

Course – 45520A Theatre Production II & 45540A Theatre Production IV (Theatre Major Studies II)

Prerequisite – Theatre Major Studies I

Description – This two- hour course is a continuation of Theatre Major Studies I. Students must re-audition for the second year. Second year honors students will produce a one-act play in the spring. Emphasis is on preparing for college auditions and further studies of acting from both western and non-western traditions.

Homework/Projects – Same as Theatre Major Studies I

Benefits – This is an excellent course for college bound theatre/liberal arts students. They are exposed to many theatrical and literary traditions and styles.

Course – 45190A Technical Theatre I-IV

Prerequisite – none

Description – Technical Theatre students work in the areas of set construction, lighting, sound, costumes, make-up and theatrical design. Tech classes build and provide technical support for theatre productions and other performing groups. Students must be able to work responsibly and independently. After school hours are required during productions.

Homework/Project – Most work is done in class or in after school crew calls. There are a few design projects.

Benefits – Technical Theatre is a great course for students who like to work hands on and are handy with tools. This course satisfies the Fine Arts credit requirement.

If you have any questions about Theatre courses at Plano East call Lisa Hale @ 469-752-9247 or lhale@pisd.edu.

If you have any questions about Theatre courses at Plano East call Lisa Hale @ 469-752-9247 or lhale@pisd.edu