AP Art History
Grade level(s): Length/credit: Prerequisite(s): Other information:
9 - 12 full year/two fine arts credits none AP exam required, about 3 hours of homework per week
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
GRADES 9 - 12
This course is equivalent to an introductory college course in art history. No prior experience in the history of art is required. Students will pursue an understanding of architecture, sculpture, painting and other art forms within historical and cultural contexts. Ancient Near East, Greek, Roman, European and American traditions will constitute 90 percent of the focus of this course. Typically this course is offered every other year.
Drama Beginning Acting Grade level(s): Length/Credit: Prerequisite:
9 - 12 one semester/one fine arts credit none
This course is an introduction to drama as it relates to the craft of acting. Students will engage in structured acting activities and exercises which will create a solid foundation and understanding on how to build dynamic stage characters and relationships. In this active class, students will participate in daily activities designed to awaken the actor within and gain awareness of one’s own voice and movement. In addition to ongoing daily acting exercises, units of study will include pantomime, improvisation, monologue and scene work. The class will culminate with a collaborative one-act performance for an invited audience. This class is a prerequisite for the Improv course.
Advanced Acting
Grade level(s): Length/credit: Prerequisite(s): Other information:
9 - 12 one semester/one fine arts credit Beginning Acting or permission from instructor may be repeated for credit
This course explores acting principles and techniques on a deeper level. The class will focus on scene study, script analysis, character development, directing, blocking and stage composition. In addition to the above, students will look at theatrical works and actors who have profoundly impacted the craft of acting. A final performance project will showcase actors’ ability before an invited audience.
Improv
Grade level(s): Length/credit: Prerequisite(s):
9 - 12 one semester/one fine arts credit Beginning Acting
Exercises in this class will give students tools for creating without a prepared text. This class uses techniques derived from Viola Spolin and requires daily performances. Students will learn to develop characterizations through scene work, learn how to tell a story, explore narrative structure and what it means to give and take focus during performance. In addition to the above, students will engage in exercises related to movement, voice control and awareness to the acting space.
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