Course Length: Semester

In Drama 1A, we will explore various approaches to acting. We will begin by playing a series of theatre games, move to improvisations, then perform professionally scripted and student-written monologues.  Students will develop an approach to enact short monologues from professional play scripts for final presentation.  Students will receive an overview of the major historical periods of theatre history throughout the world from Ancient Greece to the 19^th Century using student projects and teacher presentations.  By the end of the course, students will have developed an appreciation for the art of the theatre, a respect for working within an ensemble of artists, and an appreciation for the variety of approaches to actor training.

Music Appreciation A is designed for non-musicians and develops the art of perceptive listening and performance in musical composition through experiential activities. Lectures and experiential learning will cover the instruments of the orchestra, composers, performance practice, musical composition techniques, major compositions of the era, baroque, classical, romantic and 20th century eras, and Broadway musicals.  Students will have practice in playing instruments, creating, listening to, analyzing, and describing music. They will evolve specific criteria for making informed critical evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of performances and compositions.  Students will identify, explain and perform stylistic features of a given musical work. This is an introductory level course, meeting three times per week with extensive participation in musical activities, class projects, demonstrations and live performances.

A studio-based problem-solving course that uses a variety of materials: paper, wood, plaster, found objects, and wire to explore the design process in 3 dimensions. Study of historical examples of sculpture will serve as a “spring board” for inspiration directed toward solutions to design projects. The work of 20^th century sculptors such as Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson and Henry Moore  will challenge the student to understand their own creativity.  Field trips to local museums and some written work will complement the original work created by the student in the studio and at home.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.

This course is a “hands-on” class designed to develop skills in design and composition, a variety of drawing styles, and acrylic painting.  Students will receive instruction in a variety of media and will be required to use each of them in the creation of original work.  The study of historical examples will be a springboard for the student’s creative expression.  No previous drawing skills are required to take this class; just come with an open mind!

Students will continue the study and development of acting through scene work. While building on the principles and techniques learned in Drama 1A, students will participate in group warm-ups (vocal and physical), theatre games, improvisations, and advanced theatre exercises. Students will work on scenes from professionally produced plays. Students will study 20^th Century theatre through the study of playwrights such as Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, and August Wilson.

Art and Architecture 1B is a follow-up course to Art and Architecture 1A and is designed as a continuing study of the wealth of artistic expression manifested in the architecture, sculpture, painting and artifacts of traditional cultures and modern architectural expressions.  An exploration of earth-friendly, sustainable and green architectural techniques will compliment the hands-on approach to building practices and inspire new thinking about shelter and cultural values.  Studio assignments in architectural design, drawing and mixed-media architectural structures created from original student designs, will compliment our study of how particular architects and cultures have used architecture as an expression to image themselves, their culture, and their God.

Instructor: Katie Wolf

This semester-long evening class meets once a week from 5:45 pm-7:30 pm and is designed to explore the value of developing a personal and deep connection to Nature and creativity as part of educating the whole person. Our study of architects, artists, scientists, contemporary movements in sustainable choices and indeginous cultures will be a springboard for a variety of art-making studio assignments. Your research, class discussion and art projects will be the basis for your grade. A final portfolio of your work will summarize your understanding of the course work.

All students are welcome to join us in Studio 108 and your grade will be averaged into your semester’s transcript as Art and Architecture 1B, Sculpture B or Studio Art B. The Art and Nature Intensive can fulfill the 2nd level of Art and Architecture 1A, Sculpture A or Studio Art A -OR- you may take the class as an elective for credit, because you are interested in Nature, building community and exploring the creative process.

*This class will be offered pending adequate enrollment.
**This course is offered outside of the 9:00 am – 2:45 pm school day. 

Alternate Course Titles for this course (it fulfills all of these):

• • Art and Nature Intensive: Art and Architecture 1B (8W) [6106]
  • Art and Nature Intensive: Studio Art B (8W) [6126]
  • Art and Nature Intensive: Sculpture B (8W) [6156]

Dance 1B is a movement-based studio course designed to further the development of the dancer in the principles and elements of modern dance practice and choreography.  The class will include physical practice in contemporary/modern dance technique.  Students will study dance history, choreographic processes, and improvisational techniques.  Through written assignments and class discussions, students will grow in their ability to analyze dance performance as an art form through a critical, informed, and appreciative lens.  Students will work collaboratively to explore dance elements and perform choreographed dances in a supportive community environment.