This class is designed to explore in broad terms theatre and all it encompasses (including but not limited to the space, the acting company, literary works), while more tightly focusing on drama as a performance process.

Aspects of technical theatre will be discussed and practiced to enhance understanding and respect for off-stage responsibilities.  Students will also explore a wide range of acting skills through relaxation, imagination, listening activities and improvisation.  Scene and monologue work may include: students’ original work; reenactments from literature or plays being studied in English classes; Shakespeare to Spielberg (film scenes and monologues may also be studied!).  All exercises are designed to strengthen students’ understanding of character and subject matter, as well as furthering self-confidence and discipline.  Students should expect a fun, entertaining and high-spirited atmosphere!

In essence, students will form their own "company of players" and have the opportunity to name their troupe.  Work will be structured and altered depending on the ages and numbers of players in the company.  A final project will be shaped around a combination of students’ personal interests and what for them are presumably newer ideas and tools. 

Though material will obviously be compressed in order to cover so many ideas in only one term, by the end of the class students will have explored the basic differences between theatre and drama and what the technician and actor’s crafts involve.