High School Theatre Classes
Denver Academy's Theatre program recognizes that students struggle without a sense of passion, purpose, and self worth. Through drama, students learn that they are talented, capable human beings. Many students who have struggled in their academic life, blossom in the performing arts and develop the self-discipline and confidence necessary to work hard and strive for success.
Our expectations in class:
Our expectations in class:
- Respect yourself!
- Respect others!
- Respect the theater and supplies!
- Attempt to get out of your comfort zone and have fun!
Acting
This class is for the student wanting to know more about the art of acting. We will delve into script analysis, character creation, different acting techniques, and practice performing in front of an audience.
By the end of the quarter, you will:
By the end of the quarter, you will:
- Perform a scene and a monologue for an audience
- Understand the importance of creating a well rounded character with a backstory
- Break apart scripts with in-depth analysis
- Demonstrate proper theatre etiquette
Set Design
Come experience the excitement of designing and creating sets! In this quarter long class you will learn building and painting techniques and the collaborative process of design.
By the end of the quarter, students will:
By the end of the quarter, students will:
- Learn building techniques and the use of tools.
- Create project designs and produce a finished set.
- Learn and practice set painting techniques.
- Gain insight as to how a theater set is created.
Improvisation
For those who love to act & create their own scenes, this class provides the opportunity for students to learn theater improvisation games and techniques. This class will teach them to work together as an ensemble, develop stage presence, projection, self confidence, and strengthen their ability to think on their feet. Class work will be showcased at the end of the quarter with a performance.
By the end of this class, students will:
By the end of this class, students will:
- Participate in an improvisation show
- Gain knowledge of improvisation games and techniques
- Demonstrate proper theatre etiquette
- Work together as a team to create a story on stage
Thespians
For those who love acting, this class is for the actor who enjoys both scene work and would like to learn more about what it takes to be a professional actor. Students will work on their auditions, portfolio, scenes and improv games in preparation for the Thespian Conference we attend yearly in December.
By the end of the quarter the student will
By the end of the quarter the student will
- Gain tools and the skills to audition with confidence
- Perform a duet scene/monologue for an audience
- Demonstrate knowledge of character creation, script analysis and acting techniques.
- Complete resume and/or actor portfolio
- Demonstrate good stage presence and acting professionalism.
Lighting Design
Become a lighting designer for theatre! This class will teach you how to use color theory, program cues in to a lighting board, use light to create mood and different worlds on stage!
By the end of the quarter you will:
By the end of the quarter you will:
- Create your own lighting designs and light cues
- Learn how to hang a stage light, focus the light and use gel in the proper way
- Understand light color theory, and how light can alter our perceptions as well as understanding
- Learn how to use different lighting fixtures, lenses, and lamps
Student Productions
Be a playwright, director and actor! In a group, you will write, direct and perform scenes and musical numbers! Discover the fun and creative ways of developing stories and writing a script. Then watch your script come to life as you rehearse and perform your piece in front of an audience!
By the end of the quarter you will:
By the end of the quarter you will:
- Experience the creative process of developing and producing a play
- Perform in front of an audience!
- Demonstrate knowledge of character creation, script analysis and acting techniques.
- Learn to work together as a team to create a play!
Playwriting
This class is for the student wanting to know more about the art of playwriting. We will delve into script analysis, creation, different techniques for brainstorming and writing a play.
By the end of the quarter, you will:
By the end of the quarter, you will:
- Learn different brainstorming techniques
- Understand the importance of creating a well rounded character with a backstory
- Break apart scripts with in-depth analysis
- Demonstrate proper theatre etiquette, learn how to give appropriate and constructive feedback.
- Write and perform a short play
Musical Theatre
This class is for the student wanting to know more about the art of Musical Theatre. We will delve into script analysis, character creation, different acting, singing and dancing techniques, and practice performing in front of an audience. We will also discuss musical theatre history and learn from guest artists!
By the end of the quarter, you will:
By the end of the quarter, you will:
- Perform a musical scene or a solo for an audience
- Understand the importance of creating a well rounded character with a backstory
- Break apart scripts/music with in-depth analysis
- Finetune stage presence and storytelling through music and dance
- Demonstrate proper theatre etiquette
Senior Shakespeare
This class is an opportunity for Seniors to experience performing Shakespeare in front of an audience. After reading and discussing multiple Shakespeare texts in class earlier in the year, students get to put on a full blown production! Seniors audition, act, build and paint sets, program lights and sound, design costumes, create props, play musical instruments for their end of year performance. A long standing tradition filled with lots of fun!