Learning Goals
Students will meet or exceed the following California Standards for high school theatre education.
- Develop and improve artistic perception through processing, analyzing and responding to sensory information through the language and skills unique to theatre.
- Develop creative expression through performing and participating in theatre.
- Develop a basic level of understanding about the historical contributions and cultural dimensions of theatre.
- Develop a more critical aesthetic sense by responding to, analyzing, and critiquing theatrical experiences.
- Develop an understanding of how what is learned in theatre connects and applies to other art forms and subject areas as well as careers and other life experiences.
The above learning goals align with the Expected Schoolwide Learning Results of John Burroughs High School involving academic achievement, critical thinking, effectively communicating, and lifelong learning. JBHS Drama also presents a unique opportunity for students to become responsible citizens. In order to have a satisfying and successful theatrical performance, every student in the ensemble must actively participate. Every student must practice respect of himself, the other members of the ensemble, and the performance environment. Every student must meet his commitment to himself and the other performers. Every student must develop the skills and knowledge necessary to participate successfully within the artistic framework and the social framework of the theatrical ensemble. Every student must strive for excellence and take pride not only in his individual work, but also in the cooperative production of the ensemble.
"George Washington Slept Here," May 2016
Current Course Offerings
Drama 1
This course offers students an introduction to the basics of theatre, including theatre history and the fundamentals of acting, characterization, and improvisation. Students read and analyze a diverse collection of plays, developing their artistic perception and aesthetic sense as they approach the text from the perspective of actors, designers, and directors. Great emphasis is placed on participation during classroom exercises and scene study and performance.
Musical Theatre
This course offers students an introduction to the roots of the American musical while exploring its historical and cultural significance through to present day. Students study the fundamentals of musical performance technique through vocal and physical warm-ups and exercises as they explore and develop characterization through song, dance, acting, improvisation, and scene study. Students read and listen to a diverse collection of musicals, developing their artistic perception and aesthetic sense. Great emphasis is placed on participation during classroom exercises, scene study, and performance.
Play Production
This course offers students a full-fledged production experience from the first table read to opening night. Students read and analyze the current play in production and are required to work on the play in multiple capacities including acting, stage management, set design and creation, costume design and creation, lighting design and creation, props design and creation, house management, publicity, and more. Every student must develop the skills and knowledge necessary to participate successfully within the artistic framework and the social framework of the theatrical ensemble. Every student must strive for excellence and take pride not only in his individual work, but also in the cooperative production of the ensemble. An audition/interview is required for admittance into Play Production.Say something interesting about your business here.
Drama 2
Drama II is an intermediate level theatre course designed for students who wish to pursue in-depth development of their acting skills. The class goes beyond the needs of the general student and requires admittance approval from the instructor through an interview and/or audition. The two semester course covers various aspects of the art of acting, including how to use improvisational techniques to make a scripted performance more effective, how to analyze a script for performance, methods for building a character, how to adapt a performance to the conventions of various performance media, and how to develop the voice and body to be a more effective actor.