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Theater

Our Theatre Arts courses offer a practical and engaging introduction to the fundamentals of performance, design, and dramatic literature. Students will explore creativity, collaboration, and communication while developing confidence and self-expression. The curriculum is designed to be accessible and fun, providing a foundation in theatrical practice and appreciation and in alignment with the Texas Essential Skills and Knowledge for Theater Arts.

Key Course Content

Students will engage in a variety of activities and topics, including:

  • Acting Techniques: Basic pantomime, improvisation, character development, vocal projection, and stage movement.

  • Playwriting & Storytelling: Creating short scenes, adapting stories, and understanding basic dramatic structure (beginning, middle, end).

  • Theatre History & Appreciation: Brief overview of different theatre styles and traditions (e.g., Greek, Shakespearean, Modern), and exploring the role of theatre in society.

  • Technical Theatre & Design: Introduction to basic elements of scenic design, costuming, lighting, and sound.

  • Performance: Opportunities to rehearse and present scenes and short plays for classmates and potentially a wider audience.

Assessment

Assessments are holistic and focuses on both the process and the product. Grading will be based on:

  • Participation and Effort: Active engagement in rehearsals, discussions, and classroom activities.

  • Process Work: Completion of journal entries, scene study notes, and design sketches.

  • Performance: Effectiveness and understanding demonstrated in acting scenes and improvisations.

  • Knowledge and Understanding: Quizzes, tests, and written reflections on theatrical concepts and history.

  • Collaboration: Working effectively and respectfully with peers on group projects.

Connection to the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)

This Theatre Arts course is structured as an IB MYP Arts subject, aligning with the program's philosophy of holistic learning and global context.

1. MYP Global Contexts

Units of study will be framed by one or more Global Contexts to encourage students to see the relevance of theatre in the real world. Examples include:

  • Identities and Relationships: Exploring character and motivation through diverse roles.

  • Personal and Cultural Expression: Creating and analyzing theatrical works as a means of communication and cultural representation.

  • Orientation in Space and Time: Studying the historical and cultural significance of various theatrical forms.

2. MYP Arts Objectives.

Students will be assessed according to the four MYP Arts Objectives:

MYP Objective Focus In Theatre Arts
A: Knowing and Understanding Knowledge of theatre concepts, vocabulary, and history. Identifying and explaining acting techniques, theatre terms, and design elements.
B: Developing Skills Proficiency in performance and design skills. Demonstrating effective vocal projection, stage presence, improvisation, and basic design application.
C: Thinking Creatively Using imagination and experimentation in the creative process. Developing original characters, creating innovative scene ideas, and experimenting with performance styles.
D: Responding Critically analyzing and reflecting on theatrical work. Evaluating their own work and the work of peers, and discussing the social/cultural context of plays.

 

3. Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills

Throughout the course, students will develop essential ATL Skills, particularly:

  • Communication Skills: Speaking (vocal projection, clear articulation), Listening (active listening in rehearsals), and Non-verbal (body language, movement).

  • Social Skills: Collaboration, taking responsibility, and respecting different creative ideas.

  • Self-Management Skills: Time management in rehearsals, and reflective practice.

Theatre Arts is an excellent medium for developing the inquirer, knowledgeable, thinker, communicator, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-taker, balanced, and reflective attributes of the IB Learner Profile .