MHS Theater Courses
Theatre Arts I (Grades 9,10)
The Theatre Arts I course is designed to engage the students in theatrical activities that will enrich their creativity and allow them to develop team building skills. The students learn the basics of improvisation, scene development, writing plays, and character creation. Students work with others in class to develop small improvised scenes that are performed and critiqued. Students learn how to move on stage and play to an audience while also developing a vocabulary of new theatrical terms and ideas. Other areas covered in the course are theatre history, film-making, and technical theatre. The course is presented to the students in such a way as to make them feel comfortable about performing in front of others and being able to overcome stage fright.
Theatre II (Grades 10,11)
The Theatre Arts II course builds upon those skills which were developed in Theatre I. A more concentrated look at acting technique and character development is presented to the students. Students are presented with various acting tools which they can use to create a more believable and realistic performance. Experimentation with other acting styles and methods are also introduced in class. Students continue to build improvisational skills to create performances that are both spontaneous and creative. The course also continues to allow students to work in collaboration with one another. The Theatre II student will also work with scripted material and learn how to properly use a script for both character development and rehearsal purposes.
Theatre III/IV (Grades 11,12)
Theatre III/IV is where students bring all of their experiences from the past theatre classes into practice. The main focus of the course is the class’s opportunity to produce a formal production. Auditions and participation is only for theatre III/IV students. Students will be cast and rehearse the play during the school day. Some afterschool rehearsals are required closer to the production date. Students will learn what it takes to produce a production by actually being in one. Students will have the opportunity to experience firsthand what it takes to put on a live performance.
The Aims of the IB Theatre Course
Through energy and imagination theatre is a means to explore society, examine relationships, frame, expose, critique, and speculate. The IB Theatre Program will engage students to study diverse forms of theatres in theoretical, historical, and cultural contexts. Beyond the study of theatre, and more importantly, students will learn by engaging in theatre practice and performance. At the core of the theatre course lays a concern with clarity of understanding, critical thinking, reflective analysis, effective involvement and imaginative synthesis—all of which should be achieved through practical engagement in theatre. Critical to the IB Theatre Arts student is the importance of working independently and as a member of an ensemble. Each student will need to develop the ability to lead and temper that with the recognition of when it is better to follow.
Experience and participate in a wide and varied range of theatre activities.
Become familiar with forms of theatre from their own and different cultures.
Explore different theatre traditions in their historical contexts.
Become reflective and critical practitioners in theatre.
Develop the skills to work independently or collaboratively in an ensemble.
The IB Theatre course is a two year course that involves intensive writing, researching, and presentations throughout. Year II of the IB Theatre Program involves four assessments. Research Investigation project, Practical Performance Proposal, Theatre Performance and Production Presentation, and the Independent Project Portfolio. Successful students can earn college credits upon completion of this course.
Theatre III/IV Honors Credit:
Students who wish to obtain an honor credit for Theatre III/IV must meet the following requirements:
Must be a junior or senior in theatre III/IV class.
Must prepare a performance piece to present for the honors recital.
Must complete a term paper that compares and contrast two different playwrights from any time period.
Technical Theatre I (Grades 9,10)
Students explore the various aspects of design and production for theatre. Areas of study may include scenery, lighting, sound, makeup, properties, costumes and stage management.
Technical Theatre II (Grades 10,11)
Students develop technical skills through design and production. Technical support for school productions requires participation in after school rehearsals and performances.
Technical Theatre III (Grades 11,12)
Students who have demonstrated a high skill level in technical theatre can continue to study various areas of technical theatre by focusing on ore advanced design and production skills. Students are expected to participate in after school rehearsals and performances.