Drama

The first semester is intended for both the beginning student of theater and for the student who wants a more in-depth theatre experience. This course provides a brief overview of both the curious non-actor and the experienced younger actor. The course begins with a series of theatre games and exercises intended to give the student a basic knowledge of stagecraft, ensemble work, character development, and movement for the stage. Combining a smattering of theatre history along with an introduction to the aesthetic philosophy of theatre, students will learn an appreciation for all forms of theatre and awareness to the world of theatre beyond the classroom and its relevancy in today’s world. The second semester is designed to build on the practices and techniques introduced in the first semester. Through monologues, scene work, and presentations, this semester provides the opportunity to study, act in, and direct various dramatic scenes from full-length plays, which are examined in detail in their entirety. Students will learn basic technical theatre skills, with a “hands-on” approach to production.

Course Description: Improv is an art form and a philosophy. In learning improv, one becomes more flexible thinking on the fly and working without a plan. It teaches listening, openness, and spontaneity. And it’s fun! In this class, students will learn to create theatrical scenes on the fly, generating characters and narratives (and hilarity) along the way. They will learn different improv games and forms, all of which will support them as they perform a show at the end of the semester!

The course will focus on the foundations of good improv, including:

1. Spontaneity
2. Affirmation
3. Character
4. Emotion
5. Space Objects
6. Sharing Control
7. Status
8. Endowments
9. Narrative

Milestones of the course may include:

· Collaboration with the Stanford Improvisers

· A field trip to see “professional” improv in San Francisco

· A capstone performance at the end of the semester!

Enduring Understandings:

1. Saying “yes!” to the unexpected develops selflessness and empathy, teaches listening and openness, and leads to life-changing experiences and relationships.

2. Failure is an essential part of improv, art, and life, and it must be accepted before any meaningful risk can be taken.

3. Sharing control and working for the good of the group are hallmarks of great improv and good people.

Outcomes: In addition to the enduring understandings, students who complete the course will become members of MImps, the Menlo Improvisers. Students will be able to practice with the troupe and play in shows with their fellow improvisers for the rest of their Menlo career.

The MIMPS, Menlo Improvisors, will make their public debut with an evening of Improv in the new Spieker Center for the Performing Arts.

Designed to introduce, explore and develop a solid understanding of the musical theatre cannon, both past and present. With on-site and in real-time simulated auditions, we will learn the techniques of acting a song and how to use subtext and monologues to make your performance of a song more believable. We will examine the construction of a song and take a look at it’s various parts. We’ll discuss the voice. We’ll examine a wide range of musical theatre songs and shows that exist and learn which types are best suitable for your skill level. We will learn the valuable tool of providing and receiving constructive feedback as we explore a model for providing others with feedback in a meaningful way.

This course will provide you with a step-by–step process to pick the best material and prepare fully for a wide range of audition situations. Practical work sessions on ‘how to audition’ will be an important part of this class. We will also look at acting and musical theatre schools, programs and summer opportunities that best suits you.

It doesn’t matter where you are trying out for a Broadway show, auditioning for college or simply jamming with friends, there is something here to help everyone make the most of the skills they already possess.

The course will focus on the foundations of a positive presentation including:

Expanding self-expression
Building basic principles of acting including character analysis through song with the use of objectives, and obstacles
The choosing and collecting a variety of songs to perform, audition or enjoyment

Skills that will be developed include:

Flexibility
Spontaneity
Affirmation
Song Analysis

Milestones of the course may include:

Guest Artist auditors
Collaboration with neighboring musical theatre high school classes in the Bay area
A field trip to see a “professional” show in the Bay Area.
A capstone performance at the end of the semester!

Outcomes: Students will showcase their work in a capstone performance, “20 musicals in 20 minutes” in the new Spieker Center.

Prerequisite – Currently in Drama 1 or have taken Drama 1