Drama - Theatre Arts

This year-long, foundational class, designed for students with little or no theatre experience, promotes enjoyment and appreciation for all aspects of theatre. Drama 1 meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and the CSU and UC requirements for admission. The class introduces the student to theatre appreciation and beginning acting techniques. The course is organized into five strands: Artistic Perception, using the language and skills of theatre; Creative Expression, creating theatre to communicate meaning and intent; Historical and Cultural Content, examining the key figures and historical periods of theatre and the role theatre plays culturally in the world; Aesthetic Valuing, analyzing theatre for meaning and intent as well as its ability to communicate effectively; and Connections, Relationships, and Applications, developing lifelong skills such as creative problem-solving and collaboration. The class includes: teamwork, relaxation, concentration, movement, voice, play analysis, acting, improvisation, character analysis, performance, scene work, monologues, audition/interview skills, theatre vocabulary, theatre history, and play critiques. The curriculum is aligned with the California Visual and Performing Arts Standards. Attendance for all AC Theatre Arts shows as well as attendance at two non-school performances are mandatory. Students who demonstrate mastery of skills will be considered to move up to Drama 2 at the semester.

This year-long, foundational class, designed for students with little or no theatre experience and is the only theatre class with no performance requirement. ​This class meets the CSU and UC A-G requirements for admission. Stagecraft is the technical theatre class at ACHS. In this course, students will learn the about the backstage magic that makes performances possible—from set design and construction to lighting, sound, costuming, and production management. This hands-on course builds artistic, technical, and problem-solving skills, and supports all mainstage productions at ACHS. Stagecraft students are vital to our theatre community. We a create safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where everyone learns by doing.

This year-long intermediate-level class, designed for students with a year or more of experience promotes enjoyment and appreciation for all aspects of theatre through opportunities to build significantly on existing skills. Drama 2 is a theatre class for those students who have passed Drama 1 with a B or better. Drama 2 meets the CSU and UC  requirements for admission. It is designed to build upon past theatre

experiences and enhance skills. The class is aligned with California Visual and Performing Arts Standards outlined above. The class will cover ensemble work/teamwork, movement, voice, scene and play analysis, scene work including an emphasis on objectives, obstacles, and acting techniques, improvisational skills, character analysis and performance, monologues, audition skills, dramaturgy, career paths and theatre history with an emphasis on performing the classics. Drama 2 students will use 21st-century skills to collaboratively produce two one-act plays and contribute to the Spring Student Showcase.

Attendance at all AC Theatre Arts shows as well as attendance at two non-school performances is mandatory.

Advanced Drama is a theatre class for those students by audition/interview only. A full year of Advanced Drama meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and the CSU and UC requirements for admission. The class is aligned with the California State Standards, including the five strands listed above in the beginning class description. It is designed to build upon past theatre experiences and prepare students for college and professional work. The class will cover ensemble work, scene and play analysis, differing acting techniques, improvisational skills, character analysis and performance, audition skills, career paths and theatre history with an emphasis on theatre production and directing. Students not in this class will not be considered for roles in the school plays. Each semester will culminate in the production of a play, musical, or Student Showcase.

Musical Theater is a brand new offering through the Drama program at ACHS for the 2023-24 school year. Musical Theater will meet after school as a 7th-period class and meets the fine arts requirement for graduation and the CSU and UC requirements for admission. The class is aligned with the California State Standards, including the five strands listed above in the beginning class description. It is designed to build upon past music, dance, and theatre experiences and prepare students for audition and performance in the spring musical. The class will cover musical theatre history, vocal techniques, and choreography, and develop students' skills on the stage and beyond. Each semester will culminate in the production of a play, musical, or Student Showcase.