Courses
Acting and Performance
Acting classes expose students to a variety of acting methodologies, both classical and contemporary. Additionally, these classes will explore movement and vocal techniques taken from a variety of sources. In addition to classical acting training, students will also explore acting through improvisation, thereby strengthening their collaborative skills, acting skills, and getting comfortable on stage.
Theatre 1: Introduction to Acting.
The first class offered is available to anyone who is curious about acting, theatre, or just wants to gain some confidence in front of an audience. Teambuilding and gradual progression to stage performance is the focus. Basic techniques and theatre terminology begin here.
Theatre 2: Intermediate Acting and Scenework.
For the student who wants to begin in-depth exploration of how to create a character and bring it to life onstage. Further exploration of movement and vocal techniques is a regular part of this course. Students must have successfully completed Theatre 1 and have approval of the teacher to take this course.
Theatre 3: Acting and Auditioning
Public performance requirements begin in this class. Students focus on how to prepare for a college audition or just improving on auditioning for anything. Monologue study and performance in a one-act play, peer-directed scenes, and a full-length play are included in this class.
Theatre 4: Advanced Acting and Directing
Students will direct their peers in short scenes for public performance twice in the year as well as demonstrating advancement in their own acting skills.
Improvisation 1
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of improvisation. They will learn basic rules and essentials of scenic improvisation, while developing listening and communication skills, and the ability to think “on one’s feet.”
Improvisation 2
Students will further develop mastery in the fundamentals of improvisation. Students will apply previously developed skills and techniques of improvisation to long form and storytelling. Students will gain additional skills in character development, play building, listening and teamwork.
Playwriting
This course is designed for grades 10-12 students who have taken Theatre 1 and wish to apply theatrical concepts and structure to writing. Students will experiment with a variety of techniques for script building and will complete various lengths and types of scripts.
Technical Theatre and Stagecraft
Backstage careers are explored in these courses, ranging from simple introductions and craft projects, to working on current school productions for public performance. These courses are included in the Colorado Career and Technical Education program and have the option of leading to certifications in the various careers in Stagecraft
Technical Theatre 1: Introduction to Technical Theatre
No pre-requisite required for this class. Simple introduction to many of the backstage jobs is the focus of the course, as well as learning to work in a collaborative environment and observe safety protocols.
Stagecraft 1
More focused work is allowed in this course, whether it is constructing a set, designing a set, learning how to program a sound or lighting board, sewing, costume and makeup design, prop design and construction, and many other areas are available during this class. Motivated students with a strong work ethic are necessary for success.
Stagecraft 2
Direct application of skills to a single area of backstage work is expected here, as well as after-school commitment on the current school production. Leadership and training of students in Stagecraft 1 is expected.
Stagecraft 3: CTE focus
Students here will focus on the current production as well as gaining real-world training and experience if possible. Taking on a leadership role is expected of this level of student, as well as possible certification exams at the state and/or national level.
Auditioning
At the present time, auditions are not required for admittance to courses beyond Theatre 1 and Technical Theatre 1. However, students must have completed the entry level courses at a high level and obtain permission from the teacher to advance.
Performances
Theatre 3 and 4 are the only courses required to perform for a public audience. Stagecraft students are expected to contribute the current school productions, with after school commitment encouraged.
Theatre Honor Society/Lettering in Theatre
The International Thespian Society (ITS) recognizes, rewards, and encourages student achievement and celebrates the work of students in all aspects of theatre— performance and production. Each student is honored on a national level and gains access to opportunities and resources beyond
those of their school. Members of Liberty’s troupe earn points toward advancement in the society, and are encouraged to participate in all productions, as well as other school-event activities.
Additional Involvement
The co-curricular theatre program is very active, providing the opportunity for students to be involved in the three mainstage productions: fall play, winter production (Scarborough Fair), and spring musical. Students are also encouraged to get involved in community theatres, whether through their church or one of the many community theatres in the greater Colorado Springs area.
If you have questions about classes or co-curricular programs, please contact Mr. Skelcey or Ms. Winney.