School District of Waukesha High School Course Selection Guide ...

Drama I ‐ Beginning Acting (Course #5066)This is the initial course in two years of drama. It is recommended that this class be taken for a full year ofacting practice. Beginning Acting, through pantomimes and improvisations, teaches the student the skillsnecessary to become an accomplished performer. Students will be expected to perform in the classroomand to read and see plays outside of the classroom. The first semester will culminate in the production ofone‐act plays, memorized and performed before an audience. In the second semester, techniques will beput into practice through the production of a children’s play and a full‐length play for English classes.Additional techniques to be taught include: set design, make‐up, costuming, and properties. In addition toperforming, students will be required to see and read plays outside of class.Drama II ‐ Advanced Acting and Directing (Course #5068)This course is the second year in Drama and is for those students who have shown a great interest andability in Beginning Acting. The course will provide further instruction in acting, production, and directing.First semester, students will produce a formal play and a one‐act play for performance in the middleschool, and they will direct one‐act plays in the Beginning Acting course during study halls when possible.The second semester culminates in the production of a one‐act play for performances in the grade schoolsand a full‐length play for public performance. Students will be responsible for the creation of all aspects ofproduction.Note: the drama sequence may not be accepted by some universities as part of the 4.0 English credits. Thecourses will be accepted for general credit or additional English credit beyond the required 4 English creditsfor graduation from the Waukesha school district.Stagecraft (Course #5070)Stagecraft covers the fundamentals of backstage technology through actual practice. Students constructscenery, paint sets, learn about lighting and sound control and do other backstage work. Students arerequired to work some evenings during play rehearsals and production.Note: Upon completion this credit is accounted for under the elective credits earned – NOT as an Englishcredit.Writing for Publication (Course #5082)This semester‐long course focuses on writing for publication in three genres: poetry, short story, andcreative nonfiction. The purpose of this class is to encourage students to cultivate the habits, attitudes andthe time management of a writer in a writing community. The material is taught through the reading of avariety of short stories, poems and essays. Emphasis is placed on incorporating advanced techniques intostudent writing as well as understanding and recognizing these techniques in literature. Students will beexpected to enter final products into professional and/or student contests and participate in the localpublication of a literary magazine. They will conference with the instructor, participate in writerresponse/workshop groups, research and read contemporary published authors, keep and regularly writein a writer’s notebook, and experiment with and revise writing routinely. This is a senior elective writingcourse.27