Drama and Stagecraft

Drama 1 explores the fundamentals of acting, improvisation, stagecraft, and playwriting through storytelling, characterization, and scene study. Students will develop their skills to improve confidence, spontaneity, collaboration, and imagination on stage. The course is project-based, and students will perform independently, in pairs, and in small groups in front of class and small invited audiences. The course is open to 9^th-12^th graders and is UC approved for visual and performing art credit.

Drama 2 is designed for the experienced drama student. Its aim is to further develop skills in acting, improvisation, stagecraft and playwriting with the addition of theater history and directing. This course emphasizes ensemble work and production. Performances will take place in front of class as well as invited audiences. The course is open to 10^th-12^th graders and is UC approved for visual and performing arts credit.

Advanced Drama is Miramonte’s production class. It is designed for the serious, committed theatre student. Students in Advanced Drama are members of Miramonte’s resident theater company, The Miramonte Players. Founded in 1999, the Miramonte Players produce the Fall play and Spring One-Acts, as well as other performance-based projects. Students in this class will focus on acting, directing, and writing for the stage within an ensemble. The course is open to 11^th-12^th graders and is UC approved. It may be repeated for credit.

Musical Theater Workshop is designed for students who love to sing, dance, and act in Broadway musicals throughout the ages.  Students will learn techniques in order to bring their characters to life on stage through song and scene work.  They will work as part of an ensemble to perform in the school musical as well as a Best of Broadway Showcase.  The course is open to all students, 9th-12th grade.  The course is team-taught by the school's choir and drama teachers, UC approved for a visual or performing art, and may be repeated for credit.  

Stagecraft is designed for students who are interested in the creative process of theater. Students will learn design and operation/construction of lights, sound, set, costumes, props as well as stage management, house management, and publicity. Lab hours are required and are fulfilled by being on run crews for Miramonte Drama Department productions as well as other theater events. The course is open to 9^th-12^th graders, UC approved for a visual or performing art, and may be repeated for credit.