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Preliminary Curriculum: Drama and Forensics Objectives:
Scope and Sequence: Two semester courses in Fine and/or Performing Arts are required of all students for graduation. Fine Arts offerings will be phased in slowly, depending on enrollment and demand. The following is an anticipated Drama and Forensics course sequence:
Additional courses that may be added include, among others, Acting I–II, Technical Theater I–II, Debate and Argumentation I–II, and specialized speaking-based and drama-based forensics. Suggested scopes for these courses are as follows: Introduction to Rhetoric and Public Speaking. Concentrates on the theory and practice of public speaking, including research, writing, and delivery of prepared speeches. May include extemporaneous speech and oral interpretation of prose and poetry selections. Videotaped assignments, oral presentations, in-class coaching. This will be a prerequisite for all other Forensics and Drama courses. Foundations of Theater. One-semester course covering the history of theater and the basics of acting, including basic delivery skills (vocal, facial, and movement skills), basic character analysis and development, and some monologue and scene presentation. Prerequisite for all other Drama electives. Acting I: Character Development. One-semester course offering more advanced work in acting techniques and character development, as well as in-class scene study and discussion of classic theatrical texts. Monologue and scene presentation is a part of this course; it may also include work on audition pieces. May include field trip to “behind-the-scenes” of a local amateur or professional production. Participation in public performance is required. Acting II: Developing as an Actor. One-semester course repeatable for credit. Offers more advanced study in acting techniques and character development. In-class scene study and discussion of classic theatrical texts, monologue, and preparing for auditions. Participation in public performance is required. Prerequisites: Introduction to Rhetoric and Public Speaking, Acting I. Technical Theater I: Foundations of Technical Theater. One-semester course covering the history of theater as it relates to technical aspects of drama production and the essential payers behind the scenes. Also involves the study of set design and construction, lighting, audio, props, and costume design. May include field trip to “behind-the-scenes” of a local amateur or professional production. Required participation in crew of the spring production and/or other school-sponsored theatrical work. Technical Theater II: Developing as a Theater Technician. One-semester course providing more advanced training in the technical aspects of drama production, including set design and construction, lighting, sound, props, and costume design. Students will assume responsibility for various technical theater roles in school productions (e.g., stage manager, lighting tech, sound crew). Required participation in crew of the spring production and/or other school-sponsored theatrical work. Prerequisites: Introduction to Rhetoric and Public Speaking, Technical Theater I. Speaking-Based Forensics. One-semester introduction to development and delivery of extemp, persuasive, expository, and impromptu speeches. Videotaped assignments and in-class presentations; may include opportunity for participation in local and/or regional forensics competitions. Prerequisite: Introduction to Rhetoric and Public Speaking. Drama-Based Forensics. One-semester introduction to the development and delivery of dramatic, humorous, duo, and oral interpretation speeches. Videotaped assignments and in-class presentations; may include opportunity for participation in local and/or regional forensics competitions. Prerequisites: Introduction to Rhetoric and Public Speaking, Foundations of Theater. Debate and Argumentation I: Introduction to Debate. Two semesters. Introduction to the rules and skills of debate. Extensive in-class practice; opportunity for participation in local and/or regional competitions. Prerequisite: Introduction to Rhetoric and Public Speaking. Debate and Argumentation II: Intermediate Debate. Two semesters. More advanced work on debate skills, with extensive in-class practice. Opportunity for participation in local and/or regional competitions. Additional Notes: The order and number of electives added will depend upon student demand. Electives may be phased in over the first few years of the HS. Drama and forensics electives can be offered in alternate semesters or in alternate years, depending on finances and student demand. Independent studies may also be possible, with consent of the instructor and administration approval. The Drama department should plan to put on a major production in the spring of each year. This production could be a musical, a Shakespearean drama, or some other work as determined by the instructor(s). If there is sufficient demand, the department could also put on a shorter work in the late fall. Foundations of Theater (or consent of instructor) could be a prerequisite for participating in these productions. Curriculum | FAQs | Student Life | Athletics | Return to Trinity School Home  Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill |
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