Theatre I
This is the introductory theatre course at Maspeth High School that covers the fundamentals of the different jobs in theatre. The course begins by exploring the concept that theatre is storytelling, with students devising and sharing original stories inspired by creation stories. This unit also looks at examples of storytelling and theatre from antiquity. Next, students learn about the fundamentals of physical theatre (including Laban technique, Viewpoints, and mask work) and voice (voice acting and radio plays). After covering the foundations of voice and movement, students learn about set and lighting design, creating their own original set models and lighting cues in the auditorium. In the second term, students write original five minute plays, after which their class votes on their top three scripts. The scripts chosen by the class are staged in the auditorium for the spring new works festival. Students take on the roles of director, designer, or actor for this final unit which all community members are invited to in the spring.