Theatre II
The class begins with students developing an acting ensemble together using activities and games based in the Spolin and Alder techniques of acting. Students learn about the foundations of improv and perform improv scenes, and the basics of Stanislavksi technique using first open scenes then monologues written by the students. Students then transition from realism to Shakespeare, with lessons on hand-to-hand and weapons stage combat, performing verse, and classical acting. In the second term, students learn about different acting techniques and verbatim theatre, creating and performing verbatim scripts inspired by the works of Anna Deavere Smith and the Tectonic Theatre Project. This culminates with an acting showcase in the spring, in which students perform a collection of monologues and scenes that they believe best represent their work and artistry from the year.