Summerstock Conservatory Courses
The following High School courses are available through the Summerstock program only, with the exception of Drama 10-20-30 which may be taken through both Westmount and Summerstock.
DANCE
Dance 15 (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: None
Students will be given an introduction to Modern, Jazz, and Ballet technique and various other dance styles that will be made available through workshops. Regardless of previous dance experience, students at the Dance 15 level will be encouraged to build on their dance skills and technique. Students will be expected to develop an appreciation for the artistry and physicality of dance, the necessary basics of good choreography skills and the dedication and commitment that it takes to improve physical strength and stamina. Students will be expected to perform their work in front of an audience. No experience is necessary for this class.
Dance 25 (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Dance 15
As a continuation of the Dance 15 course, the students at the Dance 25 level will be expected to continue to stretch and strengthen their dance and choreography skills. Working both individually and in small groups, students will develop short pieces of choreography, for evaluation and performance. As with Dance 15, students will be expected to perform their work in front of an audience.
Dance 35 (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Dance 25 + Audition
This course provides advanced practical experience in solo/ensemble dance performances, choreography and creative direction, is explored in-depth through the art form of musical theatre.
DRAMA
Drama 10 (Exploration of Drama Skills) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: None
This course is designed to assist the development of the whole person - emotionally, physically, intellectually, imaginatively, aesthetically and socially by, giving form and meaning to experience through “acting out”. Students will explore movement, speech, improvisation and theatre studies. Improvisational plot development and work-shopping is in-depth with specialization in the dramatic forms of comedy and tragedy.
Drama 20 (Method Acting & Script) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: 60% + in Drama 10
This course further explores the principles of theatre by expanding on the skills learned in Drama 10. Method Acting with an emphasis on ensemble playing, emotional recall, “as-if’s”, motive vs. conflict, critical observation and concentration are explored in detail. Textual analysis of script, looking at internal meaning of sub-text, actor interpretation of character and the importance of specifics in character development is investigated. The genres of surrealism and absurdism may also be examined. The successful producing of a complete one-act play is required for successful completion of this course.
Drama 30 (Advanced Studies in Theatre) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: 60% + in Drama 20
This course is designed for the serious drama student with an emphasis on directing, advanced acting, theatre sports and a detailed look at script and the stage. Playwrights such as Neil Simon and Tennessee Williams and their influence on contemporary American theatre are assessed. Artistic unity, directorial concept, the director’s eye, composition, tempo and dramatic intensity are among the concepts explored.
PERFORMING ARTS
Advanced Acting 15 (Introduction to Stage Acting) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Audition
This course provides students with practical experience in acting, improvisation and introductory exploratory textual work. The development of communication skills and personal acting creativity will be assessed.
Advanced Acting 25 (Role Formation & Development) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Advanced Acting 15 + Audition
This course furthers development of fundamental acting techniques with an emphasis on method acting and ensemble playing.
*enrollment in Drama 20 may be required as a co-requisite*
Advanced Acting 35 (Professional Stage Training for the Actor) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Drama 20 + Advanced Acting 25 + audition
This course will assist interpretation of roles and special problems in performance.
Music 15 (Introduction to Orchestral or Vocal Score) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Audition
This introductory course offers applied instruction on instrument or voice, through a full score selection of musical theatre.
Music 25 (Studies in Orchestral or Vocal Score) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Music 15 + Audition
This performance-based course offers further instrument or voice via a full score selection of musical theatre. Choral, sectional, group and limited solo work is explored and assessed.
Music 35 (Advanced Studies in Orchestral or Vocal Score) (5 credits)
Prerequisite: Music 25 + Audition
Advanced instrument or voice instruction via a full score of musical theatre will be studied in this course. Key soloist work, ensemble selections, sectionals and full orchestral arrangements are part of this performance-based course. In addition to faculty instruction, solo and sectional works may be taught by guest instructors from the professional symphony.
Professionalism in the Arts 15 (Performance I) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Audition
Co-requisite: Any ONE of Advanced Acting 15, Music 15, Dance 15PA or Musical Theatre
Live performance, musical theatre and the stage will be assessed from the standpoint of the performing professional. Elementary ensemble work and interpolations of dance, music and acting are explored from a practical performance perspective.
Professionalism in the Arts 25 (Performance II) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Audition
Co-requisite: Any ONE of Advanced Acting 25, Dance 25MS, Music 25 or Musical Theatre 25
Live performance, musical theatre and the stage will be further assessed from the standpoint of the performing professional. Intermediate skills in ensemble playing, actor play, role development, limited solo work and group communication skills are interpolated into dance, music and acting and explored from a practical performance perspective.
Professionalism in the Arts 35 (Performance III) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Audition
Live performance, musical theatre and the stage is explored in detail from the standpoint of the performing professional. At this level students are expected to major in either acting, voice or dance. Solo work, ensemble playing and group communications skills are interpolated into a performance major and explored from a practical performance perspective. Stage professionalism through leadership with large group dynamics is an integral part of this course.
TECHNICAL ARTS
Technical Theatre 15 (Introduction to Technical Theatre) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Interview
Technical and organizational aspects of stage production; creative approaches to team design for the theatre leading to and including practical projects in such areas as drafting, scene painting, set construction and design: practical production assignments are coordinated with the Summerstock show and with the overall technical production needs of all concerts and programs in the high school.
Technical Theatre 25 (Fundamentals of Stage Production) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Technical Theatre 15 + Interview
This course examines creative approaches to all design and construction elements of the stage. Research and development, theatre safety, coordination of building projects and practical involvement in the technical element of the annual Summerstock production are all requirements of this course.
Technical Theatre 35 (Advanced Specializations in Technical Theatre) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Technical Theatre 25 + Interview
Advanced studies in an area(s) of technical theatre are examined. Choices include stage management, house management, production management and marketing, set design and construction, costume, make-up, lighting and sound. Research and development into the contemporary practices of the professional theatre will be assessed. Team building, team playing as well as communication and leadership styles critical to the successful completion of any major project represent a critical component of this advanced course.
MUSICAL THEATRE
Musical Theatre 15 (Introduction to Musical Theatre) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Audition
The fundamental principles of the contemporary theatrical genre of musical theatre is introduced with practical emphasis on “acting out”, voice and movement.
Musical Theatre 25 (Modern & Contemporary Musical Theatre) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Musical Theatre 15 + Audition
This course builds upon the skills and competencies acquired in acting, voice and movement, that students learned in Musical Theatre 15.
Musical Theatre 35 (Advanced Studies in Musical Theatre) (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Musical Theatre 25 or equivalent + Audition
This course provides students with advanced studies in the principles and techniques of modern and contemporary musical theatre, with an emphasis on specialization in one of the three performance areas. Interpolation work with multidisciplinary integration of scene work is the cornerstone of this advanced course.