Fine Arts - Theatre

Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat 

On October 31, 2011 The Backlight Theatre Company collected 1506 pounds of canned and dry goods for The Vernon Township Food Pantry. On Halloween students donned their costumes and trick or treated for non-perishables. Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat is a national community service program for International Thespian Society member schools to collect canned and dry goods for local charities and food banks.

Totals:
2006: 596 lbs
2007: 648 lbs
2008: 642 lbs
2009: 965 lbs
2010:  1432 lbs
2011: 1509 lbs

THEATRE COURSES

INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE
is a semester course, offered both semesters and open to grades 9 through 12.
Prerequisite: None.
Introduction to Theatre is the suggested starting point for the Theatre curriculum. This survey class will expose students to a variety of the elements that make up the art form of theatre. Specific areas of focus include improvisation, acting performance styles, structure of play production, and an overview of technical elements such as scenery, lighting, make-up and costuming. No theatrical experience (either on stage or back stage) is necessary. Field trips to see professional plays are an integral part of the class and will be offered when possible.

ACTING STUDIO
is a semester course, offered both semesters and open to grades 10 through 12.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre.
Acting Studio is designed for the student who wishes to further his training in acting. A comprehensive focus on scene study is presented, with more emphasis on the building of a character. A variety of acting styles—comic, tragic, and classical—will be presented. The viewing of professional plays will be arranged through field trips when possible. Students will also be given the opportunity to direct scenes. Students may choose to extend their studies in this class by re-enrolling for grade and credit.

THEATRE TECHNOLOGY
is a semester course, offered both semesters and open to grades 10 through 12.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Theatre or Placement.
Theatre Technology is designed for the student who wished to further his knowledge of the backstage elements of theater. Areas of focus include: theatrical tools and hardware, methods of scenery construction, scenic painting technique, lighting technology, lighting design, sound technology, costuming basics and development of theatrical buildings. Practical experience is gained through participation in the technical elements of actual theatrical productions done in the district. Students may choose to extend their studies in this class by re-enrolling for grade and credit.

Faculty:

Stephanie Freichels: Intro. to Theatre, Acting Studio
Kevin Phelan: Technical Theatre