9907 Introduction to Theatre
This course is designed to introduce the student to the many components of theatre: acting, directing, design, script analysis, and history. Students will focus on each topic through reading, lectures, in-class exercises, and assignments. In addition, there will be numerous practical assignments through which the student, individually or with others, will gain valuable experience in the ways these various elements work together in the creation of a fully realized dramatic experience.
9903 Acting
This course introduces the student to the variety of techniques used to produce the art of acting. Assignments will be arranged sequentially to focus on each technique culminating in the use of the entire skill set for actual performance. Exercises will be based on the theatre techniques developed by, but not limited to, Konstantin Stanislavski, Viola Spolin, and Arthur Lessac. Major areas of focus include observation, physical and vocal expressiveness, building a character, text analysis, monologues, scene work, and professional development. Students will be evaluated on performance, written assignments, tests, progress, and participation.
9905 Honors Advanced Acting
This course further develops the techniques introduced in Acting. Students will conduct independent research, present acting techniques and exercises to the class, lead warm-up exercises and select challenging performance material.
Note: Runs concurrently with 9903 Acting
9917 Honors Great Stages of Drama
[Will be offered 2024-2025]
Throughout history, social, political, cultural, and philosophical forces have combined to create a fertile ground for great periods of theatrical activity. These “Golden Ages of Theatre” include: Classical Greece, Elizabethan England, Neoclassic/Restoration, Romanticism, Twentieth Century Realism and Expressionism, and American Musical Theatre. This class will study the plays that emerged from these great periods, and examine the larger worldview that shaped them. Student projects will include scene performances and presentations on period design and historical background.
9912 Musical Production Cast,
9925 Musical Production Crew,
& 9913 Honors Musical Production
Each fall McNamara stages a musical theatre production which is a fine arts omega period class that students may elect to take for credit and a grade. These courses meet after school and all course work is hands-on preparation to produce the musical. Students may participate on stage as actors, singers, and dancers, backstage as technical support, or in the pit orchestra as musicians. Students will learn all aspects of staging a musical including blocking, character analysis and development, plot analysis, choreography, vocal production, stage presence, theatrical vocabulary, set construction, lighting and sound design and production, costuming, makeup, and properties.
9920 Spring Production Cast,
9921 Spring Production Crew,
& 9931 Honors Spring Production
Each spring McNamara stages a non-musical theatre production which is a fine arts omega period class that students may elect to take for credit and a grade. These courses meet after school and culminate in a fully staged play. Students may participate as actors or technical support. The concentration is on staging, plot, and character analysis.
9928 Theatre Technology A: Set, Lights
This one-semester course introduces the student to both the artistic and technical aspects of theatrical productions through stage carpentry, set design, theatrical lighting, and stage properties. Throughout the course we will work hands-on in the theatre to put our knowledge into practice, using Bishop McNamara’s well-equipped stage and professional theatrical equipment.
9929 Theatre Technology B: Sound, Costume
This one-semester course introduces the student to both the artistic and technical design aspects of costume, sound, and stage properties. Throughout the course we will work hands-on in the theatre to put our knowledge to practice, using Bishop McNamara’s well-equipped stage and professional theatrical equipment.
9908 Music Theatre Repertoire
This course introduces students to performing and studying the genre of musical theatre. Students will acquire and demonstrate knowledge of individual singing skills, how to build a repertoire, and the history of the genre of musical theater. Assignments for this course include solo and duet performances in class, musical theatre history, character and show research, and vocal pedagogy.
