NVAA Program of Study

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* GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS CAN CHANGE. All of the above information should serve as a general guideline only, as graduation requirements for a particular school year may be different. Students must speak with their guidance counselor about their specific circumstances. *

Current course offerings at Shadow Mountain:

9th-grade:

Performance Track: Movement & Voice for the Actor: This course develops students’ vocal and physical performance skills. Students will learn to use their entire physical instruments in the creation, interpretation, and performance of a character. Skills will be developed through the study of dramatic literature and its historical context. Techniques covered include, but are not limited to Laban, Viewpoints, and Linklater. This is a full year course and may require some after school and weekend projects.

Technical Track – Set Design and Construction: This course will focus on the art of set design. By the end of the course, designers will have created several set designs and will have a basic to intermediate understanding of set construction. Students will gain skills in design sketches and models, drafting, and woodworking. This is a full year course and may require some after school or weekend projects. Completed work will be added to the young designers’ portfolios.

10th-grade:

Performance Track – Musical Theatre and Film Acting: This course provides students with the unique technical skills for musical theatre and film.  Young actors will acquire the techniques for creating an engaging musical theatre and film performances through group and solo work. It will also cover the business of a professional actor, including working with agents, unions, and casting directors. This is a full year course and may require some after school and weekend projects.

Technical Track – Costume and Makeup Design: This course will provide students with the opportunity to design and construct costumes. In addition, young designers develop a plethora of makeup application techniques and uses. Students will get the opportunity to learn from professionals around the U.S. This is a full year course and may require some after school and weekend projects.  Completed work will be added to the young designers’ portfolios.

11th-grade:

Performance Track – Shakespeare and American Realism: This advanced acting course is an in-depth exploration of acting methods most frequently used by professional actors. In the first semester, actors will learn how to read, interpret, and perform Shakespeare through group and solo acting projects. The second semester is a study of Meisner and Chubbuck’s American realism acting techniques as students work collaboratively with Theatre 8 directors in the public performance of an original show. This is a year-long class and may require some after school or weekend projects.

Technical Track – Lighting and Sound Design and Operation: This course will provide students with the techniques, terminology and technology for both design and operation for lighting, sound, and rigging. This is a year-long class and may require some after school or weekend projects. Completed work will be added to the young designers’ portfolios.

12th-grade:

Performance Track – Directing and Exit Portfolio: This course covers the creation of a class “theatre company.” Students work collaboratively to establish a mock artistic company structure of their choosing, and then learn how to lead and direct actors onstage through practical application. The class culminates in the public performance of the play, and the creation of a college-ready theatrical portfolio. Students who successfully complete the requirements obtain an Arizona Arts Seal and North Valley Arts Academy Seal for their high school diploma. This is a year long course and will require after-school and weekend rehearsals.

Technical Track – Stage Management and Exit Portfolio: This course will provide students with the advanced skills needed to effectively work as a leader in the technical areas of stage management and technical direction. Students will be expected to take major roles in the design, construction, and running of the school’s main stage performances. Students who successfully complete the requirements obtain an Arizona Arts Seal and North Valley Arts Academy Seal for their high school diploma. This course is a year long, and will require after-school and weekend rehearsals.

Current course offerings at Shea Middle School:

7th and 8th grade:

Beginning to intermediate theatre: In this course, young actors will be introduced to acting techniques using the methods of both Stanislavski and Boleskavski. Students will focus on characterization and analysis through monologues and scenes. Young actors will also learn about the different types of stages and will have the opportunity to perform in those spaces. They will analyze, interpret, and explore theatre history. Students will also continue their study of playwriting and learn the basics of stage directing.