Class Courses
Parkway South students interested in theatre arts have a very large number of courses to select from - many more that the 'typical' high school course guide. Parkway South offers students 12 theatre classes to explore and develop their love of theatre. Below is a brief listing of the courses we offer (note specific course may not be offered every semester or year. See the Parkway South course guide or your school counslor for more specific information. Students who enroll in specific classes will be added to the cooresponding Google Classroom. Email Mrs. Forrest-James for questions. jforrest-james@parkwayschools.net
Intro to Theatre
A great introductory course. Units of study include acting, tech, improv, movement, history, and script analysis. Freshman-Seniors may take the class
Technical Theatre
Theatrical Design and Construction is for students who are interested in working on the technical elements of theatre productions at South. Units incude design, lighting, sound, set, costume, and make-up. 12 after-school hours are expected. Freshman-Seniors may take the class
Improv Classes
Two different improv courses are offered - Comedy in Action includes units in shortform improv as well as sketch and stand-up comedy. Freshman-Seniors may take this course.
Advanced Comedic Performance offers units in longform improv and advanced sketch. Sophomores-Seniors may take this course.
Acting Classes
Foundations of Acting introduces beginning actors to characterization and movement as well as masters in the craft of playwriting Sophomores-Seniors may take this course. Advanced Acting uses classical dramatic literature to expand on prior learning to expand the actor's skill set . Units include history, master playwrights, script analysis, and movement. Juniors-Seniors may take this course.
Directing
The highest level theatre course offered in Parkway. Students enrolled in this class will choose and direct a one act for a public performance. This class is for Senior students who have meet the pre-reqs (Foundations and Advanced Acting courses, as well as and Technical Design and Construction)
Let's Act Together/Mentor
These courses provide modified instruction for students with unique abilities. Mentors are general education students who wish to help other student access theatre arts in a supportive and positive way. Counselor/theatre approval required.
Acting for Digital Media
This course will introduce students to the basics in acting in TV & Film, Commercial , and other media acting. This course is offered periodically. Sophomores-Seniors may take this course
Performing for
Musical Theatre
Students will participate in performances of musical theater scenes and must be comfortable performing in vocal music , movement, and acting.
Students taking this class will be prepped in auditioning for the school musical and traditionally a high % of cast members come from this course.
This course is offered on alternate years and may be taken Freshman-Senior year
Shakespeare in Performance
This course is designed for the student interested in performing the works of Shakespeare. Students will use improvisation, scene work and monologues in performance and actually try their hand at stage combat and fencing! Elizabethan acting and production style will also be studied. Students should expect some memorization and homework. This course may alternate with other offerings. Freshman-Seniors may take this course.