This yearlong course is designed for pre-teen students who are ready to deepen their understanding of foundational acting skills through a balance of structure, creativity, and collaboration. Students will explore the core tools of the actor—body, voice, and imagination—while developing confidence, clarity, and expressiveness on stage.

Throughout the class, students will engage in improvisation, character-building, and scene work, with growing attention to emotional truth, physical presence, and performance technique. Key theatrical concepts such as character objectives, tactics, blocking, beat work, and subtext will be introduced through age-appropriate script work and ensemble-based rehearsal strategies. Reflective tools such as actor journals and peer feedback will support student growth as they learn to make bold choices and take ownership of their artistry.

The course follows a progressive three-unit format:
Unit 1: Actor’s tools and stage confidence
Unit 2: Character development and scene work
Unit 3: Ensemble performance and reflective application

Students will have two special opportunities to share their progress with family during our informal “Family Night: Inside the Studio” events, held at the end of each semester (December and May). These evenings are designed to let families step into the studio and see firsthand what their student has been learning and experiencing each week, and to provide a celebratory atmosphere for students to showcase their growth and skills.

Class Objectives:

1. Demonstrate clear vocal projection, articulation, and emotional expression
2. Use physical movement and stage directions to enhance character and staging
3. Identify and apply character objectives, motivation, and tactics in scene work
4. Collaborate effectively within an ensemble using listening, cueing, and group staging
5. Apply theatrical terms such as beat, cue, subtext, and transition in discussion and rehearsal
6. Reflect on personal and ensemble progress through journaling and peer feedback
7. Rehearse and perform short memorized scenes and ensemble pieces with clarity and focus

Instructional Tone: Structured, skill-building, collaborative
Activities: Focused partner work game and improv challenges
Introduce script annotation, light beat work, and reflection journals
"Glow & Grow" peer feedback tools
Expect memorization in Unit 2 scene work
Performance Readiness: Polished duets/trios and ensemble scenes presented at informal "Inside The Studio" events

Aligned National Core Arts Standards (Theatre):
Creating:
TH:Cr1.1 — Generate and conceptualize ideas for character and scene development
TH:Cr2.1 — Organize and develop scripted and improvisational work
TH:Cr3.1 — Refine and complete rehearsal and performance
Performing:
TH:Pr4.1 — Analyze and interpret characters and scenes for performance
TH:Pr5.1 — Develop and refine vocal and physical acting techniques
TH:Pr6.1 — Convey meaning and emotion through acting and ensemble collaboration
Responding:
TH:Re7.1 — Perceive and analyze theatrical work including peer performances
TH:Re8.1 — Interpret intent and meaning in theatrical work
TH:Re9.1 — Apply criteria to evaluate theatrical performances and personal growth
Connecting:
TH:Cn10.1 — Synthesize personal experience to inform character and storytelling
TH:Cn11.1 — Relate theatrical works to social, cultural, and historical contexts