This yearlong course is designed for teen actors who are ready to strengthen and refine their foundational acting skills through thoughtful practice, script work, and ensemble collaboration. Whether students are newer to the stage or seeking to solidify their technique before moving to more advanced work, this course offers a structured yet creative environment for growth.

Actors will explore the core tools of performance—body, voice, and imagination—through improvisation, monologue and scene study, movement work, and peer-based rehearsal. With increasing depth and analysis, students will apply acting concepts such as character objectives, tactics, beat work, subtext, blocking, and ensemble staging. The use of actor journals, script annotation, and partner coaching will encourage artistic ownership, emotional authenticity, and collaborative skill.

The curriculum is divided into three progressive units:
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. Strengthen vocal clarity, projection, and emotional expression
2. Use physicality and blocking to support character development and stage awareness
3. Analyze and apply objectives, tactics, beats, and subtext in monologues and scenes
4. Work collaboratively with partners and ensembles using cues, listening, and rehearsal strategies
5. Reflect critically on personal growth and performance through journaling and peer feedback
6. Rehearse and present polished scenes and character-based work with confidence and professionalism

Instructional Tone: Pre-professional, creative, and student-driven
Activities: Include script annotation, reflection journaling, and peer coaching
Prioritize purposeful rehearsal over games, with structured warm-ups and targeted improv
Introduce foundational methodologies (Stanislavski, Hagen, Laban, Viewpoints) through scene work
Use age-appropriate published plays and fully memorized material
Build toward strong ensemble connection and confident, expressive performance
Performance Readiness: Polished duet/trio scenes and ensemble work presented informally twice a year at “"Inside The Studio"” events, focusing on technique growth and student ownership

Aligned National Core Arts Standards (Theatre):
Creating:
TH:Cr1.1 — Generate and conceptualize ideas for character and scene analysis
TH:Cr2.1 — Organize and develop rehearsed and polished performances
TH:Cr3.1 — Refine and complete rehearsal and presentation of scenes and monologues
Performing:
TH:Pr4.1 — Analyze and interpret complex characters and scenes
TH:Pr5.1 — Develop and refine advanced vocal and physical acting techniques
TH:Pr6.1 — Convey meaning and emotion through performance with professionalism
Responding:
TH:Re7.1 — Perceive and analyze theatrical work, including peer and self-evaluation
TH:Re8.1 — Interpret intent and meaning in theatrical work
TH:Re9.1 — Apply criteria to evaluate theatrical performances critically
Connecting:
TH:Cn10.1 — Synthesize personal and social experiences to enrich acting choices
TH:Cn11.1 — Relate theatrical works to social, cultural, and historical contexts