Performing Arts

Theater Arts is an introductory course for the Albany High School Theater Ensemble, and provides an overview of the basic elements of theater. Through this framework, students will develop a basic understanding of theater in its entirety by exploring exciting topics including:  ensemble building activities, improvisation, acting, writing, costume and set design. The goals of the class are to improve student self-confidence, presentation and collaboration skills, imagination and flexibility, and to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the human condition.

Drama is an advanced course that focuses on acting and performing. In this course, students will explore advanced acting techniques as well as learning Dialects and Shakespeare. Students build on foundational knowledge through various works including monologues and scenes. These will include both self-created and previously published works. Additional topics include auditioning workshops, resume creation, portfolio building and acting on film. This course can be taken more than once.

This full-year practicum is designed to provide participants with the basics of all aspects of the performing arts through a hands-on, project-based approach to learning. Participants declare a primary area of study (acting, technical theater, writing, production assistance) and receive training in that discipline during set hours. To fulfill a portion of their seat-time requirement, students will work in other disciplines as a means to enrich understanding of their chosen field through training, projects and performances. Acting and technical theater will always be available; other disciplines may or may not be available. Through all of the disciplines explored, students will grow in self-confidence, public speaking, teamwork, language acquisition and decoding skills (text analysis, script writing and choreography), in addition to developing their artistry. This course can be taken more than once.

* Credits vary depending on seat time

IB Theater HL 1 is the first year of a two-year sequence. IB Art Theater 2 is the second year of a two-year sequence. Work will be submitted for assessment at the culmination of year two. The IB Theater course is a two-year program that involves exploring, designing, directing and performing theater that is inspired by research in world theater tradition. Students are required to work alone as well as collaboratively to fulfill four performance-based assessments within the two-year program. The course meets two days per week after school. Exam fees apply. Fee waiver or reduction may be available to eligible students.

Introduction to Dance is designed for students with varying levels of dance experience, introducing them to diverse dance forms such as ballet, jazz and hip-hop. Dancers will explore the history of each genre and incorporate it into their lessons. They will develop musicality, learn to count music and understand the different parts of the stage. Proper warm-up routines for each genre will be led by students. Students will join in holiday flash mobs and perform in two mandatory shows for faculty, friends and family in the auditorium.

Students participate in a variety of dance forms that include ballet, jazz, hip hop, majorette and musical theater. Students will incorporate musicality to each genre of dance and take leadership in costuming and staging for performances. Students will join in holiday flash mobs and perform in two mandatory performances for faculty, friends and family in the auditorium. This course can be taken more than once.

The course provides an overview of the elements of playwriting. Through this framework, students will learn storyboarding, idea creation, framing a story, how to write dialogue, developing characters and conflict. Students will develop, write, evolve and edit their own original short plays. The course will culminate with a presented stage reading so students can receive feedback on their work. The goals of the class are to improve student writing skills, self-confidence, imagination and creativity through self-written expression and allow them to develop and improve their unique voices. This course can be taken more than once.