-APDAN
Dance
Satisfies Arts Program Requirement
Classes I, II & III
This comprehensive course is designed both for students who have had little or no previous formal dance experience and for the intermediate level dancer. Students explore and practice the principles of dance technique, improvisation and composition, working to develop greater awareness, freedom and control in the use of the body as an instrument of expression. Ballet, modern and jazz dance styles will be introduced and practiced.
-DANMH
Advanced Dance: Modern
(Half Course)
This course is designed for students prepared to work at the advanced or intermediate level in modern dance technique. Students practice advanced warm-up exercises, center combinations and movement patterns. In addition to technique, students explore improvisation and dance composition in a more in-depth manner. (Prerequisite: Arts Program Dance or permission of the instructor.)
-DANBH
Advanced Dance: Ballet
(Half Course)
This course is designed for dancers prepared to work at the advanced or intermediate level in ballet technique. Students practice advanced warm-up exercises, center combinations and movement patterns. In addition to technique, students may learn repertory from choreographed ballets. (Prerequisite: Arts Program Dance or permission of the instructor.)
-DANCYH
Advanced Dance: Choreography
(Half Course)
This course explores the path from improvisational dancing to sophisticated dance making. In a fun and supportive atmosphere, students cultivate their natural movement resources, developing movement ideas into fully shaped dance and movement pieces. Students also study relevant and well-established choreographers. No formal dance training is required; however, the ability and the desire to move are necessary. This course is strongly recommended for students interested in choreographing for the Winter Dance Concert. (Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.)
-APDRM
Drama Satisfies Arts Program Requirement
Classes I, II & III
This course teaches basic skills for the beginning actor. Exercises and scene work aim at developing concentration, freedom and power of expression, connection with a text and with acting partners, and a process for approaching characterization. The emphasis is on representational acting techniques and contemporary, realistic texts.
-DRSTF
Advanced Drama: Acting Styles
(Semester 1)
Emphasis in this course is on presentational acting techniques, scene analysis, and directing principles. Students engage in intensive scene work from the classical repertory that will include Shakespeare and may include Molière, Wilde, Chekov, Ibsen, the Greeks, or other classical Western and non-Western playwrights. (Prerequisite: Arts Program Drama or permission of the chair of the performing arts department.)
-DRAMS
Advanced Drama: Musical Theatre
(Semester 2)
This course focuses on developing skills in acting, singing and dancing for musical theatre. The course is team-taught by members of the performing arts and music departments and combines exercises and scene work from contemporary Broadway musical theatre. The course culminates in a public performance by members of the class. (Prerequisite: Arts Program Drama or permission of the chair of the performing arts department.)
-DRAIH
Advanced Drama: Improvisation
(Half Course)
Classes I & II
This course covers the many aspects of improvisation such as quick and thorough thinking on one’s feet; creating interesting and surprising scenes and believable characters; the use of subtext, concentration, imagination and observation in short and long-form non-scripted scenes; working cooperatively with an ensemble and audience; creating truthful relationships; and the use of the body and voice as communicative instruments. Through coaching, creative activities and public performances, students will learn how to become more spontaneous, trusting and cooperative performers. (Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.)
-APMVI
Film and Video Production: Moving Image
Satisfies Arts Program Requirement
Classes I, II & III
Please see the full course description in the Visual Arts section.
-APOI
Oral Interpretation of Literature
Satisfies Arts Program Requirement
Classes I, II & III
Oral Interpretation teaches students how to develop the ability to convey to others, through oral reading, an appreciation of literature. Students perform selections from a range of literature that may include poetry, prose, children’s literature, drama and nontraditional texts. Devising staging for texts becomes as important as performing. Oral Interpretation provides an experience before an audience that develops poise, self-confidence and self-awareness. The emphasis, above all, is on finding ways to make literature “come alive.”
-AOIOH
Advanced Oral Interpretation: Oral History
(Half Course)
Classes I & II
In this interdisciplinary course, team-taught by a member of the performing arts department and a member of the history department, students will approach world history, Milton Academy history, and primary sources with a hands-on focus on performance. Students will conduct interviews with Milton Academy graduates and will create a final performance piece from those transcripts. This course will include individual and ensemble work, historical and ethnographic research using the Milton Academy archives, interviews, script writing, directing and performing.
-APDT
Design for the Theatre
Satisfies Arts Program Requirement
Classes I, II & III
This is an introductory course in scenic and lighting design. Through individual and group projects, students will learn basic drafting techniques, watercolor rendering and scale model construction. In addition, students will complete hands-on projects in stagecraft including faux surfacing, event lighting, plaster molding, mask making, fake food creation and more.
-DRCDH
Advanced Drama: Costume Design
(Half Course)
Classes I & II
In this course, students will explore the theory and practice of basic costume design and construction through the use of theoretical and practical projects. Emphasis will be placed on the construction of stage costumes and accessories. Activities may include basic pattern reading and adaptation, millinery techniques, costume jewelry and mask construction, drawing the human form, and techniques for rendering fabric, texture and movement. Students will research historic periods and styles of fashion and dress. Computerized modeling may be used to help develop and explore design choices.
-EHAMH
Hamlet
(Half Course)
Classes I & II
This course will be team-taught by a member of the English department and a member of the performing arts department. Please see the full course description in the English section.
