Performing Arts Courses

Dance
Satisfies Arts Program Requirement
Classes I, II, & III
This comprehensive course is designed for students with 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 using the body as an instrument of expression. Modern dance, ballet, and other dance styles will be introduced and practiced.

Design for the Theatre
Satisfies Arts Program Requirement
Classes I, II, & III
This course introduces students to the collaborative art of scenic design, lighting design, and costume design. In the first semester, students will explore the elements and principles of design through hands-on projects in perspective drawing, technical drafting, watercolor rendering, and scale model construction. Two-dimensional work will be explored using Vectorworks and other digital design tools, as well as free-hand drawing and drafting techniques. In the second semester, students will form design teams focusing on areas of interest. Through play analysis, hands-on projects, and collaboration, each student will create a complete design, which may be an actualized project. The course culminates in a presentation of a design portfolio composed of drafting, renderings, and models illustrating growth throughout the year.

Drama
Satisfies Arts Program Requirement
Classes I, II, & III
This course teaches acting skills to students of all experience levels. From interested novices to the advanced performer, each actor is given tools to continue their performing arts growth. Exercises and scene work aim to develop concentration, freedom, and power of expression, connection with a text and acting partners, and a process for approaching characterization. The emphasis is on representational acting techniques and contemporary, realistic texts. Attendance at all Upper School performances is required. Excursions to professional productions may be required.

Page to Stage
Satisfies Arts Program Requirement
Classes I, II, & III
How do you bring stories to life? This performance-based course gives students the tools to create captivating presentations from various sources, such as prose, children’s literature, newspaper articles, plays, poetry, and even cereal boxes. With text in hand, students will develop the physical, vocal, and interpretive skills necessary to engage audiences through the use of their personal voice. Course performances may include presentations with the Lower School, Arts Night, and other cross-campus collaborative opportunities.

Advanced Dance: Ballet
(Half Course)
Classes I & II
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 department chair.)

Advanced Dance: Choreography
(Half Course)
Classes I & II
This course explores the path from improvisational dancing to sophisticated dance-making. Students cultivate their natural movement resources in a fun and supportive atmosphere, 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. Students in this course will work collaboratively to create and perform a dance for the Winter Dance Concert. This course is strongly recommended for students interested in choreographing as individuals for the Winter Dance Concert. (Permission of the department chair is required.)

Advanced Dance: Modern
(Half Course)
Classes I & II
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. Students may learn repertory from established modern dance choreographers. In addition to technique, students explore improvisation and dance composition more in-depth, culminating in a collaborative performance in the Winter Dance Concert. (Prerequisite: Arts Program Dance or permission of the department chair.)

Advanced Drama: Directing
(Half Course)
Classes I & II
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of directing for the stage. The course is project-based and emphasizes hands-on instruction and exploration in directing scenes and short plays. Students learn the basics of concept development, actor coaching, and blocking. The course is highlighted with a public presentation of student-directed work in the spring. Students will also shadow faculty directors and may act as assistant directors for current season productions. (Prerequisite: Arts Program Drama or equivalent experience and permission from the department chair.)

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 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. Students will become more spontaneous, trusting, and cooperative performers by participating in class activities, attending two off-campus shows, and performing in public. (Permission of the department chair is required.)

Advanced Drama: Musical Theatre
(Half Course)
Classes I & II
This course focuses on developing skills in acting, singing, and dancing for musical theater. The course is team-taught by members of the Performing Arts and Music Departments and combines exercises and scene work from contemporary Broadway musical theater. The course culminates in a public performance by members of the class. (Prerequisite: Arts Program Drama or equivalent experience and permission of the department chair.)

Advanced Drama: Technical Theatre
(Half Course)
Classes I & II
This course provides students with an in-depth exploration of various areas of interest in technical theatre. Potential areas of study may include scenic design, lighting design, costume design, property design, and makeup design. Principles of design in each area will be discussed with hands-on projects using a wide variety of techniques.

Advanced Drama: Theatre Studies
(Half Course)
Classes I & II
In this advanced performance-based course, students will specialize in theatrical disciplines of their choosing. Potential areas of study include acting styles, contemporary playwrights, scene study, underrepresented voices in drama, and more. Students will deepen their work by attending off-campus performances and interacting with professional theater artists. (Prerequisite: Arts Program Drama or Page To Stage or equivalent experience and permission from the department chair.)

Hamlet
(Half Course)
Classes I & II
This course is 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.

Project Story: Narrative Journalism & Performance
(Half Course)
Classes I, II, & III
From competitive story slams performed for packed venues to storytelling courses designed to empower workplace professionals, sharing narrative with live audiences has never felt more current or relevant. In this course, students will study the art of storytelling by moving their own and others’ stories from page to stage. During the first half of the semester, students will learn narrative journalism skills, performance skills, and peer workshop practice to collect and shape stories of our school. They will work collaboratively during the second half of the semester to identify, research, write, and perform a story that originates beyond Milton Academy. Throughout the year, students will read and view storytelling models, attend performances, and hear from visiting artists and activists who promote storytelling around the country, believing that shared stories strengthen and sustain human connection. (This course is listed under both the English and Performing Arts Departments.)

Spoken Word Poetry
(Half Course)
Classes I, II, & III
Learn to become a bold and creative writer/performer! In this course, students will immerse themselves in the world of spoken word poetry by reading, listening to, and watching the work of accomplished poets. Coursework is modeled after the collegiate writing process and will include workshops centering on students’ original poetry while honing their poetic craft and critical feedback skills. These pieces will be brought to life through a variety of performance approaches to create meaningful group and individual live performances. Students will explore styles of spoken word, slam, and dramatic poetry readings.