Lee’s Summit High School offers a full array of classes for the Theatre student to gain knowledge and experience in virtually all areas of theatre. Below is a listing of our courses with a brief description, credit value & prerequisites required.
Theatre Arts I
This is a general survey course that will give the students a chance to study the full range of the theatre arts. Topics/skills to be taught will include: acting and improvisation, theatre literature, theatre history, and stagecraft. This class has a moderate homework load that consists mostly of preparing and practicing for performances in class.
Grade: 9-12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: None
May count as elective credit OR fine arts credit.
Theatre II
This course allows the students to study the areas of acting, directing and playwriting in more depth than the Theatre Arts I course. The students will participate in major acting and directing projects adn do in-depth study on plays and playwrights. The class has a moderate homework load that consists mostly of preparing and practing for performances in class.
Grade: 10-12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Teacher approval; completion of Theatre Arts I with a B- or better
May count as elective credit OR fine arts credit.
Stagecraft
The students will learn the technical aspects of theatre arts and entertainment industry by building sets for plays, working with lighting and sound systems for plays and other programs in the Performing Arts Center. Students will have the opportunity to also do some design work for scenery, lighting and sound. The class has a light homework load with most activities taking place during class time.
Grade: 10-12
Credit: .5
Prerequisite: Teacher approval
Class may be taken for elective credit or as a practical art when coupled with Advanced Stagecraft.
Advanced Stagecraft
This course provides advanced training for students interested in technical theatre. In-depth instruction is provided for current methodologies or new technologies that are changing the art of technical theatre. Students will also study the histroy and development of stagecraft; advanced stagecraft students will be trained for leadership positions within the technical theatre.
Grade: 10-12
Credit: .5
Prerequisite: Teacher approval; must have completed Stagecraft
Class may be taken for elective credit or a practical art when coupled with Stagecraft
Repertory Theatre
This course offers students an opportunity to create fully realized theatre productions using skills previously learned in Theatre I & II. Students will also be able to explore an area of specialization and experience a collaborative process as they create productions.
Grade: 11-12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Teacher approval; completion of Theatre Arts II with a B- or better
May count as elective credit OR fine arts credit.
IB Theatre
IB Theatre Arts is an advanced level course for juniors and seniors. It is taught within the Theatre Arts II course. The student will participate in all lessons in Theatre Arts II (see that course description) as well as individual projects in theatre production, literature, and study of special topics. Writing skills will be utilized extensively in this course, as well as performance skills. Students enrolled in IB courses are expected to pay the exam fee the culminating year of the course. Completion of the exam is required to receive weighted credit. All IB courses also require a portfolio, a written paper, an oral presentation, a notebook, and/or a project.
Grade: 11-12
Credit: 1
WEIGHTED: 1.0
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts I and/or permission of the instructor