All acting classes at St. Mary’s Academy are designed to motivate the high school actress, through theatre games, improvisation, monologues, script analysis, scene work, and technical theatre. Through the study of basic theatre vocabulary and etiquette, we work in teams and individually to become better speakers, overall effective communicators, and competent stage actresses.
Each student will have stage time in front of an audience in a variety of possible ways. Through the viewing of live theatrical performances on and off campus, students learn how to compare and contrast theatrical literature, how to be good audience members, and how to energize their own performances by learning from others.
Acting (0.5 credit; half block, second semester)
This course is designed for students in grades 11 and 12 who have shown a dedication to the St. Mary’s Academy theatre program and to developing their acting skills. This class is aimed toward students who will continue their acting studies in college or have sights for the professional stage. Units and activities will revolve around audition techniques for the many varieties of genres and a fully staged production as the final project.
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Academy Singers (0.5 credit; half block; spring semester)
Prerequisite: None.
This class is open to all students who are interested in singing. No audition or previous experience is required. Students sing a variety of choral repertoire representing diverse eras and genres. Students improve their singing skills by focusing on intonation, breath support, diction, blend, and tone quality. Music theory and history are taught in context with the songs students prepare for performance. Academy Singers performs four concerts per year. This course is REQUIRED for 9th graders who plan to audition for Advanced Choir (SAIMARAC) at the end of 9th grade. The Fall class is titled Choir A, the Spring class Choir B. The class may be taken in both semesters.
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SAIMARAC (Advanced Choir A and B) (0.5 credit each semester; half block each semester)
Prerequisite: By audition only (previous participation in Academy Singers or Foundations in Performing Arts is required). Ninth graders may not audition unless they have been in Choir (Academy Singers).
This choir is a select vocal ensemble. Students sing a variety of difficult choral repertoire with an emphasis on vocal jazz and a cappella music. SAIMARAC performs several times each semester both within the St. Mary’s Academy community and as an outreach to the greater Denver metropolitan area. Students are expected to sing independently, sight read well, have a good tonal memory, and possess strong vocal skills. SAIMARAC students are strongly encouraged to take private voice lessons. The Fall class is titled Advanced Choir A, the Spring class Advanced Choir B. The class may be taken in both semesters.
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Orchestra (A and B) (0.5 credit each semester)
Prerequisite: At least one year of experience playing a string, brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument.
This class is designed for string players, (violin, viola, cello, bass). Piano, winds, and percussion may participate with teacher approval. The orchestra will perform in a formal setting four times over the course
of the year.
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Handbells (0.5 credit; half block; fall semester)
Prerequisite: None (Limited to 12 students).
This class is open to all students who are interested in ringing handbells. No audition or previous experience is required. Students will learn note reading, counting, and basic handbell notation. Additional music theory is taught in context with the music used in class. This class will play at October and December concerts and at Masses or prayer services during the semester.
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