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.
Foundations in Performing Arts (0.5 credit; half block, first semester)
Prerequisite: None—this is an ideal entry-level class for 9th grade students.
This class offers students an opportunity to explore many areas of performing arts. Units and activities will include the study of theater arts, handbells, and singing. Students will not present a formal performance, but will explore and demonstrate within the classroom setting in a workshop format. This is a non-performance class that provides students with basic skills and knowledge in music and drama.
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Advanced Drama (0.5 credit; half block, second semester)
Prerequisite: Foundations in Performing Arts, Musical Theatre, or
Performance/Technical Theatre Workshop
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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Performance/Technical Theater Workshop (1 credit; full block, first semester)
Prerequisite: Foundations in Performing Arts or Instructor Approval
This course is designed for students in grades 10, 11, and 12 to further their overall knowledge of the basics of theatre. Units and activities will revolve around developing scenes and one-act plays in class from first rehearsal to final production utilizing performance and technical skills such as improvisation, vocal strengthening, gesture work, character development, lighting design, sound design, costuming, prop making, and creating a functional set. The class members will also be required to help develop technical aspects for all other productions on campus throughout the semester.
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Musical Theatre (1 credit; full block, second semester)
Prerequisite: Foundations in Performing Arts or Instructor Approval
This course is designed for students in grades 10, 11, and 12 to further their knowledge of musical theatre literature and provide solo and small ensemble performance opportunities. Through acting exercises, improvisational games, and the development of monologues, songs, and musical scenes, students develop a respect for the theatre as an academic discipline and gain access to audition techniques that can be used for school productions, for college auditions, and in the professional arena.
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Academy Singers (Choir A and B) (0.5 credit; half block; offered each 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 if 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; half block each semester)
Prerequisite: Two years’ experience playing a string, brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument.
This class is designed to challenge the instrumental musician in an ensemble setting. Students play a variety of repertoire representing diverse eras and genres. Students improve their technique by focusing on intonation, fingering positions, dynamics, rhythm, and tone quality. Music theory and history are taught in context with the songs students prepare for performance. The orchestra performs four concerts per year. The Fall class is titled Orchestra A, the Spring class Orchestra B. The class may be taken in both semesters.
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Handbells (0.5 credit; half block; offered each 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 Masses or prayer services during the semester.
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