MAD Drama

​THEATRE PHILOSOPHY​
The study of Theatre Arts in Fairfax County Public Schools provides students opportunities for personal and academic growth, ways to create bridges to other subject disciplines and other cultures, and the development of skills which provide lifelong enjoyment. At the high school level, students develop and expand their knowledge, skills and resources to create a high level of accomplishment in the classroom and in optionally in after school performances and/or technical work and design.

Through the Theatre Arts Directors Association (TADA), the FCPS theatre arts instructors and directors work under the leadership of the Fine Arts Office to create in each middle, high and secondary school a theatre arts program to meet the needs of their students. Classes in acting and technical theatre span the full course of secondary education, and many opportunities are provided beyond the classroom for students to expand their horizons through attendance at plays, workshops, and extracurricular school productions. FCPS students participate in numerous local, statewide, regional, national and international festivals and competitions, and are known for their excellence.

Theatre Arts in Fairfax County Public Schools is offered as an elective course in all high schools. The High School Theatre Arts Program of Studies is based on the National and State Standards for Theatre Arts Education.



​FILM STUDIES PHILOSOPHY

The film industry is a multi-billion dollar global enterprise. As U.S. citizens, we are ravenous consumers of filmed images and sound. To remain ignorant of the nature of film is to remain ignorant of one of the most pervasive -- and potentially coercive and influential -- part of our lives.

The Film Studies class is a survey of the film industry from multiple perspectives. Examples:

   *  Auteur theory

   *  Film History

   *  Cinematography and artistic design

   *  MPAA ratings; Hays Code; origins

   *  Writing reviews

   *  Formalism vs. realism

   * Creating meaning through mise en scene and mise en show, etc.

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​TECHNICAL THEATRE 1 (143511)
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Credits: one
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 1 and/or recommendation of theatre arts instructor.
Students explore various areas of technical theatre such as lighting, costumes, sound, scenery, makeup, properties, and theatre management. An analysis of dramatic literature leads students to an understanding of the design and production process. Participation in co-curricular production is strongly encouraged.
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​TECHNICAL THEATRE 2 (143512)
Grades: 11, 12
Credits: one
Prerequisite: Technical Theatre 1 and/or recommendation of theatre arts instructor
Students apply technical theatre knowledge and skills by participating in a variety of theatre lab activities and practical projects. Emphasis is on script interpretation and execution of the design concept. Students will collaborate to effectively and safely create functional scenery, properties, lighting, sound, costumes and makeup, and to stage management, business and public relations skills. Participation in co-curricular productions will be strongly encouraged.
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THEATRE ARTS 1 (141000)

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Credits: one
Prerequisite: None
Theatre Arts 1 provides students with a survey of the theatre arts, allowing students opportunities to experience and appreciate dramatic literature, and participate in the creative processes of performance and production. The course emphasizes skill development and provides theatrical opportunities that enable students to determine personal areas of interest. Participation in co-curricular theatre productions may be arranged.
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THEATRE ARTS 2 (142000)

Grades: 10, 11, 12 Credits: one Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 1 and/or recommendation of the theatre arts instructor.
Theatre Arts 2 integrates and builds upon concepts and skills from Theatre Arts 1. Through various modes of expression and performance, students investigate dramatic literature, theatrical styles, and historical periods. Students will study and respond to a variety of theatre experiences which will refine their communicative , collaborative, analytical, interpretive, and problem solving skills. Students will expand their artistic abilities and appreciation of the theatrical arts. Participation in co-curricular theatre productions may be arranged.
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​THEATRE ARTS 3 (143000)
Develop Independent Skills in Theatre
Grades: 11, 12
Credits: one
Prerequisite: Performance Focus: Theatre Arts 2 and/or recommendation of the theatre arts instructor.
Students exhibit independence, discipline, and commitment to the theatre process through their work on assigned projects. Students may elect either a performance or a technical focus. For a performance focus, advanced work in acting skills and preparation, play analysis, and character interpretation is expected. For a technical focus, advanced work in technical elements of theatre production is expected. In either focus, collaboration with actors and directors is augmented by special assignments and opportunities. Strong participation in co-curricular theatre production is encouraged.
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​THEATRE ARTS 4 - (144000)
Grades: 12
Credits: one
Prerequisite: Performance Focus: Theatre Arts 3 and/or recommendation of the theatre arts instructor. 
Students identify areas of special interest in theatre arts, and initiate and complete major research or creative projects, such as playwriting, producing, directing, designing, and stage-managing. Students may elect either a performance or a technical focus. Emphasis is placed on in-depth study and completion of projects, assumption of leadership roles, and expansion of criteria for self-evaluation. Students will analyze and evaluate scripts, concentrate on vocal and physical dramatics, and undertake a special theatre project in their area of specialization. Students are expected to assume leadership positions in co-curricular theatre productions. Participation in major projects related to the co-curricular theatre productions is also expected.
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​FILM STUDY (144632)
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: None
Film Study involves the study of classic and award-winning films. Students critique both the artistic and technical merits of the films. They study the development of theme, plot, characterization, and setting in each production. They learn the vocabulary associated with film and use this vocabulary when discussing or writing about film.