ACADEMICS

We offer three Theatre Arts classes and an English elective that you may receive Central Washington University college credit in addition to a senior elective high school credit. What you take will depend on what kind of credit you need, and what kind of activities you'd like to do. Read the course descriptions and activities for each. School hour programs are currently under the direction of Dawn Shoepflin.

 

Drama as Literature (CWU 4 credits for TH107)

In addition to the high school curriculum, this class will present the entire curriculum for Central Washington University’s “Intro to Theater” (TH 107) course. Intro to Theater is a 4 credit course that fulfills a general education requirement for undergraduates in the Arts and Humanities category, “The Aesthetic Experience.” Juniors and seniors would be eligible to receive this credit at a free or greatly reduced rate. This class is for students who are interested in literature related to the theater. The class will focus on theatre history and literature from ancient Greek/Roman theatre, to the present. Various plays from different historical periods will be read and discussed, including Shakespeare plays not taught in other English classes. Students will acquire a basic knowledge of theater history and vocabulary. They will complete research and group projects, and read plays in and outside of class. Students will be expected to read and attend two plays outside of class, and write short analysis and criticism papers.

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Advanced Drama (CWU 3 credits for TH144)

Advanced Drama is reserved for those students who are ready to take their acting to a higher level. This is a yearlong class that will push students to hone their skills as a performer, studying acting theory and technique. Students in this class put their learning into practice, performing publicly and going to several drama competitions and festivals. They should have taken Drama 1 and 2, and be prepared to put in extra time outside of class. This class can be taken for multiple years. (Year/ 1.0 credit) Juniors and Seniors are eligible to take this course for 3 credits of Central Washington University’s “Foundations of Acting” (TH 144). The college curriculum will be offered first semester.

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Theatre Production/Advanced Theatre Production

This course will introduce students to many aspects of technical theatre and theatre production. Topics will include (but are not limited to) set design, costume design, lighting, sound, directing, stage management, and marketing. Students will participate in hands-on projects to help them achieve this goal. Advanced theatre production is for students who have taken Theatre Production, or who already have a working knowledge of technical theatre. These student will use what they have learned to design, build, and run all technical aspects of the plays produced at RHS. This class can be taken for multiple years.(Semester/ .5 credit, Year/ 1.0 credit.)

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Drama 1

In Drama 1, students learn the elements of theatre and then get their chance to put what they have learned into action. This is a beginning acting course in which students work on character development, expression of different emotions, movement, voice, and improvisation. Other aspects of theatre may be introduced as time allows, such as Puppetry, Shakespeare, and musical theater, and technical theater. (Semester/ .5 credit)

 

Drama 2

Already been through the Drama 1 class? Now it is time to examine theater in a larger context. In Drama 2 we will look at theatre through time, reading plays and performing scenes from various works through the ages. Activities will include performing for other students and the general public.

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EXTRACURRICULAR

We offer three productions each school year for any student wishing to be involved. There are always opportunities to be in a show or a part of it, and no position or role is more important than another. There are some guidelines and expectations for students, just as there are for any extracurricular activity. Each production has a contract that the student and parent/guardian is required to sign for agreement of participation.

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Main Stage Musicals and Plays

All students at Richland High School are welcome to audition for our 3 seasonal shows. Some requirements include: an active ASB card, 2.8+ GPA, parent/guardian permission, & availability during rehearsal schedules. Shows have required and optional costs, depending upon the production. There are financial support opportunities provided throughout the school year to help offset some costs. After school programs are currently under the direction of Chelsea Taylor.