Curriculum
Beginning Ballet ( Levels I & II )
Students learn the specialized vocabulary of Ballet. Emphasis is on clarity of movement. The course includes practical, written and historical components.
Beginning Modern Dance ( Levels I & II )
Students learn proper alignment and fundamental elements of time, space, energy, and flow. Improvisation will serve as a method of movement exploration. Practical and written components are included.
Advanced Ballet ( Levels III & IV )
A continuation of Beginning Ballet. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, execution, performance and technique.
Advanced Modern Dance ( Levels III & IV )
A continuation of Beginning Modern Dance. Emphasis is placed on technical proficiency, aesthetics, ensemble, awareness and performance.
Personal Fitness For Dancers: (Levels III &IV)
This course is imbedded in advanced modern. It focuses on health and fitness, earning dancers one of their required PE courses. Eligible participants have to be 3RD or 4TH year CAPA dancers and must remain in the program until graduation.
Beginning Vocal Techniques ( Level I )
Introduction to the human voice and its application as a musical instrument. Study and analysis of the physiology of the larynx. Emphasis placed on the basic elements of solo singing with each student approached as an individual talent. Italian language diction is introduced. Practical and written components are included.
Intermediate Vocal Techniques ( Level II )
A continuation and refinement of the concepts introduced in beginning Voc-Tech. The individual singer will be encouraged to grow in areas of range, artistic freedom, vocal styles, and more advanced repertoire. Many performance opportunities are presented.
Advanced Vocal Techniques ( Level III & IV )
Expansion upon principles of sound vocal mechanics with in-depth coverage of advanced concepts in vocal science. Each singer will venture into more challenging venues of vocal study. German language diction is introduced. More performance opportunities are presented.
Music Theory ( Beg-Level I; Adv-Level IV )
Level I includes the basic skills of the music systems and notation required of all successful musicians. Level IV adds sight reading, harmonization, and composition. Part writing is introduced.
Acting I ( Level I )
The fundamentals of acting are introduced. Included will be studies of vocal technique and improvisation. Characterization and script analysis will be explored. Students will follow the exercise principles of Uta Hagen.
Stagecraft ( Level I )
The design and construction of stage sets are studied, with special emphasis placed on lighting and play production. Students learn to design costumes, programs, and publicity, as well. Practical application most important. In this course the sets, props, costumes, make-up, lights, sound, publicity and programs will be executed for CAPA productions.
Acting II ( Level II )
Emphasis is placed on theatre history, stylized acting and period literature. Concentration heavy on Shakespeare. Students learn psychological and motivational approach to characterization. Method acting is explored.
Acting & Production I & II ( Level III & IV )
Focus is on audition preparation, resume writing, agent procurement, and college scholarships. Students will also learn the fundamentals of film, both before the camera and behind the scenes. Contemporary and classical acting styles are continually stressed. Mime introduced and improvisation extended to performances in the Crackin' Up Improv Company.
Directing ( Level IV )
Students learn the fundamentals of directing. They direct scenes and one act plays for audience viewing.
Filmmaking ( Levels 3 & 4)
Students learn to write screenplays, to operate the camera and to edit in contemporary digital fashion. They also act on screen, and serve as Directors of Photography. Finished movies are presented to public audiences.
Technical Theatre: (Levels II – IV)
Emphasis in this course is on an advanced study of the backstage process. Students focus on primary area of interest: set, lighting, sound or costume design for major CAPA productions as well as black box shows. Portfolios will be highlighted.
Humanities ( Required for all level III CAPA students )
This is an English credit. This is the study of the history of man through the arts: the impact of visual arts, music, theatre, literature, and dance through out time. Students shall embrace subject, elements of form and style with methods of communicating ideas per class discussion. Papers and reading.
Film Studies ( Level II theatre and music students )
A historical perspective of how the visual medium of movies has developed and influenced our society. Students will cover early developments by Thomas Edison, the French, Italian, and German film makers, silent film, and contemporary films. Film terminology, " behind the scenes " and directorial styles are discussed.
Off-Off Broadway ( Level III & IV theatre; Level II & III music )
A historical perspective of how the Musical Theatre art form spanning the evolution from operetta through revue to musical drama. Students will be required to perform scenes from musicals at outside venues.
Independent Study ( Level IV music, dance & theatre )
Individual focus on area of interest: set design, costume design, lighting design, playwriting, advanced directing, screenwriting, sound design, choreography, and advanced focus on methods / styles of dance, acting or vocal music.
Movement ( Level I vocalists; Level II Theatre students )
This class focuses on proper body alignment, and maximum use of the body while performing. It aids the actor / singer in feeling comfortable in his / her body. Critical in performance, movement takes the performer into the realm of dance - introducing tap and musical theatre dance forms.