Sample Schedule

It is the belief of the Theatre Arts faculty that academic pursuit is essential to the students' training in the arts. Therefore, all Theatre Arts students are encouraged to reach high levels of academic achievement, maintain good grades and be motivated both academically and artistically.

• All Theatre Arts majors must enroll in Practicum each year.
• All Theatre Arts majors with a musical theatre concentration must enroll in Dance for Theatre and Musical Theatre Repertory.
• All junior and senior Theatre Arts majors with a musical theatre concentration must enroll in private voice lessons. Freshman and sophomore Theatre Arts majors with a musical theatre concentration are encouraged to enroll in private voice lessons. There is an additional fee for private lessons.
• All juniors must enroll in Theatre History.
• All seniors must enroll in Independent Study - Audition/Portfolio.

Enrollment and placement in all classes is at in the discretion of the Theatre department faculty.

Acting, Advanced Acting – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Acting/Advanced Acting is an on-going intensive course of study in the craft of acting. It includes the study of stage deportment and usage, script/character analysis, improvisation, ensemble and monologue work. The work concentrates on self-awareness/acceptance and the understanding of the body and voice as tools for creative expression. The course also addresses the discovery and use of a personal working process. Two levels are offered. Students are placed in class at the discretion of the acting faculty.

Acting for the Camera – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Acting for the Camera examines the technique of acting as it applies specifically to film. Acting students learn to develop on-camera acting skills and collaborate with student directors and cinematographers from the Moving Pictures department.

Acting Improvisation – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Acting Improvisation offers actors the improvisational techniques required to inspire spontaneity and creativity. Non-majors may enroll with the instructor’s permission. This course focuses on long form improvisational acting techniques, with emphasis on skills needed to create characters, relationships, scenes, and performance pieces based on the truth of the moment.

Acting Laboratory – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Acting Laboratory offers acting students the opportunity to explore personalized curriculum in the area of performance. Class work may result in juried performance opportunities viewed by department faculty, the school community and the public.

Acting Seminar (Honors) – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Honors Acting Seminar continues training and develops craft and technique through re-emphasizing the basic fundamentals (listening, inner truth, action, obstacle, etc.) This course also introduces different techniques to give bold, believable awareness and acceptance, and the understanding of the body and voice as a tool for creative expression. This class addresses the discovery and use of a personal working process, and challenges the student to overcome acting blocks and habitual habits. Through relaxation, concentration, objectives, conflict and moment-to-moment living, advanced scene work is undertaken, requiring greater specificity, personalization and commitment, stretching the student to tap their intellectual and emotional resources to the fullest. The student is expected to fully research the character and the social, political and physical world in which the character exists.

Alexander Technique – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Alexander Technique develops the student's awareness of the body as an expressive instrument of alignment, relaxation, flexibility, strength and stamina in order to stimulate correct and creative use of the whole body. This course is offered when enrollment permits.

Company Acting/Technical – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
In Company Acting/Technical students are placed in Company-Acting or Company-Technical Theatre and participate in mainstage performances. Students are shifted within Company-Tech and Company-Acting as per production needs, casting, etc. Placement in Company is by audition only and is based on achievement, skill, maturity and readiness to handle the work. During this course the student learns various aspects of technical production for performance. Students are assigned to a variety of crews including but not limited to: scene shop/ lighting crew, properties, costume construction crew, running crew, etc. Students are assigned on an as needed basis for each production and placement is at the discretion of the faculty.

Dance for Theatre (Ballet, Jazz, Styles, Tap) – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Dance for Theatre introduces students to various styles of musical theatre dance. This course is required of Musical Theatre concentation students; each variation is offered when staffing allows.

Design Elective – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None Design
Elective provides specific instruction in the varying disciplines of technical theatre. Topics vary from year to year and may include studies in advanced theatrical design, make-up design, computer aided design, scene painting, film and television production technique, history of costume or decor, etc. This course is offered when enrollment permits.

Design/Tech Lab – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Design/Tech Lab offers design and technical production students the opportunity to explore individualized curriculum in the area of design and technical theatre. This course may include but is not limited to: modeling and rendering skills, painting techniques, new technologies, and sound and light operations and design.

Design for Theatre – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Design for Theatre teaches the design process for all elements of theatre. It begins with script analysis and includes collaboration, concepts, design styles, and the responsibilities of the designer. Students produce sketches, color renderings, drafting and scale models, light plots and any associated paperwork that may eventually be used in their portfolios. Emphasis changes each year so students may repeat this course for credit.

Development of Drama – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Development of the Drama is a survey of dramatic literature from the classics to contemporary plays in which students learn the basic principles of script analysis. Development of the Drama is required of Theatre major sophomores.

Directing – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Directing examines the application of directing and staging techniques. Included are the fundamentals of blocking, script analysis, achievement of emphasis, and the development of aesthetic values. The goal of this class is to gain a basic understanding of the principles of directing, staging, analysis, director/actor communication, the balance between truth and technique, and the performance process itself. Directing is open to returning seniors only.

Drafting for Theatre – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Drafting for the Theatre teaches the fundamentals of drafting including basic drafting equipment, development of proper technique, and the use of scale and industry standards. Emphasis changes each year so this course can be repeated for credit.

Drawing for Theatre – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Drawing for the Theatre teaches drawing as a basic communication tool and a means of process and exploration for students from beginners to those with a more practiced drawing technique. Areas of concentration include figure drawing, still life, use of different color media, sketching and rendering.

Independent Study (Audition/Portfolio) – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees – All audition costs are the responsibility of the student (airfare, hotel, food, and audition fees).
Independent Study (Audition/Portfolio) is used primarily to assist the student in preparation for the rigors of college auditions for theatre. This self-motivated class provides the tools necessary to successfully present through the art of the monologue. Students will also write a prospectus for the course outlining their goals, their timetable for material selection or portfolio preparation and coaching schedule. Students may opt to attend the Unified Auditions held in Chicago, Illinois in February. The Unified Auditions are conducted by approximately thirty-five college/conservatory programs specializing in theatre. Theatre faculty accompany students to the auditions. Successful completion of preparatory work is required and attendance at the Unified Auditions is at the discretion of the faculty. Independent Study (Audition/Portfolio) is required of all senior Theatre majors.

Introduction to Design – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Introduction to Design allows students to study the basic principles and methodology of theatrical design. This survey course includes studies in developing concepts and approach statements, usage of materials and production research.

Mask Characterization – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Mask Characterization teaches a step-by-step acting process designed to stimulate and free the imagination. The class uses character (expressive) masks as a tool to explore character development through the technique by Libby Appel. The course describes, defines and discusses the mask characterization process, providing the theory behind organic development of the character from the mask. The class adds a new dimension to actor training and learning, allowing the student actor new and diverse tools in order to create honest dramatic characterizations. This process driven class creates the student’s ability to focus fully on the physical world of the character, allowing greater “head/body” connection.

Music Fundamentals for Musical Theatre – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Music fundamentals for Musical Theatre offers the study of harmony, theory and ear training as it applies to a professional career in musical theatre. Concentration is on sight singing, the study of diatonic scales and harmonic relationships. This class is offered when enrollment permits.

Musical Theatre Repertory – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Musical Theatre Repertory examines the development of musical theatre from the English Music Hall to the contemporary musical through academic study. The styles and periods of musical theatre development are also examined through listening and singing as well as presentation of the material. The class provides the skills necessary to prepare and present songs from the repertory. Audition material and ensemble singing are incorporated into the course. Depending on enrollment, beginning and advanced levels of this class may be offered and placement in levels is at the discretion of the faculty. Students may repeat this course with consent of the instructor. Each student is required to perform regularly in Musical Theatre Repertory Class, and to audition for selection in Theatre Department musicals and Musical Theatre in the Meadow performances.

Performing Shakespeare – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Performing Shakespeare is an advanced acting class designed to introduce qualified actors to the work of the great playwright. Through readings, lectures, exercises, and scene-work, actors learn how to play verse with clarity and energy. They will ultimately understand Shakespeare’s language and become facile at culling the imaginations of Shakespeare’s characters while simultaneously animating and expressing his ideas and objectives. The course is offered when enrollment permits.

Practicum – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Practicum is required of all Theatre majors every year. Every Theatre Arts major is enrolled in Practicum each semester. Students must complete fifteen hours of work per semester. Department assignments may include stage management, performance ushering, and/or other service opportunities. Attendance at all department strikes is mandatory and hours are recorded to fulfill part of the Practicum requirement.

Private Voice Lessons – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - $2200.00 per year
Private Voice Lessons develop free and healthy vocal production, skilled breath management, resonance and projection. Students gain an expansion of knowledge of vocal literature and traditions, and informed diction usage. Development of productive practice routine and memorization skills, growth in musicianship, confidence and truthful delivery of text, leading to complete, communicative performances are the goals of this class. Teacher assignment is made by the Music department faculty. Private lessons are required of all junior and senior Theatre majors with Musical Theatre concentration. Non Musical Theatre majors may request private voice lessons with consent of Theatre faculty.

Production Design – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Production Design is a joint offering by the Theatre and the Moving Pictures departments to explore the role of the production designer in the art of the motion picture. Both aesthetic and technical considerations are considered, as well as how a production designer works with the director. Topics include set design, set construction and scenic painting. Production Design is open to all majors with the consent of instructor.

Production Seminar – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Production Seminar allows students to explore the process of mounting a production beginning with selecting an appropriate script and continuing through actual performance. Students will fill all of the necessary positions required for the performances.

Stage Combat – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None Stage Combat introduces the techniques of hand-to-hand, rapier and broadsword, with an emphasis on safety, notation, choreography, masking and performance. The course is offered when enrollment permits.

Stage Management – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Stage Management explores the vital role that the stage manager plays in production. It includes text study and practical experience, enabling students to gain understanding and knowledge of the many technical components of production. Standard organizational procedures, scheduling, budgeting, production, safety, the supervision of crews and the running of rehearsals and performances represent the fundamentals of the course.

Stage Movement – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees -None
Stage Movement is designed to help the actor develop physical movement skills that can be applied to theatrical performance. The class addresses the need for the actor to clearly express character through movement and physicality and explores the range of movement of the human body and its potential to communicate. Theories of movement include: Meyerhold, Alexander, Grotowski, Laban, Margolis, and other movement theorists. Exercises address free-form movement, ritual movement, head-body connection, character building and storytelling through movement, in order to provide students an enriched palette of tools for approaching fully realized character work. Period dance from the Middle Ages to contemporary social movement (i.e. minuet, gavotte, court dance, waltz, polka, fox trot, swing, etc.,) provide the student experience with forms of dance often required for ritual movement in drama.

Technique and Analysis – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees – None
Technique and Analysis develops the fundamental skills used in rehearsing and performing modern realistic plays. Through an exploration of various acting techniques, students acquire the tools and skills necessary for honest characterization, and truthful moment-to-moment life on stage. Students experience the art of ensemble, scene, and monologue work, text analysis, and performance preparation techniques. Theoretical reading and written work will be assigned by the instructor.

Technical Theatre – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees – None Technical Theatre offers an orientation to technical theatre procedures and a general overview of technical theatre production.

Technical Theatre Seminar (Honors) – Full year course
Prerequisites – Technical Theatre; permission of technical director
Fees - None
Honors Technical Theatre Seminar is in-depth study of trends and standard practices in technical theatre. Students create and develop a complete design package for a play. They produce renderings, models and paper work for the project. The materials generated through the course are included in their portfolios. Independent thinking and self-motivation are key factors to success. This is an advanced course for Theatre majors only.

Theatre History – Full year course - Successful completion is an Arts Certificate requirement.
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Theatre History provides students with a survey of the history of theatrical production and the cultural context from which it evolved. The major units covered include classical Greek and Roman theatre, Medieval, Elizabethan, Restoration and Modern drama and incorporate an exploration of art, architecture and dress for each period. Theatre History is required of all juniors and newly admitted seniors.

Theatre Production – Full year course
Prerequisites – None – open to all majors
Fees - None
Theatre Production is a hands-on class devoted to procedures in production and support of the performing arts departments campus wide. Students in this class may assist all special events that require technical support. All work is done in various performance venues on and off campus. Students also support audio/visual set ups and presentations on campus. Students learn basic stage management, lighting design and practices, and audio engineering.

Voice and Speech – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Voice and Speech explores the theory and practice of vocal production and speech. It incorporates Fitzmaurice and Linklater voice work, techniques, exploring body and breath awareness, vibrations, amplification, jaw tongue, soft palate, resonators, breath capacity and articulation. The speech work is based on Louis Colaianni’s Phonetic Pillow approach to speech. Students become fluent in the American sounds of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). IPA is then applied to learning a standard American dialect and the students learn how to apply IPA to other dialects. The class focuses on the voice and how it is connected to the mind (impulse), emotions & body.

Senior Seminar – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Senior Seminar is required of all seniors at Idyllwild Arts. The class is divided into two parts: common sessions where all seniors participate under the direction of the college counselor and address such topics as college applications, essays and standardized testing; and breakout sessions which address department/discipline-specific needs such as audition preparation, audition travel, and portfolio development.

Master Classes
Master classes, workshops and lecture-demonstrations by artists in the following fields may be given:
Acting
Design
Meeting the Industry
Agents
Directing/Producing
Mime
Audition
Fencing
Photography
Casting
Make-up

Sample Schedule

Morning: Academics
.	Monday	.	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	.	Saturday
8:00-8:45	French I	8:00-9:20	French I	Intro to Literature	World Cultures	Physics 9 Lab	8:00-8:45	.
8:50-9:35	.						8:50-9:35	Geometry
9:40-10:25	World Cultures	9:30-10:50	Geometry	.	Geometry	.	9:40-10:25	Physics 9 Lab
10:30-11:15	Intro to Literature	10:55-11:35	.	.	.	.	10:30-11:15	Physics 9 Lab
11:20-12:05	.	11:40-1:00	World Cultures	Physics 9 Lab	French I	Intro to Literature	11:20-12:05	Life Skills
12:10-12:55	.						12:10-12:55	.
Afternoon: Arts
2:00-3:00	Music Fund/Theory		Acting	Dance Ballet	Acting	Tech/Analysis		Mus. Thea Rep
3:00-3:30	Music Fund/Theory		Acting	Dance Ballet	Acting	Tech/Analysis		Tap Dance
3:30-4:00	Theat. Prod		Intro to Design	Theat. Prod.	Intro to Design	Tech/Analysis		Tap Dance
4:00-4:30	Theat. Prod		Intro to Design	Theat. Prod.	Intro to Design	Tech/Analysis		Tap Dance
4:30-5:00	.		.	.	Dance Styles	.		.
5:00-5:30	.		.	.	Dance Styles	.		.
5:30-6:30	.		.	.	Dance Styles	.		.
.	Practicum		Practicum	Practicum	Practicum	Practicum		Practicum
.	.		.	.	.	.		.
.	.		.	Private Lesson	.	.		.