(Beginning Drama / Drama 1-2 (VAPA Credit)
Beginning Drama meets the fine arts requirement for graduation.  A full year of Beginning Drama meets the CSU and UC requirements for admission.  The class introduces the student to beginning acting techniques and theatre appreciation.  The course is organized into five areas: Artistic Perception, using the language and skills of theatre, Creative Expression, creating theatre to communicate meaning and intent, Historical and Cultural Content, examining the key figures and historical periods of theatre and the role theatre plays culturally in the world, Aesthetic Valuing, analyzing theatre for meaning and intent as well as its ability to communicate effectively, and Connections, Relationships and Applications, developing lifelong skills such as creative problem-solving and planning for college and careers in the theatre, the arts, the communications and entertainment fields.  The class includes: Team work, relaxation, concentration, movement, voice, play analysis, acting, improvisation, character analysis, performance, scene work, monologues, audition/interview skills, theatre vocabulary, theatre history and play reviews.  The curriculum is aligned with the California Visual and Performing Arts Standards. 

Intermediate Drama / Drama 3-4 (VAPA Credit)
Intermediate Drama is a theatre class for those students who have enjoyed and passed Drama 1-2 with a “B” or better. Incoming freshman with at least 2 years of theater experience are invited to audition for this class in May. A full year of Intermediate Drama meets the CSU and UC requirements for admission.  It is designed to build upon past theatre experiences and enhance skills.  The class is aligned with the California State Standards, including the five areas listed above in the beginning class description. Intermediate Drama will cover ensemble work/team work, movement, voice, scene and play analysis, scene work including an emphasis on objectives, obstacles, and acting techniques, improvisational skills, character analysis and performance, monologues, audition skills, career paths and theatre history.  
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Advanced Drama / Drama 3-4 (CTE and VAPA Credit)
Advanced Drama is an audition-only theatre class for those students who have enjoyed and passed Beginning or Intermediate Drama with a “B” or better. A full year of Advanced Drama meets the CSU and UC requirements for admission.  In this intensive course, actors develop a deeper understanding of theater and production from different cultural and historical perspectives and build upon past theatre experiences.  The class is aligned with the California State Standards, including the five areas listed above in the beginning class description. Advanced Drama will strengthen and enhance skills in ensemble work/team work, movement, voice, scene and play analysis, scene work including an emphasis on character development and emotional truth, improvisational skills, character analysis and performance, audition skills, career paths, designing, directing and playwriting with an emphasis on performing original work. Students participate in the Young Playwrights Project with TheatreWorks each Fall, and produce Student Directed One Acts and original musicals each Spring.

Drama is a great class. I've learned to become all sorts of different characters, I've learned to work with all sorts of people, and I've become a different person too. I've grown confidence to become a stronger person. Thank you Ms. Gamlen. - Hillsdale Drama Student