DRAMA
Theater 1
Grades:
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Are you interested in exploring the world of acting? Do you need a class to fulfill your fine arts requirement? Or maybe you are simply looking for a fun elective class to take. Well, then Intro to Theater is the class for you! In this class you will learn about the basics of theater and acting. You will tap into your creative side by participating in fun theater activities, exciting acting improvisations, and creating original group skits. You will develop skills in vocal projection and clarity, the use of vocal and facial expressions, the use of body language and gestures, and proper staging techniques. You will also learn the basics of character analysis and how to develop a believable character. These skills will all be applied to scene work and monologues which will be rehearsed and performed in class. This unique class will increase self-confidence, develop creativity, build teamwork, and teach you the basic techniques of acting – all done in a fun, positive environment. Students should expect an average of two hours of weekly homework, and full, active class participation is required! Theater 1 is a prerequisite for any level 2 class.
Acting Adventures (PreK-2nd)
Grades:
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Come explore the world of acting through various theater games, acting exercises, improvisation activities, skits, and scene work! These activities will tap into your creative side, while developing skills such as focus, listening, teamwork, imagination, vocal projection and articulation, creating a believable character, and building self confidence and stage presence. This is all done in a fun, positive, and encouraging Christian environment. Students will rehearse and perform a short play to gain some performance experience.
Acting Adventures (3rd-6th)
Grades:
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Come explore the world of acting through various theater games, acting exercises, improvisation activities, skits, and scene work! These activities will tap into your creative side, while developing skills such as focus, listening, teamwork, imagination, vocal projection and articulation, creating a believable character, and building self confidence and stage presence. This is all done in a fun, positive, and encouraging Christian environment. Students will rehearse and perform a short play to gain some performance experience.
Improv, Skits and Fun! (1st – 6th)
Grades:
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Have a blast in this class doing Improv and creating skits! Students will explore the art of improvisation by learning and practicing a wide variety of improv games. We will learn how to act “in the moment”, be creative and spontaneous, think on our feet, and have lots of fun! Students will also create original short skits together which will develop team building skills such as group brainstorming, cooperation, and problem solving, along with expanding their imaginations and developing their acting skills. We will end the semester with a performance of a few class created skits and improv games. Our performance will be on Saturday, December 9th at 11:00 with the other TCHA drama classes.
Classic Comedy Sketches
Grades:
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Come and join us for this outrageous adventure in comedy! In this class we will study what makes good comedy along with studying some of the great comedic actors and classic comedic sketches of all time. Then it’s our turn to try! We will choose some classic comedy sketches and then rehearse them to put on our own comedy show! You will also help design and prepare a simple set, and find or make your own props and costumes. Our performance will be on Saturday, May 4th at 11:00 with the other TCHA drama classes. (Theater 1 and Acting Techniques are prerequisites for taking this level 3 Theater class.)
Instructor
Julie Nelson
Julie Nelson has always had a love for the arts. She has spent many years acting, dancing, and singing, and majored in Theater at Mankato State University. She has tutored and directed for the theater program at TCHA since 2015, and works with many homeschool co-ops providing a wide variety of classes to educate students and develop their talent while training them to understand and apply the craft of acting. Previous TCHA productions include Ben-Hur (2023),The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2022), Missionary of Oz! (2020/2021), The Hiding Place (2019), The Pilgrim’s Progress (2018) and Baggage Claim (2017).
In addition to teaching in the homeschooling community, Julie has developed and taught theater programs for inter-generational, special needs, and elderly students and conducts private acting lessons. She has acted, written, and directed many dramas and plays for various churches, Sunday Schools and homeschool co-ops. She is enthusiastic about sharing her love for theater with her students and helping them explore their creativity and unique talents and use them to glorify the Lord and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. She is married and has four boys whom she homeschooled for eleven years.
