Playwriting
2015 Session II PKR: 7-8 am Thursdays CP: 7-8 am Tuesdays
Prerequisite: Grades 5-8
Track: Theatre
Hours/Cost: 8 hours: Enrolled: $80/Not Enrolled: $100
Instructor: Middlebrooks
This class is intended for students who would like to write their own play to be produced in March by our Theatre Seminar class meeting on Saturdays. If playwrights would like to direct their own play, they will need to sign up for Theatre Seminar in addition to this class. Otherwise, their play can be assigned to a director for production. This class will guide the student through a playwriting process and will require considerable investment of time outside of class for the actual content creation.
Improvisation
2015 Session II PKR: 3:45 - 4:45 pm Thursdays CP: 3:45 - 4:45 PM Tuesdays
Prerequisite: None
Track: Theatre
Credits/Cost: 8 hours: Enrolled: $80/Not Enrolled: $100
Instructor: Middlebrooks
This is often one of the most popular classes for students exploring the art of acting. In improvisation, students are challenged to create interesting characters who make up spontaneous dialogue as they act and react to their stage companions. For examples, look at shows like "Whose Line is it Anyway?" We will explore the rules of improv and many of the games, and then our Improv team will host our Playwriter's showcase on March 5th and 7th at the Castle Pines Campus and March 6th and 8th at the Parker Campus.
Theatre Seminar
2015 Session II PKR: 9-12 pm on Saturdays CP: 1-4 pm on Saturdays
Prerequisite: None
Track: Theatre
Credits/Cost: 24 hours: Enrolled: $160/Not Enrolled: $200
Instructor: Middlebrooks
This seminar will encompass Directing, Acting Techniques, Scene Study, and Monologues. Students will collaborate with AA Playwrights as the playwrights cast and direct short one acts that they have written to be performed the weekend of March 5-8th, 2015. In this context we will explore the techniques of directing and acting including scene study and monologue work. This class economically encompasses 4 requirements for Performing Arts Theatre Track for the cost of one class. (Directing, Acting Techniques, Scene Study, Monologues). Directing class will take place in the first hour (student directors must stay for the full three hours), acting classes will run the remaining two hours (actors must stay for the full two hours). No session on February 7th.

Junior Thespians
Session/Day/Time: Year long course PKR: Thursday lunch meeting CP: Tuesday lunch meeting
Prerequisite: 6th – 8th Grade
Track: Theatre
Credits/Cost: 0/0
Instructor: Middlebrooks
American Academy Thespians exist to build up and support the mission of American Academy and to contribute to the positive culture of our school through theatre arts and through school wide participation in general. Students are encouraged to keep track of their theatrical participation online and submit for induction when they reach qualification status. Students will plan fundraising activities, mentor younger performers, and plan for an annual trip to see Broadway shows in New York City each summer. There is no charge for participation, however it is required for certification.
Independent Study
2015 Session II
Prerequisite: Grades 5-8
Track: Theatre
Credits/Cost: 8 hours: No Fee for Independent Study for this Session
Instructor: Middlebrooks
Students may take an independent study option for the following classes: Puppetry, Pantomime, or Theatre History. This is to help minimize cost for required courses, and to help students complete requirements on thier own timeline. To begin independent study in any of these three courese, please contact Mr. Middlebrooks for a syllabus at mmiddlebrooks@aak8.org.