Theatre Classes at LHS

Lakewood is pleased to offer one of the most comprehensive theatre programs in Jeffco, consisting of eight different sections of classes, ranging from Foundations of Theatre Arts and Musical Theatre to Unified Theatre Mentoring.

Nearly all of these courses offer concurrent enrollment credit with Red Rocks Community College, whose credits are transferable to all public Colorado Universities, and many out of state Universities.  Most of these courses also satisfy the Jeffco Fine Art/CTE credit that is required to graduate.  

In addition, students who register for RRCC Credit in 3 or more classes may be eligible to earn the Stagehand Basics Certificate from RRCC.

Foundations of Theatre Arts

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: None

In Foundations of Theatre Arts, students are introduced to the variety of programs and occupations in the arts, audio/visual technology, and production.  Students will also learn the basics of acting, improv, and how to create characters to portray a story. Within this context, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in this cluster and the knowledge, skills and educational requirements for those opportunities. This class is the usual starting point for students interested in theatre due to it's comprehensiveness, and students generally choose to continue the acting path with Theatre Intermediate, or the technical path with Technical Theatre Beginning. (Semester, Fine Art/CTE Credit, Concurrent Enrollment with RRCC)

Theatre Intermediate

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: Foundations of Theatre Arts

In Theatre Intermediate, students dive deeper into how to create convincing characters to create a story.  Using specific methods of character and story creation, students have the opportunity to fine tune their acting skills with several scenes working both by themself and with partners or groups.  Although this class is performance heavy, further topics include financial awareness, promotion and marketing, and management and leadership. (Semester, Fine Art/CTE Credit, Concurrent Enrollment with RRCC)

Theatre: Music Theatre

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: Theatre Intermediate

Musical Theatre is a specialty course that focuses on techniques and material associated with the art of musical theatre. Areas of focus may include ensemble development, choreography, vocal performance and acting. Students involved in this course may participate in public performances. This course prepares students to manage the planning, design, preparation, and production of plays and other theatrical performances. Course content may include instruction in theatrical design, program management, dramatic production, rehearsal management, personnel management and casting, actor coaching, directing concepts and techniques, dramaturgy, script interpretation, business management, marketing, public relations, and communications.  Culminating in a showcase of what was learned in class, students will be required to put in work and time outside of class to produce the showcase. (Semester, Fine Art/CTE Credit, Concurrent Enrollment with RRCC)

Capstone: Acting/Performance

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisites: Theatre Intermediate, Audition

Capstone allows for individualized, advanced, and/or cumulative work in a program of study.  This work is individualized to the student within a specific program of study and may include problem/project based learning or preparation for industry certification.  The specific content and course design is determined by the instructor, in collaboration with the individual student.  This course will also delve in to the techniques of other western ancting teachers including Meisner, Hagen, Chekhov, and others.  Students in Capstone will be required to attend the Annual Colorado Thespian Conference in December and perform an IE (individual event), participate in the Jeffco Theatre Festival, as well as perform in and produce the annual Advanced Acting Showcase in the spring. In addition, students write and direct the Spring One Acts, and will be required to put in time outside of class for rehearsals and performances. (Semester, Fine Art/CTE Credit, Concurrent Enrollment with RRCC)

Unified Theatre Mentor

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisites: Application, Teacher Approval

Unified Theatre is designed to partner students with and without significant disabilities through the lens of theatre.  The mentor student model will be used so that students will collaborate throughout the semester to develop theatrical skills, social-emotional expression, and creative problem solving.  The course will culminate in an evening performance of a Unified Theatre production.  All students can expect to build skills in improvisation and characterization, working as an ensemble, and more.  Mentor students can also expect to develop skills in leadership, product management, marketing, and direction.  This course prepares students to manage the planning, design, preparation, and production of plays and other theatrical production.  Course content may include instruction in theatrical design, program management, dramatic production, rehearsal management, personnel management and casting, actor coaching, directing concepts and techniques, dramaturgy, and script interpretation.  (Semester)

IB Theatre Arts

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisites: None

IB Theatre teaches students about theatre practices beyond western realism.  IB Theatre meets both an IB elective credit and serves as an advanced theatre option for those serious about the eart of theatre.  This course takes the student through down the path as a creator, examining various World Theatre traditions, devising original work, and a glimpse into the theoretical world of directing.  Students do not need to be in IB to enroll in this course.  (2 Semesters (SL), 4 Semesters (HL))

Technical Theatre Beginning

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: None

Technical Theatre Beginning introduces students to different methods of constructing and painting scenery and properties, operating stage lighting and sound equipment, and implementing costumes and multimedia into productions. this course also explores the proper procedures of serving on Stage Crews.  Students in this class will also help develop staged sets for productions that the LHSTC puts on. (Semester, Fine Art/CTE Credit, Concurrent Enrollment with RRCC)

Technical Theatre Intermediate

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: None

Theatre Intermediate teaches students how to further develop their acting understanding and skills through the language of Shakespeare.  Students will learn 4 different types of Shakespearean scenes, being a Sonnet, Soliloquy, Monologue, and Duet Scene.  Students will learn to translate Shakespeare into modern-day English, how to identify types of Shakespearean scenes, as well has how to work with others in a conducive learning environment. (Semester, Fine Art/CTE Credit, Concurrent Enrollment with RRCC)