All Performing Art classes provide students an opportunity to learn by doing: performances are an essential component of most Performing Arts classes. All music, theatre, and dance programs include a comprehensive background in the history, methodology, traditions, and artistic values associated with each discipline. Students in Performing Arts classes will apply skills and knowledge as a means to use their art form to express themselves –as a soloist or within an ensemble – in a deep, meaningful, and authentic manner. Major activities include classroom character development, acting exercises,voice, performances, choreography, directing, set construction, lighting and sound engineering and design, and performances for the community. If you are a student and want to go to the Academy website for information, homework, or to check the weather you can click here.
Drama 1-2
This course is a beginning acting/performance class. The class will include instruction in acting through study of dramatic literature and its social/historical context, and through the application of vocal and movement techniques for effective communication. The course will include written work, projects, and performance that focus on vocal interpretation, stage movement, presence, and character analysis, play structure and other basic acting/performance techniques.
Drama 3-4
This course emphasizes acting and a more advance looks at the technique of character building. Detailed techniques of acting and literature analysis are studied along with practical application of techniques. Participation in written and performance work, both independently and in small groups, is required. Some after school and weekend projects may be required.
Drama 5-6
This course further develops the student’s skills as actor and director. However, the focus will be on directing techniques and ensemble work. Students are expected to demonstrate their creativity in making choices that affect all aspects of the vocal, physical, visual, and auditory aspects of presenting literature to an audience. Written and performance work is required. Participants will direct other students in the preparation and performance of literature.
Drama 7-8
This course is designed for four-year theatre students who will continue in the Arts. Students will be required to do a portfolio, monologues and group performances in the spring. This performance will be student directed. Daily journals are required as well as outside reading. Drama 7-8 students may register for dual enrollment in the Acting 1 class at Rio Salado College.
Theatre Production
The major emphasis in this class is the application of skills for all of the nine backstage crews. The tech program at Horizon is entirely student run. Students in the tech class can become members of the Horizon Tech Guild by passing certification and attending additional workshops outside of class. Safety is of the up most concern for our technical students and all must pass rigorous safety tests on the use of tools and equipment. Students are encouraged to participate in school productions. Some after school and weekend projects may be required.
Humanities Block
Students who stay in the program through Drama 5-6 and Drama 7-8 will be part of the Humanities Block. We at Horizon feel by combing the Arts and Humanities our students will graduate as well rounded performers ready to take on the competitive world of theatre and performance. The Humanities Block will be a leader among educational programs at Horizon High School by founding traditions of innovation, problem solving and interdisciplinary collaboration to meet the changing needs of today’s students.
The mission of the block is to create and disseminate knowledge and art through research and artistic expression, teaching and learning; and to transfer intellectual products to college and to society. To serve our students by teaching them problem-solving, leadership and teamwork skills, and the value of a commitment to quality, ethical behavior, society and respect for one another. To pursue the advantages provided by a diverse and relatively small community, open to the exchange of ideas, where discovery, creativity, personal and educational development can flourish.