Edison Theater Classes Page

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International Baccalaureate Theatre Overview
Standard Level vs. Higher Level
What is IB? The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a rigorous pre-university course of studies leading to examinations, that meets the needs of highly motivated high school students. The IB Theater class fulfills the Group 6: Arts and Electives requirement.

As a junior or senior, you can enroll in SL or HL IB Theater

Standard Level
The Standard Level (SL) syllabus consists of four compulsory parts

Part 1: Performance Skills
An introduction to:
• Ensemble work
• Performance techniques
• Acting techniques and characterization

Part 2: World Theatre Studies
Studies from an international perspective of selected texts, and traditions. Study in
detail of at least two contrasting practices. A minimum of two play texts from more
than one theatrical tradition and more than one culture, in the original or in
translation, to be included.

Part 3: Practical Play Analysis
Active exploration of extracts and complete play texts as plans for action. Practical
engagement with the challenge of imagining a play script from a director’s point of
view, considering both overall concept and ways of staging.

Part 4: Theatre Production
A practical study of the principles and practices of theatre production. Involvement in
at least one production.

International Baccalaureate Theatre: Syllabus Outline

Higher Level
The Higher Level (HL) syllabus consists of five compulsory parts

Part 1: Performance Skills
An introduction to:
• Ensemble work
• Performance technique
• Acting techniques and characterization

Part 2: World Theatre Studies
Studies from an international perspective of selected texts and traditions. Study in
detail of at least three contrasting practices. A minimum of three play texts from
more than one theatrical tradition and more than one culture, in the original or in
translation, to be included.

Part 3: Practical Play Analysis
Active exploration of extracts and complete play texts as plans for action. Practical
engagement with the challenge of imagining a play script from a director’s point of
view, considering both overall concept and ways of staging.

Part 4: Theatre Production
A practical study of the principles and practices of theatre production. Involvement in
at least two productions.

Part 5: Individual Project
A project, chosen by the candidate in consultation with the teacher, on a specific
aspect of Theatre Arts.

IB Theater
(recommended as a two year class)
IB Theater Arts I (standard level)
IB Theater Arts II (higher level)

IB Theatre Arts SL 1—143008: Grade 11
IB Theatre Arts SL 2—144008: Grade 12
IB Theatre Arts HL 1—143009: Grade 11
IB Theatre Arts HL 2—144009: Grade 12
Students engage in an in-depth study of the nature, theories, and processes of theatre and theatrical production through both practical and theoretical applications of the art form. Concurrently, students involve their senses, bodies and emotions to understand the forms theatre takes in cultures other than their own. Students are required to take the IB examination.

Standard level students will develop a portfolio including a journal of 3000 words and visual materials which catalog the development of the student's performance skills and production contributions.

Higher level students complete a critical evaluation of an external production plus an Individual Study consisting of a self designed project in written form which becomes part of the journal. Students develop a high degree of aptitude in acting, directing, playwriting, or design.

At Edison you can be involved in and gain theatrical experience during and after school!

Enroll in Theater Classes..... you will gain valuable skills in performance, production, world theater studies, and analysis. While it is not required to enroll in theater classes to participate in extra-curricular theatrical productions at Edison, it is helpful and does increase your performance opportunities.

The aim of Edison's Theater classes is to understand the nature of the theater. Students are encouraged to pursue the IB Theater program and all classes are designed to prepare students to be HL Theater students.

What is IB? The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a rigorous pre-university course of studies leading to examinations, that meets the needs of highly motivated high school students. The IB Theater class fulfills the Group 6: Arts and Electives requirement.

Edison theater students will study and explore theater

As individuals
As members of ensemble
As theatre persons
As a critical persons
As a critical audience
As members of society
As members of an International Community

THE KNOWLEDGE DERIVES FROM

Intellectual analysis
Emotional experience
understanding with the mind, the senses, and the body

There are five areas of focus for the student exploring Theater in the IB Theater Arts program

Performance Skills
World Theatre Studies
Practical Play Analysis
Theatre Production
(HL) Individual Project

The goal is to ultimately come to an understanding of the Art of the Stage, and of the essential nature of criticism in the Theatre, especially self-criticism.