Department Course Offerings and Descriptions

Theatre/Broadcasting Department Course Offerings and Descriptions

1091 or 1092 Introduction to Broadcasting

Open to all students, no pre-requisite or previous experience required
1 semester; 1 credit
This course introduces students to the world of television and radio production. Although the emphasis is on hands-on production, the material is presented in an historical as well as social context. In the radio portion of the course, each student produces a short radio spot and a short music program. In the television portion, each student produces and directs a “live” multi-camera style television program. In addition, students will be the crew on the other students’ productions. Both portions of the class emphasize adequate pre production planning and the development of basic technical skills. This is an applied arts credit which may be used to satisfy the fine arts graduation requirement.

1021 or 1022 Radio/Sound Production

Open to all students, no pre-requisite or previous experience required
1 semester; 1 credit
This production course is structured around three major types of radio programming: music production, sound design, and podcasting. Emphasis is placed on preproduction planning, music production, studio and location recording, script development, and postproduction editing. Students use traditional production techniques as well as new digital technology. Students will learn sound production through Logic Pro X software. Opportunities for certification in Logic Pro X are available. This is an applied arts credit which may be used to satisfy the fine arts graduation requirement.

1102 Television Production

Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Prerequisite: Introduction to Broadcasting or Creative Filmmaking
Semester 2 only; 1 credit
In this advanced course in television communications, students work at their own pace to master the techniques necessary to produce broadcast?quality video tapes for in?house use or on cable television. Each student produces two public service announcements and programs, all of which are cablecast. In addition, class members serve as a studio staff for projects requested by others in the school and serve as adjunct Newscene production staff later in the semester. This course is for students whose interest in television communications is serious and/or for those who wish to move on to the Newscene staff the following year. Students are required to commit additional time outside of class to complete project work. This is an applied arts credit which may be used to satisfy the fine arts graduation requirement.

949 Newscene

Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Prerequisite: Television Production for production staff; Auditions for reporting staff
2 semesters; 2 credits
Newscene is the student-produced high school television news program which airs live on cable television 25-30 times per year. Programs, which are anchored by three reporters and crewed by a production staff of 12, consist of school news and previously taped and edited features. Students are the producers, writers, reporters, and editors and hold down the regular studio crew positions during rehearsal and cablecast. Production staff members must have taken the television classes, while reporters must audition each spring. (A freshman may audition as a reporter for his/her sophomore year.) This is an applied arts credit which may be used to satisfy the fine arts graduation requirement.

106/2 Creative Filmmaking

1 semester; 1 credit
This course builds upon and complements material presented in the other courses in the television curriculum. This production course is structured around the three major types of filmmaking: experimental, documentary, and narrative. Students create short films using a single-camera film-style approach. Emphasis is placed on script development, preproduction planning, on-location shooting, and postproduction editing. Students use traditional production techniques as well as newer digital technology. For a final project, each student produces and directs either a short documentary or a short narrative film.

1001/2 Theatre Technology and Design

1 semesters; 1 credit
This course provides a hands-on exploration of the design and production of scenery,  lighting, sound, costumes, props, and makeup for the theatre. Students are introduced to scene construction, techniques of lighting, stage materials, stage safety, theatre production processes, and the principles of design on which all stagecraft is based.  Students read plays critically and learn how to develop a concept to support the design of scene elements and lighting. They draw plans, build set models, design lighting, and discuss their concept in formal presentations to the class. This course may be used as either a Fine Arts credit or an Applied Arts credit.

091/2 Acting 1

1 semester; 1 credit
This course is an in-depth  introduction into the world of theatre. Students learn historical, cultural, and practical theatre concepts. Students enhance their theatre knowledge through audition techniques, theatre terminology, theatre history, improvisation, and monologue performance. All aspects of this course include a performance component. Students will be on stage practically every day of the semester. This course is open to all students, regardless of previous acting/theatre experience.

093/2 Acting 2

Prerequisite: Acting 1
1 semester; 1 credit
This course is designed for students with some acting experience who wish to develop the talent and technique necessary for success on the OPRFHS stages and beyond. Students focus on script and character analysis using resources from The Goodman Theatre, The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and other theatrical sources. Students explore different genres of theatre through units focused on physical comedy, Shakespearean acting, famous playwrights, and advanced scene study.

094/2 Directing Workshop

1 semester; 1 credit
This course is highly recommended for students who intend to apply to direct a production in Studio 200. It provides solid preparation in the techniques required both to coach actors effectively and to manage successfully all the elements necessary for a full-scale production.  Students enrolled in this course have the option of receiving either Fine or Applied Arts credit for successful completion.

095/2 Advanced Theatre Study: Auditions and Production

1 semester; 1 credit
Prerequisite: Acting 1 or Theatre Technology and Design. Acting 1 and 2 for the ideal acting candidate.
This performance-based course will prepare students for auditions and portfolio material for college entrance. The goal is for students to develop audition monologues and skills (for actors) and portfolio/interviewing skills (for technical theatre candidates) that will enhance their chances of acceptance to conservatories, universities, or training programs of their choice. In addition, students will write, rehearse, and produce a production through this course. Performance and/or theatre technical skills are required. Due to the performance nature of this class, it can be repeated.

092/2 Musical Theatre Seminar

1 semester; 1 credit
Prerequisite: Acting 1 and 2 for the ideal acting candidate.
This performance-based course provides an opportunity for students to prepare, produce, and perform musical theatre selections.  Students may write or produce selections from the American Musical Theatre and explore its history and impact on popular culture.  Students analyze the script, music, characters, choreography, and history of the current winter musical.  Student learn musical theatre auditioning techniques and cabaret performance. Due to the performance nature of this class, it can be repeated.