High school theatre courses should be approved by the University of
California and California State University systems to meet the entrance
requirement of a one-year course in a visual or performing art. To be accepted,
theatre courses must include all five strands of the content standards. Tradi-
tional and new media courses may be acceptable provided they are standards
based. For more information on course requirements, visit the Web site
http://www.ucop.edu. Examples of theatre courses that may be acceptable for
admission include acting, directing, oral interpretation, and dramatic produc-
tion; dramaturgy, history, and theory; and stage lighting and costume design.
Creating traditional or electronic portfolios of one’s work is a powerful tool
to track individual growth, prepare for high school graduation, and use when
applying for college entrance, scholarships, or employment in the theatre or a
theatre-related career.S
tandards-based instruction reinforces the importance of a rigorous, compre-
hensive arts education. Understanding that performance classes are not
intended to be theatre appreciation courses, teachers should provide a variety of
opportunities to meet standards while preparing students to perform quality
theatrical works. The following unit of study is an example of how to maintain
the integrity of performance classes by focusing on developing theatrical skills
while providing a comprehensive approach to theatre education. Many high
school theatre classes with both beginning and advanced students in one class
provide for differentiated opportunities based on experience.
To develop a depth of knowledge and
theatre skills in such areas as acting, design,
styles, dramatic literature, directing,
promotion, lighting, and costuming,
the theatre teacher should
develop a unit of study that
includes plays in specific
styles, genres, or periods.Theatre
Sample Standards-Based Unit of Study
Grades Nine Through TwelveChapter 4
Guidance
for Visual and
Performing Arts
ProgramsTheatre