Participants will explore basic principles of acting through pantomime and improvisation and will analyze and develop character through scripted scenes and monologues. The class will be interspersed with lessons on basic stage and rehearsal terms, theatre etiquette as well as brief introductions to the rich history and traditions of the art of theatre itself. Learners are encouraged to enroll in the class multiple times as their schedule allows.

Learners will have hands-on opportunities to learn scene construction and gain experience in the areas of painting, lighting, sound, stage properties, costumes, makeup application, and theatrical public relations/marketing. Course content and technical experiences may change each term based on the theater season being produced. Learners are encouraged to enroll in the class multiple times as their schedule allows.

Art I is an introductory course exploring contemporary issues in art, focusing on units such as digital illustration, printmaking, and sculpture. Learners will begin to develop a personal aesthetic and understanding of art media through a variety of hands-on visual arts experiences and discussion. Studying art strengthens learners’ ability to analyze and interpret the world around them through knowledge in production, aesthetics, art history, and critique. 

Art II centers on furthering the exploration of contemporary issues in art, focusing on units in digital art and animation, printmaking, and collaborative 2D/3D installation. Learners are encouraged to exercise more personal artistic vision through the production of creative, original work, with an emphasis on conceptual development, critical thinking, and craftsmanship.

Units of study include emphasis on graphic design, animation/cartooning, creativity, philosophy, community art, art influenced careers, graffiti, and other urban inspired forms of art. This is a non-sequential course and no previous art experience is necessary.

Ceramics I focuses on the fundamental methods of hand building which are the pinch method, coil method, and slab method. Learners will gain experience in these three building methods and will create original works in a variety of units, which may include theme and subject matter development.

Ceramics II/Sculpture learners will do intermediate work in clay and other 3-D materials. Learners will work with ceramic methods of pinch, coil, slab and throwing along with other 3-D materials, such as: plaster of Paris, paper mâché, wire, cardboard, assemblage, wood construction, etc. Can’t take Ceramics 3/Sculpture course the same year.

Ceramics 3/Sculpture is a fall semester class, so one cannot take Ceramics II/Sculpture course the same year. Ceramics III/Sculpture learners will do advanced work in the 3-D realm. Learners will be given various problems and assignments for them to solve in a variety of ways and media. This course is designed to encourage learners to find their own direction in their artwork using a three-dimensional medium.

Learners will advance their competence in using various materials as they study subject matter, create themes and develop strong compositions.  Learners will use a sketchbook that is provided to sketch in class daily. Can’t take Drawing and Design III course the same year – Drawing and Design II is a spring semester class.

Learners will explore various drawing techniques working with a wide range of drawing media: pencils, color pencils, pastels, charcoal, and markers. Learners will work with techniques for acrylic and watercolor paints addressing color theory. Also, learners will explore the elements of art and the principles of design. 

Drawing & Design III is a fall semester class, so one cannot take Drawing and Design II course the same year. Drawing and Design III is an advanced course that students individually decide on a motif (subject matter and them) to work on throughout the course. The students will choose what materials and themes they want to explore. This course is designed to help students develop a body of work using different methods and materials. Advanced drawing techniques and composition skills will be developed. Students will be expected to participate in group critiques and presentations. Students will learn about presentation methods and participate in exhibitions.

Foundations of Art is a hands-on course that is structured around the Elements of Art (Line, Shape, Form, Color, Texture, Value, and Space.)  Projects will be created with a wide range of both traditional and contemporary materials. Each assignment will help students to understand an Element of Art and how it can be used to create visual imagery.  Projects in this course are designed for a wide range of ability levels and all assignments can be altered to suit the needs of diverse learners.  Fine motor skills, decision making, personal expression, and self-confidence will be improved through participation in Foundations of Art.

Painting II will focus on painting media – acrylics, watercolor and mixed media. Learners will learn more complex methods of painting including working with the techniques of the old masters and contemporary painters. Learners will start developing more in-depth thematic elements within their painting while using the foundations as a structure as they advance and do more individualized work.

Painting III learners individually decide on a motif (subject matter and theme) to work on throughout the course.   This course is designed to help learners develop a body of work using different methods and materials. Advanced painting techniques and composition skills will be developed.