The instructor for all three theatre courses offered at Rosa Parks Middle School is Ms. Natalie Roots
In 6th Grade Beginning Theatre students will explore a wide range of performance skills some of which include improvisational theatre, monologue work, building a character, and ensemble rehearsal and activities. Students will be exposed to theatre terms, areas of the stage, stage directions, and voice and movement. This class requires regular engagement and positive participation, as students have fun exploring the basics of theatre performance. The course culminates in a final, independent, memorized monologue. No previous theatre or stage experience is required to be successful however it is expected that students maintain the “4 P’s” - Punctual, Positive, Participatory, and Prepared – with consistency.
In 7th Grade Exploring Theatre students will continue to build on a wide range of performance techniques, with a focus on improvisation, characterization, movement, ensemble performance, and scene study. There is no prerequisite for this course and no previous theatre experience is required, although most students have already developed some performance skills in 6th grade. Ensemble acting, group collaboration, and taking personal risks to improve upon personal existing performance skills are fundamental elements of the class, as the students focus on comedy throughout the semester.
In 8th Grade Experiencing Theatre students are expected to perform in front of the class on a regular basis. This a more advanced, performance-based acting class, and, while no prerequisites or previous acting experience is required, many students have acquired a solid foundation in performance in the 6th and/or 7th grade drama class. Under instructional guidance, students are asked to take more ownership of the creative process and their own personal theatrical growth. Students in the class enjoy many different collaborative performance activities some of which include improvisational theatre, voice and movement exercises, a repertory Reader’s Theatre showcase, and the planning and staging of individual 1-Act plays. Given the collaborative nature of the craft and the course performance projects, student preparation, attendance, and line memorization is paramount for the 8th grade student-actor’s success.
After-School Theatre Program: Enrollment in the Theater Arts courses has no bearing on a student’s ability to participate in the school’s annual Fall Variety Show and the school’s annual Spring drama/musical production. All Rosa Parks students are encourage to participate in the extracurricular theatre program currently sponsored by Mr. Brian Morgan. For additional information regarding the after-school program, auditions, rehearsals, show dates, and ticket sales, please contact Mr. Brian Morgan directly at Brian_D_Morgan@mcpsmd.org. Thank you!