Theatre at Austin ISD

Austin ISD Fine Arts believes in strong theatre education because it develops well-rounded students by strengthening communication, critical thinking, literacy, collaboration, and creativity while supporting social-emotional growth, confidence, and empathy. Theatre connects academic learning to real-world skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and technical expertise, while also promoting cultural understanding and civic engagement. By providing equitable access to the arts for all students, theatre education supports diverse learning styles, improves school engagement and achievement, and prepares students for college, careers, and active participation in society.

Important Notices

Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required and included in grades. In addition to the regular curriculum, students will be required to complete extra work for weighted credit. Within one music strand, students are encouraged to follow the sequence of courses to complete a Humanities and Fine Arts endorsement.

Prerequisite: Before a student can advance to the next-level theatre course, they must complete any previous-level theatre course.

THEATRE ARTS I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12

Theatre is an introduction to the elements of theatre, including basic acting techniques, technical theatre, interpretation of dramatic literature, stage movement, mime, voice and diction, improvisation, and scene presentation. Students will practice relaxation and preparatory techniques, examine dramatic structure, and develop audience appreciation skills by attending live theatrical performances. Students will participate in performances during class as an actor or part of a crew numerous times throughout the year. Theatre II-IV is a continuation of learning the above elements of theatre, as well theatre history, basic stage makeup techniques, reader’s theatre, and duet acting. There may be a cost associated with taking Theatre I-IV.

MUSICAL THEATRE I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12

Musical Theatre will expose students to a wide range of on-stage performance disciplines, including performing as an actor, vocalist and dancer in varying styles of musical production. The course will also provide an atmosphere in which students benefit from a teaching and learning experience in these performance disciplines of musical theatre. Students will receive comprehensive and rigorous instruction so that they may make informed choices about the craft, college, and the profession. There may be a cost associated with taking this course.

TECHNICAL THEATRE I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12

This course includes an overview of technical theatre and the beginning study of construction and operation of scenery, properties, lighting instruments, makeup, sound, and public relations programs. First year students must take Technical Theatre I, regardless of grade level.

THEATRE PRODUCTION I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12

This course is designed to meet outside regular school hours for a minimum of 80 hours for each unit of credit. It provides practical, hands-on experience in acting and stagecraft. Students develop production and acting skills for public performance outside school hours. In addition to the regular curriculum, students will be required to complete extra work for weighted credit.