Drama
at Saratoga High School
Drama 1
Grades 9-12
10 Credits
Fulfills: College Prep, VPA for SHS & CSU/UC
Prerequisites: None
Course Description: This course is designed for students who are interested in learning a comprehensive overview of theater arts. Students will attend professional stage performances, study stage terminology, perform monologues and scenes, and learn basic acting techniques. In addition, students will learn the basics of theater history and apply historical trends in theater to performance work in class and extra curricula dramatic presentations.
Drama 2
Grades 9-12
10 Credits
Fulfills: College Prep, VPA for SHS & CSU/UC
Prerequisites: Drama 1
Course Description: This course serves as a follow-up to Drama 1; students with equivalent experience may be admitted with instructor approval. Students refine acting, directing and production techniques focusing on character development and performance of classical and contemporary material. Drama 2 students perform a play for the middle school and participate in one evening performance each semester. Students also attend professional productions and receive training from professional guest artists. Some time is required outside of class for performances.
Drama 3-4
Grades 10-12
10 Credits
Fulfills: College Prep, VPA for SHS & CSU/UC, Applied Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisites: Drama 3: Drama 1 & 2
Drama 4: Drama 1-3 or audition
Course Description: These courses offer a conservatory style approach to theater. Students will focus on a different discipline of theater in each class. The curriculum will cover various approaches to performance, stage management, directing and design with a focus on trends in contemporary theater. Other requirements may include: creation of a theatrical touring group, career research projects and attendance at professional performances. Students must plan for activities done outside of class throughout the course.
Drama 4 Honors
Grade 12
10 Credits
Fulfills: College Prep, Honors for SHS & CSU/UC, VPA for SHS & CSU/UC, Applied Arts graduation requirement
Prerequisites: Drama 1-3 or audition
Course Description: This senior-level course is open to all students who have met the requirements of the previous drama classes. Students will focus on specific disciplines of theater as they work together to produce a full-scale production at SHS. Productions may include: a one-act festival, a children’s show, a designer’s showcase or an acting recital.
SHS Drama & Technical Theatre Director: Ben Brotzman
Ben Brotzman is so grateful to be teaching Drama and Technical Theatre at Saratoga High School, as well as SHSTV and MAP Media Arts instruction. Ben is a Director, Scenic Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer and Technical Director for Theatre and has done all of this for Music Productions and Art Galleries across the country as well. Ben received his Master's Degree in Directing from Western Illinois University in 2007 and his Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from Midwestern State University in 2003. Ben received his CTE Teaching Certification in the State of California.
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His favorite play that he has directed will always be the current one. And his favorite role he has played was Robinson Crusoe in Robinson Crusoe. Ben would like to thank the amazing students in the Drama Program for their continuous pursuit toward producing great theatre here at SHS. Ben would also like to thank his family, Brittnie and Iris, for their constant support and love.