Intro to Theatre

Class Time:  1:45 - 2:45, Fall Semester

Grade Level:  7th - 12th

Instructor:  Michelina Pollini

Contact Information:  ms.pollini.teach@gmail.com

Course Description:

"My hope for all of you who are artists is that you will have an especially intense experience of creative inspiration... Faced with the sacredness of life and of the human person, and before the marvels of the universe, wonder is the only appropriate attitude."  ~ Pope St. John Paul II

Theatre allows you to marvel at the beauty of the human condition. It helps you think outside the box in real-world situations. It encourages you to approach the world with empathy.  

Why study theatre? You'll develop collaborative skills, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication. Those qualities turn you into a better student, a stronger employee, and a more compassionate Christian. Theatre’s roots lie in religion, community, celebration, myth making, and delight. Its sociological and philosophical complexity is overwhelming but rewarding to explore. As a human study it is eminently worthy of academic focus.

Course topics may include theatrical character development, audition techniques, scene studies, directing, classical or contemporary theatre through performance, stage combat, stage makeup design, special effects, set design, costume design, light and sound design, stage management skills, and more.

The class leads to a final student share / performance in front of NCHS friends and family members. Students who prefer to “stay backstage” will create a display of technical theatre design elements learned in the course.

Note: This class includes light to moderate physical activity such as movement and standing for periods of time, stretching, and moving classroom furniture for a stage area. 

Please come dressed for physical movement. Students must follow all NCHS dress code requirements.

Accommodations can be made for those with limited mobility, please notify the instructor in advance.

Tuition:  $200 + $15 one time materials fee for teacher to make handout copies, etc. 

Financial Aid: Parents/Guardians may apply for their student to take this course at a reduced rate if family finances pose a barrier to enrollment.

Work-Study: There is an opportunity to waive a participating student's tuition in exchange for a responsible family member watching the instructor's two young children (ages 4 and 1) during set-up/clean-up and class time.

Enrollment form includes an optional application to take advantage of these opportunities.

Class Size:  Minimum of 4 

Course Materials: 

• Blank ruled notebook.
• Pencils, spare eraser, and personal sharpener.
• Yellow highlighter. 
• Additional Highlighter in blue/pink/green/purple (choose one color).
• 3-ring binder. Students may use a divider in another binder to dedicate a section to theater class materials.
• Instructor will provide course materials online using Google Drive, email, and in person.
• Students are encouraged to investigate personal areas of interest in theatre arts and bring in related materials.

Teacher Qualifications: Michelina Pollini has taught theatre internationally for twenty years. She earned a B. A. degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Pittsburgh and her M. Ed. degree from Point Park University. Experiences include work as a public school teacher, nonprofit teaching artist, and professional arts administrator. Ms. Pollini has taught hundreds of students in dozens of environments on 50+ theatre productions. She's developed and implemented curriculums on contemporary works, classical theatre, and student-devised performances. She is certified to teach Theatre Arts and English in Virginia. A member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, she volunteers with the school and Junior Legion of Mary. Ms. Pollini works with area community theatres while raising her four children (who are little characters themselves!).