AAPA Handbook and Course Descriptions
Guidelines
2015-16 Academic Year
Overview:
American Academy is proud to offer supplemental arts programming designed to challenge students desiring to excel in the
performing arts. Students desiring to graduate from American Academy with a certificate in performing arts will formally enroll in a
chosen track starting as early as 5th grade and follow that track to the completion of certification requirements as outlined.
Enrollment:
Enrollment is open to students of American Academy only and begins on July 1st of each school year. To facilitate programming,
students should enroll no later than August 15th of each school year. Students in grades 5-8 who are interested in enrolling in a track
for performing arts in Theatre, Instrumental, or Voice tracks, must complete the enrollment forms and submit the $50 annual
enrollment fee on the school store.
Advantages to enrolling include a 20% discount on extra-curricular participation fees for all Performing Arts courses (production
musical excluded), and students who complete all courses in their track will receive a certificate, AAPA pin, and recognition upon
graduation from American Academy. In addition, our staff will submit a personal introduction of the student and endorsement of
certification to their high school performing arts staff and faculty. AAPA Students may also receive consideration for professional
programming in the community as available.
Students may enroll throughout the year and courses taken prior to enrollment will be credited retroactively toward certification,
only if the enrollment fee has been submitted during that school calendar year or later (but prior to 8th grade graduation). There
are no refunds or discounts proffered for courses already completed, regardless of enrollment fee submission date.
Once students have enrolled as indicated and the form has been completed, they are then eligible to register for Performing Arts
courses at American Academy for a discounted rate of $10 per hour of instruction (private lessons excepted). Students not enrolled
are encouraged to participate at an instructional rate of $12.50 per hour. Course enrollments will occur throughout the year in 4
sessions (fall, winter, spring, summer). If less than 10 students enroll for a track or any given performing arts courses, the course
may be cancelled and a refund issued. Otherwise, enrollment and participation fees are non-refundable.
Upon receipt of the enrollment form, appointments may be scheduled with a Performing Arts staff member who will help advise the
student as to which courses to complete, potential substitutions, or alternative possibilities to help complete
requirements. Students should strive to complete as much course work as possible, through AAPA offerings as opposed to
substitutions.
Enrollment prior to or subsequent to 6th Grade:
Students may enroll as early as 5th grade. Students enrolling in 5th grade will have more time to complete their required course of
study, but will incur the additional $50 annual enrollment fee for their 5th grade year. Students who wish to enroll after sixth grade
are also welcome to do so, but will need to meet with advisors (AAPA Staff) to determine suitable alternatives to course work
unable to be completed in traditional sequence. Options may include summer offerings, or independent study. In outstanding
circumstances, students may apply to “transfer” study completed via third party programming, however, students should strive to
complete as much programming as possible via AAPA and AAPA reserves the right to discount any and all third party programming.
Students are encouraged to advocate for course substitutions when necessary and appropriate.
Procedure:
Students wishing to proffer formal enrollment must choose a performing arts track, and submit a $50 annual enrollment fee on the
School Store. Upon confirmation of enrollment, students will be placed on a certification plan that will require consistent
participation in AAPA programming.
Recommendations:
It is understood that this program requires regular and consistent participation in order to complete, including before and after
school, occasional weekend, and summer sessions. Students should make a concerted effort to remain consistent throughout their
three years of middle school study at American Academy. While students may opt to decline participation for specific sessions
should conflicts, or other priorities arise, students must complete all required courses with a 90% attendance rate prior to
graduation from American Academy in order to receive their final certification. Additional offerings during summer sessions will
assist the student in accomplishing that end, should a temporary session withdrawal become preferential or unavoidable.
Non-enrolled student participation:
Students who are not formally enrolled in the program, are still encouraged to participate in as many sessions and courses as they
wish, however, without formal enrollment, students will not receive a final certificate of completion. Students must be registered
as an American Academy student to participate in programming. Certification enrollment is available even subsequent to courses
taken, should the student decide at a later date to pursue track certification, however, there are no discounts or refunds on
previously completed courses.
Cost Structure:
Students who complete enrollment by choosing a performance track and submit the $50 enrollment fee are entitled to enroll for all
courses offered at $10 per instruction hour. Students not enrolled in a performance track, may participate at $12.50 per hour.
Private instrumental and vocal lessons are offered at $32 per half hour and must be pre-paid and then scheduled with individual
teachers. Once a block of lessons has been purchased, students will be contacted to be paired with an instructor and schedule a
mutually convenient time for the ½ hour lesson.
Session Schedule:
Session I:
September/October (FALL)
Session II:
January February (WINTER)
Session III: March/April (SPRING)
Session IV: June (SUMMER)
Suggested
Grade
Theatre
(176 hrs.)
6
6
Audition (8) Techniques
Pantomime (8)
6
Improvisation (8)
6
6
6
Acting Through the Ages
(8)
Puppetry (8)
Production Musical (16)
6
7
7
Junior Thespians (0)
Monologues (8)
Reader’s Theatre (8)
7
7
Scene Study (8)
Production Ensemble (16)
7
Production Musical (16)
7
8
8
Junior Thespians (0)
Production Ensemble (16)
Acting Techniques (8)
8
8
8
Directing (16)
Playwriting (8)
Production Musical (16)
8
Junior Thespians (0)
Course Requirements and Suggested Sequence by Track
Vocal
Instrumental
Triple Threat
(176 hrs.)
(176 hrs.)
(200 hrs.)
*Academy Choir (32)
Music Theory I/Sight
Singing (8)
Vocal Master Class (8) or
*Private Instr. (8)
*Academy Choir (32)
Music Theory II/Sight
Singing (8)
*Private Instr. (8)
Vocal Performance (8)
*Academy Choir (32)
Music Theory III/Sight
Singing (8)
Private Inst./Recital (16)
Production Musical (16)
*Instr. Ensemble (32)
Music Theory I/Sight
Reading (8)
Instr. Master Class (8) or
*Private Instr. (8)
Mixed Ensemble (8)
*Instr. Ensemble (32)
Music Theory II/Sight Reading
(8)
Mixed Ensemble (8)
Instr. Master Class (8) or
*Private Instr. (8)
*Instr. Ensemble (32)
Music Theory III/Sight Reading
(8)
Mixed Ensemble (8)
Private Inst./Recital (16)
Audition Techniques (8)
Pantomime (8)
*General – 176
hours from any/all
tracks
*Student’s Choice (60)
Improvisation (8)
Dance Ensemble (16)
*Academy Choir (16)
Production Ensemble or
Musical (16)
Junior Thespians (0)
Monologues (8)
Scene Study (8)
*Student’s Choice (60)
Dance Ensemble (16)
*Academy Choir (16)
Production Ensemble or
Musical (16)
Junior Thespians (0)
Acting Techniques (8)
Dance Ensemble (16)
*Student’s Choice (56)
*Academy Choir (16)
Private Voice (8)
Production Ensemble or
Musical (16)
Junior Thespians (0)
*General Track – Students may combine any courses for a total of 176 hours.
* Vocal Ensemble has changed to Academy Choir
*Instrumental ensembles and Academy Choir are year-long participation, except Triple Threat enrollees, who may substitute Production Ensemble and/or Musical for Academy Choir.
*Private Instruction: $32.00 per ½ hour lesson and scheduled first come-first served.
*Student’s Choice: Students may choose from any courses listed in other tracks, or those not track specific including Broadcasting, Movie Making, and Production Crew for any performance related ECA.
Annual Calendar Overview
September
Session 1
October
Session 1
November
Session 1
December
Band
Orchestra
Academy
Choir
Production
Ensemble
Band
Orchestra
Academy
Choir
Production
Ensemble
Band
Orchestra
Academy
Choir
Production
Ensemble
Band
Orchestra
Academy
Choir
January
Session 2
February
Session 2
March
Session 3
April
Session 3
May
Musical
Band
Orchestra
Academy
Choir
Musical
Band
Orchestra
Academy
Choir
Musical
Band
Orchestra
Academy
Choir
Musical
Band
Orchestra
Academy
Choir
Musical
Band
Orchestra
Academy
Choir
June
Session 4
Camps
NYC Trip
Camp
Musical
Film
Festival
July
A time for
Rest
August
Still resting
2015-16 AAPA Course Descriptions
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Academy Choir
Sessions I-III 2015-16:
5th – 8th Grade
Vocal, Triple Threat, & General
16 hours/semester
Pearo
CP:
Mondays 4:00 – 5:00 pm
AAPA Enrolled: $160/semester
PKR:
Wednesdays 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Not Enrolled: $200/semester
In this year-long course (exception only for students enrolled in Triple Threat track who may enroll in Performance Ensemble or Musical in lieu of
Academy Choir), students will explore the art of ensemble singing of various genres. In this advanced level group, students will learn a variety of
styles of music and compete regionally with other middle school choral groups. Open to 6th-8th graders and 5th graders by invitation only. This
ensemble will prepare for evening showcase performances and competitions, including the year-end Elitch’s Music Festival.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Acting Techniques
Session I 2015:
5th – 8th Grade
Theatre, Triple Threat, & General
8 hours:
Mark Middlebrooks
Combined Campus class:
Saturdays 9 am – 12:30 pm
See Production Ensemble
In 2015, this course will be offered in conjunction with Production Ensemble at no additional expense. In this course, students will explore a
variety of acting techniques as developed by some of the greats including Stanislavski, Meisner, and Adler. Students will use games and
activities, as well as their participation in Production Ensemble, to develop introductory skills in several methods as time allows. These skills
will assist with character development, motivation, and providing the student with tools to utilize in future stage endeavors.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Acting through the Ages
Session II 2016:
5th – 8th Grade
Theatre & General
8 hours:
TBD
TBD
AAPA Enrolled: $80
Not Enrolled: $100
This interactive course explores the roots of the Western theatre tradition by encouraging students to act out a variety of theatrical styles
through the ages. Students may also have the option of attending a variety of theatrical performances together (this may result in additional
fees for ticket purchase).
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Hours/Cost:
Instructor:
Audition Techniques
Session I 2015:
CP:
Monday 7-8 am
PKR: Wednesday 7-8 am
Classes begin w/o 9/14 and end w/o 11/9 with no classes w/o October 12th for Fall Break)
5th – 8th Grade
Theatre, Triple Threat, & General
8 hours:
AAPA Enrolled: $80
Not Enrolled: $100
Carter Edward Smith
This class will prepare students for the most difficult performance hurdle – the audition, including monologues, dancing, and singing. Students
will learn the secrets of a successful audition, from effective piece selection to preparation, presentation, resumes, cold-readings and more.
Students will complete the class with a comprehensive audition “book” and introductory skills to help them compete as a triple threat (equal
skills in singing, dancing, and acting) in any audition, even Broadway.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Broadcasting
Session I-III 2015-16:
Grades 4th – 8th
General
16 hours
TBD
CP:
Tue/Thur 4-5 pm
AAPA Enrolled: $160
PKR:
Tues/Thur 4-5 pm
Not Enrolled: $200
In this semester long class, students will be learning about media and broadcast production. Students will learn how to produce, direct, edit,
and anchor different types of news stories relevant to our American Academy community. Broadcasts may be shown via the school’s closedcircuit television system and/or published on our website. Students will be required to work outside of class to meet deadlines and prepare for
broadcasts. Students are expected to treat all equipment with great care and respect and may be held responsible for damages resulting from
intentional neglect. By signing up for this class, parents agree to full media release for students involved.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Musical Theatre Dance (formerly Dance Ensemble)
Sessions I-III 2015-16:
PKR and CP Combined: Fridays at Lone Tree Rec Center from 4:45 – 5:55 pm
5th – 8th Grade
Triple Threat & General
16 hours/semester:
AAPA Enrolled: $160
Not Enrolled: $200
TBD
This combined campus dance class is specifically designed for preparation for the all school Spring Musical. It will be held in a Dance Studio at
Lone Tree Recreational Center. The class will teach modern, jazz, and tap in the musical theatre genre and specific to our Spring Musical.
Students interested in auditioning for lead parts should seriously consider taking this class. Students enrolled in the Triple Threat Track should
take this class, although it is open to all students. The class will perform a selection from the musical at the Winter Showcases on Dec. 1st and
2nd. Students will be required to obtain jazz and tap shoes for this course and should arrive early to stretch and warm-up before each class.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Directing
Session II-III 2016:
5th – 8th Grade
Theatre & General
16 hours
TBD
TBD
AAPA Enrolled: $160
Not Enrolled: $200
In this semester long course, students will learn the unique challenges of directing a production, ideally culminating in a performance. Students
will explore selection of material, (possibly utilizing work from our playwriting class) choosing production teams, auditions and casting,
conducting rehearsals, and then the infamous tech rehearsal, and finally letting go of the performance. Students in this class must be selfmotivated to cast their production and to conduct rehearsals. The class will only explore the mechanics, but the application will take place at
the student’s discretion with assistance from the instructor.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Film Making
CP: Wednesdays 4-5:30 pm
Session I-III 2016:
5th – 8th Grade
Theatre, Triple Threat & General
16 hours
AAPA Enrolled: $160
TBD
PKR: Fridays 4-5:30 pm
Not Enrolled: $200
The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of the fundamentals of theatrical improvisation and a guide to improvisational choices
through the use of theatre games and exercises. Students will be trained in the fundamental skills of the theater arts, including acting
techniques, body control, voice, diction, creating of character, projection of ideas and emotions, and acting of improvisational scenes. Students
may participate in improvisational festivals and competitions.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Improvisation
TBD
Session II 2016:
5th – 8th Grade
Theatre, Triple Threat & General
8 hours
AAPA Enrolled: $80
TBD
Not Enrolled: $100
The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of the fundamentals of theatrical improvisation and a guide to improvisational choices
through the use of theatre games and exercises. Students will be trained in the fundamental skills of the theater arts, including acting
techniques, body control, voice, diction, creating of character, projection of ideas and emotions, and acting of improvisational scenes. Students
may participate in improvisational festivals and competitions.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Instrumental Ensembles
Year-long commitment (See rehearsal schedule below)
3rd – 8th Grade: New students start in beginning classes, audition for advanced placement.
Instrumental
16 hrs/semester
AAPA Enrolled: $160/semester
Not enrolled: $200/semester
CP: Rusten PKR: Orue
Rehearsal Schedule:
Rebel Band (Beginning)
Rebel Orchestra (Beginning)
Academy Band (Intermediate)
Academy Orchestra (Intermediate)
Concert Band (Advanced: PKR ONLY)
Concert Orchestra (Advanced PKR ONLY)
Mixed Ensembles (By invitation)
Castle Pines:
Tues/Thur 4-5 pm
Mon/Wed 4-5pm
Tues/Thur 7-8 am
Mon/Wed 7-8 am
Fridays 3:40 – 4:30 pm
Parker:
Mon/Wed 4-4:45 pm
Tues/Thur 4-4:45 pm
Mon/Wed 4:45-5:30 pm
Tues/Thur 4:45-5:30 pm
Mon/Wed 7-8 am
Tues/Thur 7-8 am
Rotating Fridays 7-8 am
Parker Instrumental Ensemble Schedule details:
Rebel and Academy groups are called from 4-5:30. While Ms. Orue works with Rebel groups, the Academy groups may work quietly on homework
or advancement of musical skills on Piano Marvel. They may also occasionally rehearse together and Academy performers may mentor Rebel
performers. Pick-up for both groups will be at 5:30 pm on their respective rehearsal days.
Instrumental Ensemble Course Description:
In these year-long classes, students will meet twice weekly to develop instrumental playing skills. Students may choose between Concert Band
or Orchestra, and, with the help of the instructor, will choose an instrument and be placed in beginning, intermediate, or advanced offerings.
Students are responsible to provide their own instrument and method book. Instrument rentals are available. These ensembles will showcase
their progress during showcase performances at the end of each semester and some groups may attend the Elitch Garden’s Music Festival.
Students enrolled in ensembles referenced above, may also audition for various Mixed Ensembles at no additional expense, meeting on
Fridays. Students enrolled in Mixed Ensembles are expected to participate in Community Service concerts throughout the school year, and will
be responsible for all missed classwork during said performances and rehearsals.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Instrumental Master Class
TBD
5th – 8th Grade
Instrumental
8 hours
TBD
AAPA Enrolled: $80
Not Enrolled: $100
The Master Class model presumes that the student comes to class prepared to play a selection on his or her instrument for an industry
professional and then this professional offers feedback in a coaching session with the student in front of the class for the benefit of all of the
students. Students must be practicing individually in advance of each class and come to class with selections already prepared to present.
Industry professionals will vary from class to class and will include but are not limited to our own staff members as well. The master class
model may substitute for private lesson requirements.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Monologues
Session I 2015:
CP:
Thursday 4-5 pm
PKR: Thursday 7-8 am
Classes begin w/o 9/14 and end w/o 11/9 with no classes w/o October 12th for Fall Break)
5th – 8th Grade
Theatre, Triple Threat, & General
8 hours
AAPA Enrolled: $80
Not Enrolled: $100
Carter Edward Smith
In this 8 week course, students will learn the actor’s great challenge of standing on the stage and presenting a monologue. In theatre, a
monologue is presented by a single character, most often to express their mental thoughts aloud, though sometimes also to directly address
another character or the audience. Student’s will choose an appropriate dramatic or comedic monologue and through the course of the class,
will utilize character development, emotional access, and comedic timing to deliver the monologue. Students in grades 6-8 will be encouraged
to present their monologues at the Colorado Junior Thespian Conference in early December.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Music Theory/Sight Reading
Session I 2015:
CP: Fridays 7-8 am
Grades 5-8
Vocal, Instrumental, & General
8 hours:
AAPA Enrolled: $80
Mark Middlebrooks
PKR: Fridays 3:40 – 4:40 pm
Not Enrolled: $100
In Music Theory, students will spend 8 sessions exploring the language of music and the theory behind composition, including notation, scales
and modes, rhythmic notation in simple and compound meter, transposition, intervals and triads. The course will also include integration of
sight reading and ear training. The teacher will differentiate dependent on each student's needs, so students who need either session I, II, or III
may sign-up. There will be no classes on Fridays when there is not school.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Pantomime
Session I 2015:
CP: Wednesdays 4-5 pm
5th – 8th Grade
Theatre, Triple Threat, & General
8 hours:
AAPA Enrolled: $80
TBD
PKR: Mondays 4-5 pm
Not Enrolled: $100
In this 8 session course, students will explore the art of storytelling by using their body to create character, location (setting), and story line.
Since the majority of communication is relative to non-verbal communication, these important fundamental skills will be practiced and
incorporated into an ensemble setting where performers will tell a story without spoken dialogue.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Playwriting
Session II 2016:
5th – 8th Grade
Theatre & General
8 hours:
TBD
TBD
AAPA Enrolled: $80
Not Enrolled: $100
In this course, students will explore the art of writing their own scenes for potential production in the third AAPA session. Students will learn
the craft of developing characters and story line specifically for the unique format of portrayal on the stage.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Production Crew
Session I-III 2015-16:
5th – 8th Grade
General
16 hours:
Mark Middlebrooks
Combined Campus: Saturdays 9-12:30 pm
AAPA Enrolled: $160
Not Enrolled: $200
Students enrolled in this class will provide backstage support for the production musical, production ensemble, or one-act plays. Please see
those descriptions for more details. This support may consist of Sound Design and operation, Lighting Design and operation, Stage Management,
Set Design and Construction, Costuming, Prop Construction and acquisition, and Scene transitions during performances. See schedule for those
courses for details regarding scheduling.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Production Ensemble – The Sound of Music
Session I 2015:
Combined Campus – Saturdays from 9 am – 12:30 pm
5th – 8th Grade
Theatre, Triple Threat, & General
16 hours:
AAPA Enrolled: $160
Not Enrolled: $200
Mark Middlebrooks
On Saturdays, students from both Parker and Castle Pines, will rehearse the school version of "The Sound of Music". Rehearsals will rotate
between campuses. Auditions will be held during the first class on 8/29, and rehearsals will resume after the Labor Day weekend, starting
September 12th. Rehearsals are critical and all students must be available to attend all rehearsals and performances. Students should be
available for dress/tech rehearsals on January 19th and 20th. Performances will be January 21-23 at the Mainstreet Center in Parker. AAPA
students will also receive credit for Acting Techniques in conjunction with this production for a total of 24 credits. Students will be responsible
to help acquire costumes, props, and to assist with set construction. Crew members interested in participating backstage may also sign up.
Crew will assist with auditions on the 29th. Students should prepare any song from the show for the audition, and be prepared to read from the
show.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Production Musical
Session II-III 2016:
By audition and invitation only
Mon-Thur 4-5:30 pm
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Theatre, Triple Threat, & General
16 hours:
No Discounts: $110
TBD
In this all school event, students are invited to audition to perform in our spring musical. The musical is presented at an offsite, professional
venue. Tickets are purchased through the venue, and the presentation is a large scale musical production. Students must audition and be
available for the duration of rehearsals and performances, usually starting in February and through the first week of May.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Private Instruction (Vocal/Instrumental)
Scheduled individually with instructors
None
Vocal, Instrumental, & General
$32 per ½ hour of instruction (must be paid prior to scheduling)
Varies
Students who wish to excel in their chosen instrument, may sign up for private lesson instruction. Private lessons are $32 per half hour and in
this time, students will work one on one with an instructor to develop technique and performance skills. Master class participation may
substitute for private instruction except during the 8th grade year, when students must enroll in private instruction to prepare for recital
performance.
Once a student has scheduled a lesson time with a teacher, it is the policy of our programming that the teacher be compensated unless notice of
cancellation is provided a minimum of 8 hours prior to the lesson. This enables the teacher to efficiently organize their private instruction time
among their students.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Puppetry
Session II 2016:
5th – 8th Grade
Theatre & General
8 hours:
TBD
TBD
AAPA Enrolled: $80
Not Enrolled: $100
In this 8 week course, students will learn the art of voice manipulation and story-telling through the use of puppets. Students may choose a
story, or write their own, construct or acquire character puppets needed to tell the story, and then schedule to present a final performance to
younger American Academy grade levels, either within the context of the classroom or in a separately scheduled performance. Students will
also attend a presentation at the Denver Puppet Theatre in which additional cost may be involved.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Reader’s Theatre
Session III 2016:
TBD
th
th
5 – 8 Grade
Theatre, Triple Threat, & General
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
8 hours:
TBD
AAPA Enrolled: $80
Not Enrolled: $100
In this 8 week course, students will learn the art of story-telling by reading previously published literature, utilizing voice characterization and
physicality, as well as quick memorization and recitation, all simultaneously, in front of an audience. Generally students will present to younger
grade levels, but may also schedule separate performances if they wish. The class may include the advisement of a master story teller to
demonstrate the art of Reader’s Theatre.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Recital Performance
Scheduled individually with instructors
8th Grade students/must sign up for private lessons
Vocal, Instrumental, & General
Included in private instruction fees
Varies
8th Grade voice and instrumental students must present a 30 minute recital on their chosen instrument prior to graduation. This process is
included in the sign-up for private instruction in 8th grade. (See certification requirements) Students will work directly with a private
instruction teacher to select and prepare repertoire for this performance. Students may combine and present recitals together if they wish, or
present in our coffee shop format at specifically scheduled times. Students are responsible for scheduling, inviting, and organizing all logistics
for their recital performance, although AA Staff will certainly assist and facilitate as needed.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Scene Study
Session III 2016:
TBD
5th – 8th Grade
Theatre, Triple Threat, & General
8 hours:
AAPA Enrolled: $80
TBD
Not Enrolled: $100
In this course, students will prepare ensemble scenes for presentation under the direction of student directors, and possibly performing works
written during our playwriting class. Students will focus on acting techniques, and the process of reacting to other actors, dialogue, and
variables that may occur in live performance. Exceptional scenes may be chosen for showcase performance at the end of the session.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Junior Thespians Troupe #88842
Year long course
CP: Mondays 3:30 – 4 pm
6th – 8th Grade
Theatre
0/0
Pearo
PKR: Wednesday from 3:30 – 4 pm
American Academy Junior Thespians is a distinguished club that exists to build up and support the mission of American Academy and to
contribute to the positive culture of our school through theatre arts and through school wide participation in general. Students are encouraged
to keep track of their theatrical participation online and submit for induction when they reach qualification status. Students will plan
fundraising activities, mentor younger performers, and plan for an annual trip to the Colorado Junior Thespian Conference and a trip to NYC in
June to participate in Broadway workshops and attend Broadway productions. There is no charge for participation in regular meetings, however
it is required for certification in Theatre and Triple Threat tracks, although all middle school students are welcome to join, regardless of
enrollment or registration with AAPA. There are fees associated with the conference and NYC excursion.
This club will meet year-long at Parker when Ms. Pearo is on a Parker teaching rotation. Meeting dates will be: 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/21, 12/2,
12/9, 12/16, 1/6, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27.
This club will meet year-long at Castle Pines when Ms. Pearo is on a Castle Pines teaching rotation. Meeting dates will be: 8/31, 9/14, 10/26,
11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 1/11, 1/25, 2/1, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/28, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Vocal Performance
Session II 2016:
5th – 8th Grade
Vocal & General
8 hours:
TBD
TBD
AAPA Enrolled: $80
Not Enrolled: $100
In this class, students will proceed beyond technique to explore the art and technique of proper stage etiquette, microphone technique, and
managing nervous habits. Students will present individually prepared songs (individual practice time and memorization are required) to the
class, and the instructor will advise on improvements for the benefit of the class. Exceptional students may be invited to participate in
showcase or coffee shop performances.
Course Title:
Session/Day/Time:
Prerequisite:
Track:
Credits/Cost:
Instructor:
Voice Master Class
TBD
5th – 8th Grade
Vocal & General
8 hours:
TBD
AAPA Enrolled: $80
Not Enrolled: $100
The Master Class model presumes that the student comes to class prepared to sing a selection for an industry professional and then this
professional offers feedback in a coaching session on technique, sound production, and performance elements, with the student in front of the
class for the benefit of all of the students. Students must be practicing individually in advance of each class and come to class with selections
already prepared to present. Industry professionals will vary from class to class and will include but are not limited to our own staff members as
well. The master class model may substitute for the private lesson requirement.