MORNING
COURSES
Courses at ACT are based on the Connecticut State Department of
Education’s Frameworks. Tenth-grade students will be prepared for the
CAPT (the Connecticut Academic Performance Test). Differentiation of
instruction and individual learning needs will be addressed by each
teacher. An interdisciplinary approach will be used as much as possible.
The arts will be included as arts are the focus of ACT.&
Language Arts 9 and 10
Our students will utilize strategies to read for meaning and discussion,
to communicate clearly, and to develop an appreciation of literature.
& Integrated Math 9 and 10
Students will study algebraic reasoning, geometry and measurement,
numerical and proportional reasoning and working with data. (Math is
individualized at ACT and this course will include algebra and
geometry.)
& Science 9
Our students will cover scientific inquiry, literacy and numeracy. The
question "How is scientific knowledge created and communicated?" will be
answered through the strands: Energy Transformation, Chemical Structures
and Properties, and Global Interdependence. To these strands, we will
add The Physics of Light and Sound.
& Biology
Our students will learn about cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution
and psychology and fulfill the state requirements for health and
balanced living.
& Spanish 9 and 10
Students will participate in the study of communication, cultures,
connections and communities.
& Civics (Half-year course)
Ninth-grade students will cover the following topics: United States
Constitution and government, rights and responsibilities of citizens,
political systems and international relations.
& Arts History (Half-year
course)
Ninth-grade students will look at history by focusing on theater, dance
and film. This course reflects the major arts studies at ACT. Students
will be able to understand the personalities, influences and effects of
these arts as reflections of or reactions to history.
& U.S. History (Full-year
course)
Students will develop historical thinking skills to examine periods,
issues and trends, conflict and conflict resolution, human movement and
interaction, and the influence of science and technology on our country.
AFTERNOON COURSES
♫ Audio/Video Production
Mobile cameras and editing facilities are the tools of young video
producers. They write, direct, shoot, and edit on site. Videos can be
shown in many locations, including our main stage theater. In addition
to creating videos, students study audio production, media, film and
their influences. ACT students also produce their own television show.
ACT TV and stop animation have been added to the curriculum.
♫ Creative Writing
Theater and video performances are supported with writing for stage
and screen. Students learn how to write in a wide range of literary
genres, including poetry, fiction, the essay and humor. Critical skills
are applied to analyze and evaluate literature and the works of their
fellow classmates.
Students are introduced to the literatures of diverse cultures and
encouraged to publicly share their work in the form of readings,
performances and publications.
♫ Dance
Dance students study many styles of dance. These include ballet, jazz,
modern, tap, Latin and contemporary. They become aware of how lighting,
sets, costumes, and makeup can enhance the dance. Students also learn
how to create a dance when they study choreography. Our dance classes
often collaborate with other arts classes to assist with production or
interpret content through dance.
♫ Performance
Through the study of voice and diction, students develop projection and
articulation. Projects in storytelling, oral interpretation, readers’
theater and dialects will provide performance opportunities to showcase
vocal skills. Instruction for singers is available through choir and
musical theater classes. Improvisation and mime are also studied.
Voice and movement are combined in acting. Students learn movement
for the stage and how to develop a character. They write and act out
monologues. They will study and perform scenes from a variety of periods
and theatrical styles. Other areas of study may include stage combat,
performance with a mask, audition techniques, and the creation of
puppets for performance.
♫ Theater Production
This is the “behind the scenes” work so necessary for successful,
effective theater. Rendering (drawing and painting) is key in the design
areas of costumes, puppetry and scenery. Drafting is taught and
computer-assisted design (CAD) will be introduced. A fully equipped
scene shop for set construction and painting, a costume shop, lighting
and sound labs, and space for the design and construction of puppets are
featured at ACT. Stage Makeup is a popular course.
There are four performance areas in which to apply these technical
aspects. We have a movement studio, a small drama theater, a cafe
setting, and a main stage with 200 seats, all with professional lighting
and sound. |
Arts at the Capitol Theater