Drama
About ALA Drama Program
Beginning in 5th grade, our students have the opportunity twice a week to have a class where they work closely with our High School Drama Director. Our interactive programs and productions give our students the chance to pursue their passions and train in a professional environment.
Current
Course Offerings
Drama I
There are two basic goals in theatre education: finding meaning in works of theatre art through the study and appreciation of theatre as an art form, and constructing meaning in works of theatre art through the study and skill development of theatre techniques in the creation of that theatre art. This course will cover basic acting techniques and styles, play production, and an introduction to theatre design, history, and criticism. Emphasis is on performance skills.
Drama II
There are two basic goals in theatre education: finding meaning in works of theatre art through the study and appreciation of theatre as an art form, and constructing meaning in works of theatre art through the study and skill development of theatre techniques in the creation of that theatre art. To these concepts this course adds depth as well as breadth through the study of dramatic unity, comparison and integration of art forms, analysis and critique of performance, and understanding of context and the effect of history and culture on character action.
Drama III
This course is designed for those students who are serious about acting and who have had some previous theatrical performance training. During the year students will be taught the effective use of voice, body, and emotion. They will study play analysis and design. Students will also improve skills in concentration and collaboration, as well as believability. Drama III students will write and produce 10-minute plays for public performance. Students are required to participate in school plays and competitions. Some additional practice time and fees will be required.
Drama IV Practicum
Drama IV Practicum is a course for those students who want an intense performance-based, college-prep experience with theatre. Students will prepare for post-secondary fine arts experiences by studying careers in the arts and preparing auditions and portfolios for scholarship competitions. Students will participate in all school plays and competitions. Other course work will include: establishing historical and cultural worlds, advanced character and script analysis, emotional connection, subtext, symbolic design, theatre careers, the directing concepts of television, staging and producing; play reviews and advanced theatre assessment strategies. Additional practice time and fees will be required.
Improv Theatre
Using improvisation games and exercises, students will improve their performance skills and learn to think on their feet. Units include character study, basics of comedy, storytelling, dramatic structure, using settings and props, long form improv, musical improv, and business and career options. Teamwork will be a strong emphasis, and students will have the opportunity to perform several times throughout the semester. Additional fees may be required.
Film and Media Arts 1
In this course, students will familiarize themselves with the history and art of motion pictures. This class is designed to give the student a basic knowledge and appreciation about the film industry and some media literacy skills. Through selected viewings and through discussion and journals, the student will develop an understanding of the origin and growth of the film industry from its inception to the modern classics of a multi-billion-dollar industry.
THEA 1013 – Introduction to Theatre (Concurrent Enrollment)
A dynamic introductory course which examines theatre analysis, history, dramatic structure, outstanding dramatic literature and the various roles in theatre production including the playwright, producer, director, the design team, production staff, house staff, run crew and publicity. Utilizes lecture, film review, play reading and live theatre attendance. GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FULFILLMENT: FF-Fine Arts
Meet The Director
Sandra Millet
Theatre Director
Sandra Millet has taught Theatre, French and Film at ALA since 2006. She is passionate about theatre and has been since she can remember, but her first experience on a professional stage was at 12 years old with the Utah Shakespeare Festival. She believes that theatre has the power to build confidence, teach interpersonal and language skills, and inspire empathy. Sandra attended Brigham Young University, earning a dual Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre and a Master’s degree in Theatre History, Theory and Criticism. She has served as a founding member of two theatre companies– Salem Community Theatre and Halfpenny Youth Theatre and loves to direct and write plays. Some of her favorite directing experiences include The Three Musketeers, The 39 Steps, Peter and the Starcatcher and Richard III. Her students have won awards and scholarships for both acting and playwriting, and many have gone on to perform in live theatre, opera, television and film. Sandra was selected as the UHSAA Theatre Teacher of the Year in 2024. She loves to travel, but loves coming home to her family even more.
