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With the arts disciplines offered at the Academy, students receive professional training in their areas of concentration and acquire a broad understanding of the history and criticism of the arts through interdisciplinary study, opportunities to experience and participate in professional arts events, and interaction with a diverse group of artists.
A visiting artist program brings outstanding artists to the Academy for master classes and presentations. These professional contacts enrich the curriculum as well as provide a realistic perspective on artistic careers.
In addition to courses in their concentration area, all Academy students must take courses outside of their respective disciplines. These courses include such offerings as musical theater, African dance and drumming, tap, jazz history, jazz improvisation, piano, opera, monologues and audition techniques, playwriting, autobiography, and art history.
Students in the following arts concentrations follow the curriculum of the department to which they have been accepted. Class assignments are made by the department head and are based on the student’s level of talent development. Double majors, or those who have majored in more than one department, must meet a sensible proportion of the requirements in both departments.
Creative Writing
Students develop a fluid relationship between their response to the world and the expression of that response in the written form that best unfolds their material – poetry, fiction, non-fiction, autobiography and humor. Writing workshops, literature courses, tutorials, poetry and prose readings, and the publication of students’ work provide the basis for the creative writing courses.
Depending on the number of years students attend the Academy, they may take such classes as Writing Workshop, a Tutorial, Creative Writing Techniques, a Literature course, History and Development of Language and Form, Acting, Diction, an Externship in Publishing or Teaching, and a Chapbook Tutorial.
In addition, Creative Writing students are encouraged to take courses outside of their respective disciplines, such as Musical Theater, African Dance and Drumming, Tap, Jazz History, Jazz Improvisation, Piano, Opera, Monologues and Audition Techniques, and Playwriting.
Dance
Depending on the number of years students attend the Academy, they may take such classes as Ballet, Modern, Dance History, Repertory, Tap, Jazz, African Dance and Drumming, Musical Theater, Voice, Acting for Non-Majors, Diction, any course from the Creative Writing Department, Dance Composition and Music for Dancers.
Instrumental Music and Voice
Students learn to play in small ensembles that include jazz, classical piano, string, woodwinds, guitar and chamber ensembles. The music curriculum emphasizes music theory, keyboard, sight reading and ear training.
Depending on the number of years students attend the Academy, they may take such classes as Major Ensemble, Music Theory or Composition, Piano, Music History, weekly 15-minute private coaching (for voice students), a voice class for non-vocalists, Movement, Acting, Opera/Art Songs and Jazz History.
Theater
Course work includes movement, voice, acting techniques for stage and television, diction, commedia dell’arte, puppetry, textual analysis and internships with area arts organizations.
Depending on the number of years students attend the Academy, they may take such classes as Acting I, Acting II, Acting III, Acting IV, Textual Analysis, Movement for Actors, Voice and Diction, Musical Theater, Voice for Actors, Creative Writing, Monologues, Theater History, Movement, Diction, TV Acting, Commedia dell’Arte, Creative Writing, Puppetry, Playwriting, Physical Theater/Dance Improvisation and Radio Drama.
Musical Theater
The Musical Theater Concentration's primary objective is to help students develop skills in the three areas of dance, acting and voice. Students will begin with the basics in all three disciplines (e.g. ballet and body fundamentals, vocal techniques and sight reading, fundamental acting techniques and monologues) and progress to intermediate and advanced levels. Training will also include audition strategies and experience. The curriculum content is based on a chronological and historical sequence of the development of the musical theater in America.
Technical Theater
This major is intended for individuals with a sincere desire to explore any aspect of theater production, including sound, lighting, carpentry, costume, set design, technical production and stage management. Come prepared to discuss your interest and background in technical theater.
Visual Arts
The students will learn drawing techniques (beginning, intermediate, advanced, figure, still life, mural painting and stage design). Students will also be expected to grasp the theory of color (the symbolic use of color and light); illustration; art introduction; two- and three-dimensional design (sculpture, weaving, ceramics and printmaking); art history, comparative and/or aesthetic courses (the integration of visual arts with performing arts).
In addition, all students will be expected to maintain a reflective journal and work towards the development of a senior art class portfolio. Annual student exhibits will be emphasized.
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