Austin ISD Fine Arts believes in strong theatre education because it develops well-rounded students by strengthening communication, critical thinking, literacy, collaboration, and creativity while supporting social-emotional growth, confidence, and empathy. Theatre connects academic learning to real-world skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and technical expertise, while also promoting cultural understanding and civic engagement. By providing equitable access to the arts for all students, theatre education supports diverse learning styles, improves school engagement and achievement, and prepares students for college, careers, and active participation in society.
Middle School
Students in middle school are required to participate in one fine arts course in grades 6, 7 or 8. In Austin ISD, the middle school fine arts course requirement can be satisfied by taking art, band, choir, dance, theater, guitar, orchestra, and piano, if applicable. The fine arts requirement can be met with either a semester or a yearlong course. All courses offered in this section meet the state fine arts requirement.
THEATRE MS 1
Grade: 6-8
Prerequisite: NONE
Theatre MS 1 is an introductory course for students taking theatre for the first time in middle school, and no previous experience is necessary. Theatre MS 1 meets daily and is available to any student interested in exploring theatre as an elective. The class meets during the school day; however, there may be some outside of class time requirements at various times through the year to perform and prepare for performances. Students will have opportunities to develop their performance skills through a variety of in-class and outside of class performances, as well as improve their public speaking skills..
THEATRE MS 2
Grade: 7-8
Prerequisite: Theatre MS 1
Theatre students in their second year of theatre in middle school enroll in Theatre MS 2. These courses build upon the fundamental knowledge of drama and theatre arts and offer a more in-depth curriculum. Students will have opportunities to explore career possibilities in theatre and continued participation in high school theatre courses. In addition to technical projects and acting opportunities, activities may include field trips and guided preparation for high school theatre auditions.
THEATRE MS 3
Grade: 8
Prerequisite: Theatre MS 2
Theatre students in their third year of theatre in middle school enroll in Theatre MS 3. These courses build upon the fundamental knowledge of drama and theatre arts and offer a more in-depth curriculum. Students will have opportunities to explore career possibilities in theatre and continued participation in high school theatre courses. In addition to technical projects and acting opportunities, activities may include field trips and guided preparation for high school theatre auditions.
High School
Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required and included in grades. In addition to the regular curriculum, students will be required to complete extra work for weighted credit. Within one theatre strand, students are encouraged to follow the sequence of courses to complete a Humanities and Fine Arts endorsement.
Prerequisite: Before a student can advance to the next-level theatre course, they must complete any previous-level theatre course.
THEATRE ARTS I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12
TheatreI is an introduction to the elements of theatre, including basic acting techniques, technical theatre, interpretation of dramatic literature, stage movement, mime, voice and diction, improvisation, and scene presentation. Students will practice relaxation and preparatory techniques, examine dramatic structure, and develop audience appreciation skills by attending live theatrical performances. Students will participate in performances during class as an actor or part of a crew numerous times throughout the year. Theatre II-IV is a continuation of learning the above elements of theatre, as well theatre history, basic stage makeup techniques, reader’s theatre, and duet acting. There may be a cost associated with taking Theatre I-IV.
MUSICAL THEATRE I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12
Musical Theatre will expose students to a wide range of on-stage performance disciplines, including performing as an actor, vocalist and dancer in varying styles of musical production. The course will also provide an atmosphere in which students benefit from a teaching and learning experience in these performance disciplines of musical theatre. Students will receive comprehensive and rigorous instruction so that they may make informed choices about the craft, college, and the profession. There may be a cost associated with taking this course.
TECHNICAL THEATRE I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12
This course includes an overview of technical theatre and the beginning study of construction and operation of scenery, properties, lighting instruments, makeup, sound, and public relations programs. First year students must take Technical Theatre I, regardless of grade level.
THEATRE PRODUCTION I-IV
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12
This course is designed to meet outside regular school hours for a minimum of 80 hours for each unit of credit. It provides practical, hands-on experience in acting and stagecraft. Students develop production and acting skills for public performance outside school hours. In addition to the regular curriculum, students will be required to complete extra work for weighted credit.
THEATRE AND MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS I-II
Credit: 1 (Fine Arts)
Grade: 9-12
Theatre and Media Communications I provides students with a relevant experiential study of theatre along with video and audio design. Students will learn how to bridge traditional stagecraft with current technology applications to create new media such as animations, digital images, multimedia presentation, digital video, websites, and interactive performances. Student work will culminate in a capstone project that investigates an issue relevant to the student and uses a digital stage to address a problem within the community or to effect a change.