Academics

This course is designed for students who are new to dance. The goal of the course is to introduce students to the foundations of basic dance movements. Students will be introduced to basic body mechanics, alignment, rhythm and locomotor skills. Students will participate in a daily dance warm-up, learn basic dance steps as well as traveling combinations and choreography in the dance styles of Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Tap. These dance styles will be taught within a framework of skills and composition building, as well as learning about historical beginnings of each genre and current trends. This course will focus on giving students a solid foundation in dance, baseline dance content, knowledge and skills that prepare for further study in dance at CPFA.

The foundation of modern dance lies within the inspiration and the theory supporting the movement. Movement theories such as fall and recovery, contract and release, gravity as force, as developed by modern dance pioneers such as Doris Humphrey, Martha Graham, and Jose Limon, are explored through a modern dance technique class. Modern dance technique is presented with an awareness of historical and societal significance, influences of the founders of modern dance, as well as teacher and student ways of moving. Students become well-versed in modern dance terminology through physical experience, intellectual discussions, creative work, and written documentation. Movement analysis terminology developed by Rudolf Laban prepares students for viewing, creating, and discussing dance.

Honors Advanced Modern Dance is a course designed for students who have a proficient understanding of Modern dance terminology and technique. Honors Advanced students are expected to understand and be able to execute movement theories such as fall and recovery, contract and release, breath, parallel head-tail connection, and expression, developed by modern dance pioneers. Students will be challenged to perform the movement theories in longer more complex exercises and choreography. Students will research and learn about the history of modern dance, influential choreographers and performers as well as current modern dance trends. Specific styles or technique of modern dance may vary each year depending on the instructor; however students are expected to have an understanding of the different modern dance techniques. Students will learn skills needed for improvisation as well as create movement to hone their skills as creative artists and performers.

Intermediate Ballet Technique is a continuing course for students who have prior knowledge and experience in Ballet Technique. Ballet at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts focuses on safe and healthy practices such as finding proper turn-out, evaluating natural alignment, and understanding correct vocabulary and progression. Ballet terminology and structure primarily follows the Russian Vaganova Syllabus, although similarities and differences to French and Italian schools are presented. In Intermediate Ballet Technique and History, students will develop their technique through longer, more complex barre and center exercises. Students will focus on musicality, body positions, advanced vocabulary and kinesiology. In addition to technique, students will study ballet history, noteworthy choreographers and dancers, classical ballets and current ballet trends through class lessons and assignments.

Honors Advanced Ballet Technique and History is a course designed for students who have a proficient understanding of ballet technique. Students are expected to execute all parts of a ballet class at an advanced level including adagio, pirouettes, petite allegro and grande allegro combinations. Students should be able to reverse combinations with ease, perform multiple pirouettes and beat petite allegro combinations. In the Advanced Ballet Technique and History class, students should understand and use correct ballet terminology and body positions. Ballet at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts largely follows the terminology and structure of the Russian Vaganova Syllabus, although similarities and differences to French and Italian schools are presented. Ballet technique focuses on safe and healthy practices such as finding proper turn-out, evaluating natural alignment, and understanding correct vocabulary and progression. An emphasis on anatomical terminology, as well as principles of kinesiology specific to dance, is integral to successful training. In addition to technique, students will study ballet history, noteworthy choreographers and dancers, classical ballets and current ballet trends through class lessons and assignments.

Intermediate Tap is a course designed for students who have prior knowledge and experience in Tap Technique. The course builds upon the eight basic tap movements from which all tap steps are derived. Through teacher prepared combinations and creative exercises, students will learn advanced rhythmic patterns and terminology, foot articulation, and correct posture needed to be successful in tap class. Students will explore a variety of Tap styles such as Broadway and Rhythm Tap as well as develop skills needed for improvisation. In addition to technique, students will study historical information about tap dance, influential performers and be introduced to music theory for tap dance.

Honors Advanced Tap is a course designed for students who have mastered basic tap sounds. The students’ focus is on perfecting technique and speed to create more complicated rhythms and combinations. Students are expected to put fundamentals to work by learning intricate rhythms and more advanced tap combinations specific to the different styles of tap. Through teacher prepared combinations, students will continue to develop skills needed for speed, clarity of sounds, improvisation and the use of counterpoint. Students will research and learn about the history of tap and its influential performers as well as current tap trends. Classes are taught with careful attention to developing physical skills, strength and coordination, patterns of movement and learning and understanding music terms in relation to tap dance. Honors Advanced students are expected to create movement and hone their skills as creative artists and performers.

Intermediate Technique and Jazz is a course designed for students who have prior knowledge and experience in dance. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop and strengthen their technique while enjoying the energy, excitement and structure of a Jazz dance class. Students will explore a variety of jazz dance styles with a focus on historical origins of jazz as well as influences of currently emerging dance styles. Connections are made between the improvisational aspect of jazz music and jazz dancing. Through teacher prepared exercises and choreography, students will develop strength, coordination, flexibility and proper alignment needed to be successful to perform jazz technique. Students are presented with many opportunities to create movement and hone their skills as creative artists.

Honors Advanced Jazz Technique is a course designed for students who have a proficient understanding of jazz dance terminology and technique. This course provides students with the opportunity to develop and strengthen dance technique, movement accents and performance qualities while enjoying the energy, excitement and structure of a jazz class. Students work on strength training, alignment, flexibility, rhythm integration, classic and modern jazz styles and choreography. Honors Advanced students should be able to reverse combinations with ease, perform multiple pirouettes, execute power in jumps, and perform quick, complex choreography. Students will research and learn about the history of jazz dance and its influential performers as well as emerging dance styles. Students are expected to learn and understand different jazz styles and improvisation as well as create movement to hone their skills as creative artists and performers.

Digital Studio Dance Appreciation is an online course designed for students who desire to learn about dance as an art form and mode of expression. Students read, write, observe, create and analyze movement in this course. Topics covered are: The Elements of Dance, The History of Dance, Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Tap Vocabulary and Current Trends in the Dance World. Students are invited to attend the Center for Performing and Fine Arts Dance Department Field Trips and Performances. Assessment is based on written assignments, quizzes, chat participation, and critical and aesthetic analysis of dance performances.

This course studies numerous acting techniques with focus on application. For the first half of the year, students engage in exercises designed to build the skills needed to approach the craft of acting. Drawing from several methods, students build their own tool belt to approach any type of acting medium. The second half of the year is devoted to scene work where they learn how to apply those tools. Students learn to continue working in their craft embracing the concept of process.

This course enhances the student’s study of acting through in-depth acting exercises, play analysis, and scenework. Students are assigned specific acting exercises primarily from acclaimed theatre artists Uta Hagen and Mel Shapiro. Students work on scenes and monologues from classical and contemporary works throughout the year. These scenes are analyzed, improvised, rehearsed, and performed in class under the tutelage of the instructor. The primary goal of the course is to give students a reliable imagination-based acting technique that they can use in rehearsal and performance. This technique enables them to analyze the world of the story, use their imaginations to connect to the given circumstances, and play honestly with their scene partners. Focus is also placed on characterization, vocal dexterity, and physical freedom. Students whose work is deemed satisfactory by the instructor will perform in the fall and spring acting showcases. This course is for the serious acting student who is committed to improving their craft.

This course enhances the student’s study of acting through in-depth scenework. Students will be assigned a multitude of scenes and monologues from classical and contemporary works throughout the year. These scenes will be analyzed, improvised, rehearsed, and performed in class under the tutelage of the instructor. The primary goal of the course is to give students a reliable imagination-based acting technique that they can use in rehearsal and performance. This technique will enable them to analyze the world of the story, use their imaginations to connect to the given circumstances, and play honestly with their scene partners. Focus will also be placed on characterization, vocal dexterity, and physical freedom. Students whose work is deemed satisfactory by the instructor will perform in the fall and spring acting showcases. This is an advanced course for the serious acting student who is committed to improving their craft.

This course is intended for the advanced acting student that wishes to incorporate supplemental readings, writing assignments, and research presentations with the core Acting Intensive course load. Honors students are assigned a multitude of challenging scenes and monologues from classical and contemporary works throughout the year. These scenes will be analyzed, improvised, rehearsed, and performed in class under the tutelage of the instructor.

In this course, students will:

• Practice reliable imagination-based acting technique that can be used in rehearsal and performance.
• Delve deeply into relevant acting methodologies and texts.
• Improve research and text-analysis abilities.
• Be exposed to a wider array of historically important plays and productions.

Students whose scene work is deemed satisfactory by the instructor will perform in the fall and spring acting showcases. An interview with the teacher is needed for consideration of admittance into this course. Admission is at the discretion of the teacher.

This course introduces and explores the fundamental principles of acting for the camera. The emphasis of this course is on acting technique while developing a comprehensive understanding of the film-making process.

Major topics addressed in this course:

• On-camera scene-study
• On-camera acting techniques
• Audition techniques for film and television
• Business administration concepts for the actor
• Vocabulary and jobs associated with on-camera work

The course culminates in a collaborative project with the film production class allowing acting students to have their work filmed and showcased on a big screen at the end of the year. Students are able to use these scenes for their acting reels. This is an advanced course for the serious acting student who is committed to expanding their skill set and improving their craft.

This course is intended for the advanced acting student that wishes to incorporate supplemental film study, reading assignments, and research presentations to the Acting for the Camera core coursework. The course introduces and explores the fundamental principles of acting for the camera. The emphasis of this course is on acting technique while developing a comprehensive understanding of the film-making process.

Major topics addressed in this course:

• Film history through supplemental readings, film screenings, and research presentations
• On-camera scene-study
• On-camera acting techniques
• Audition techniques for film and television
• Business administration concepts for the actor
• The vocabulary and jobs associated with on-camera work

The course culminates in a collaborative project with the film production class allowing acting students to have their work filmed and showcased on a big screen at the end of the year. Students will be able to use these scenes for their acting reels. This is an advanced course for the serious acting student who is committed to expanding their skill set and improving their craft. An interview with the teacher is needed for consideration for admittance into this course. Admission is at the discretion of the teacher.

This course explores different periods of musical theatre with emphasis on performance. Throughout the year students select songs to work on from musicals written between the late 1800’s and the present. The class focuses mostly on individual work with emphasis on combining the skills of acting and singing. Storytelling is the primary focus of all performance. The students also collaborate to create an original musical with a workshop showing at the end of the year. Class is audition only and requires students to have a solid base in both acting and singing. Some students may be encouraged to take courses in acting and/or vocal development.

This course goes more in-depth into the history of the musical. Extra writing assignments and more advanced concepts of performance and production are covered. Class is audition only and requires students to have a solid base in both acting and singing. Some students may be encouraged to take courses in acting and/or vocal development.

This course examines the video/film-making process using single camera theory, lighting, audio, and editing techniques. Students explore the principles, theory, and mechanics of digital film and video editing using Apple computers. The emphasis is on digital editing techniques, cinematography, shot composition, audio recording, and titling. The class is designed for those interested in entering the field of film and television production by expanding their knowledge base of the industry, and giving motivated students the opportunity to develop their skills.

This course introduces students to principles and vocabulary of acting and musical theatre performance. The first half of the course focuses on acting technique. Students build skills in text-analysis, belief building, and listening. Students work on numerous acting exercises, monologues, and audition technique. The second half of the year explores different periods of musical theatre with emphasis on performance. Students select songs to work on from musicals written between the late 1800’s and the present. The focus is on individual work with emphasis on combining the skills of acting and singing. Storytelling is the primary focus of all performance. Class is audition only and requires students to have a solid base in both acting and singing. If a student is only interested in acting and not the musical theatre portion of the course, then alternate curriculum may be available.

This course will be especially interesting to students who already enjoy working two dimensional, or students who are new to drawing and want to learn essential skills. The students will explore the elements and principles of design and composition through hands-on exercises in drawing, painting collage and printmaking media, as well as illustration. Both traditional and non-traditional approaches to visual art are considered, including still life, portraiture, landscape and abstraction. Instruction in drawing from life is emphasized to help students capture proportion value and form. Students are introduced to a number of influential artists and periods of art history, as well as a variety of art materials and techniques throughout the course of the year. Illustration explores the elements of visual narrative, including composition, continuity, mood and characterization through traditional and experimental subjects and techniques. Students create original works of art with an emphasis on visual storytelling and design. A basic understanding of perspective as a means of organizing space and defining a point of view is encouraged. A variety of media are introduced to help students discover a natural and personal direction in their work. Beginning with exercises in the fundamentals of drawing, accurate proportion and contour line students use these skills in expressing personal ideas, characters and stories. Anatomy and studies of the skull as well as self-portraiture are included. Students also explore a water color, pen and ink and mixed media.

Note: This is an advanced, invitation-only class for high school juniors and seniors.

This portfolio preparation course is designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art and wish to develop mastery in the concept, composition, and execution of their ideas. Students in this class focus on creating artwork for a portfolio that reflects the skill-level and quality that art schools are looking for in their prospective students. In building the portfolio, students explore a variety of concepts, techniques, and approaches designed to help them demonstrate their abilities as well as their versatility with techniques, problem-solving, and ideation. Students also develop a body of work that investigates an idea of personal interest to them. Students are expected to consider a variety of traditional and unconventional subjects, ranging from landscape and the body to text and self-generated topics. Students will work in regards to the National Advanced Placement standards. Understanding these guidelines will prepare students for the option to take the AP Test. Toward the end of the year, students have the opportunity to organize an exhibition of their work in a special PALCS/CPFA or public gallery, showcasing a unified theme within a personally driven body of work.

This course is taught as a survey of sculptural techniques and media. It is designed to expand the student’s understanding of three-dimensional art forms. Students experience traditional methods such as carving, relief and construction. Emphasis is placed on looking at the work in-the-round. Creativity and craftsmanship are both important factors for the completion of successful artwork. Students also work with conceptual ideas and non-traditional materials including found objects and assemblage. They learn to think three-dimensionally and develop a vocabulary for properly discussing art. They are introduced to a long tradition of sculptors from the distant past to the present. They do research to further their understanding of contemporary sculptors and share their knowledge with their classmates during group critiques. Each student is required to maintain a sketchbook, recording their ideas, exercises and research for each assignment.

This course introduces students to working with clay and understanding its different characteristics and many possibilities. This hands-on class covers multiple hand-building techniques including; coiling, slab building and modeling. Students use these techniques to create original sculptural forms using both observation and imagination. Students are encouraged to use their problem solving skills to produce thoughtful, meaningful and imaginative work. The class looks at a number of ceramic artists both historical and contemporary. Students learn the vocabulary of art and clay. In class critiques and presentations promote thinking critically and speaking about art in an informative manner. Each student is required to maintain a sketchbook, recording their ideas, exercises and research for each assignment.

This is an introductory course in traditional black & white printing and processing film. Emphasis will be placed on the photographic image as a means of expression and the use of the camera to explore the visual world. Students will shoot, process film, and print their photographs in the darkroom. The history of photography will be discussed, including: image research, reading and writing. Students need to supply their own 35mm film manual camera. Digital photography will be also be explored including the use of a DSLR and digital printing. A sketchbook will be a necessary item for the student to purchase and will be an integral part of student learning re: brainstorming, planning, class notes, research and critical reflection. A paper portfolio is recommended. The use of the class PC laptop to upload digital shooting assignments for grading and editing is a significant part of classroom organization and creativity, as well as the learning of Adobe Photoshop editing software, Mac computers and ink-jet printers. A USB stick (aka flash drive) is necessary to bring to class each day. Additional supplies for film and paper require a $40 lab fee.

Prerequisite: Honors Photography

This course is an “Advanced Placement” photography class in alignment with National AP standards. Advanced darkroom techniques will be explored, incorporating different film, papers and chemistry. An equally significant emphasis is placed on digital cameras and working with Adobe Photoshop software. Students also explore and experiment with various “alternative” photographic processes, such as hand-applied photo emulsions and Polaroid films. A key component of the class is working with studio lighting for portraiture and still life images. The sketchbook is an integral part of the class, including: technical handouts and guides, written personal reflection, critical analysis, and photographer/artist reviews and historical research. Assignment themes focus on self-exploration as well as social issues concerning the students. Each school year students attend a field trip to relevant and inspirational art exhibits to museums, such as the MOMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the International Center of Photography, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Holocaust Museum, and the Brandywine River Museum of Art. AP students act as photojournalists and are responsible for all photographs of CPFA dance, music, theatre and fine arts events to edit and be published in the annual CPFA yearbook. Students will finish this course with a digital and printed portfolio that will help to ensure their entry and viability into art colleges and the photography job market. A manual film 35mm is required for each student to own and bring to class. Students should have their own DSLR digital cameras as well. Students must bring a USB stick to class each day. Additional supplies for film and paper require a $40 lab fee.

This course is an introduction to graphic design. In this course, we will cover design thinking, typography, color theory/psychology, elements of art and principles of design, silkscreen printing, and creating a digital portfolio. Students will be introduced to the industry standard digital tools used by today’s professional graphic designers in a Mac-based lab – Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Wacom Tablets, and more. Students incorporate other mediums of art such as sketching, drawing, painting and photography to make digital compositions. This course prepares students for the advanced graphic design courses at the high school level or an entry graphic design course at the college level, depending on their growth. Successful completion of this course fulfills the required technology credit for students.

Prerequisite: 90% or higher in Graphic Design or approval from the teacher

This course is an honors level course focused on advanced application and research of graphic design. In this course, we will cover design thinking, typography, color theory/psychology, elements of art and principles of design, silkscreen printing, and creating a digital portfolio. Students will build on their knowledge of the industry standard digital tools used by today’s professional graphic designers in a Mac-based lab – Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Wacom Tablets, and more. Students incorporate other mediums of art such as sketching, drawing, painting and photography to make digital compositions. This course prepares students for AP graphic design or an entry graphic design course at the college level, depending on their growth. Successful completion of this course fulfills the required technology credit for students.

Prerequisite: Honors Graphic Design

This “Advanced Placement” course is a pre-professional immersion into the world of graphic design. Assignments adhere to the National AP lesson standards, which help prepare students to submit work and take the optional AP Test. The lessons build on students’ previous knowledge to push the students into a higher standard of quality and craftsmanship. Students focus on conceptual thinking, creative problem solving, research, experimentation, collaboration, and technical skills, all while working with real clients. Students design and print all of the CPFA theatre production posters, and create posters, logos and designs for local, national and international design competitions. Students are the designers who work in conjunction with the yearbook editors and staff photographers’, creating detailed design spreads for the annual published CPFA yearbook. Students will leave this course with a digital and printed portfolio of diverse artwork showing the many skills that would make them a valuable member of any design team.

Yearbook Design is an honors level course where the students and teachers work closely to produce the annual yearbook for CPFA. In this year-long course, students will be responsible for the concept, theme, journalism, photography, layout, design, and production of the yearbook. Students enrolled in this class are expected to demonstrate an exceptional degree of organization, motivation, ability to meet deadlines, creativity, cooperation with others. Designing a yearbook is a tremendous amount of work, but it is incredibly rewarding! Students will be expected to be available outside of regular class to attend school events and student activities. Adobe Creative Suite software will be utilized to create the yearbook, with an emphasis on InDesign. Students will attend a professional workshop with the yearbook publishing company to learn the latest design skills in book making. Students must bring a sketchbook and USB drive to class each period. The prerequisite for this course is a 90% average in either a CPFA photography or graphic design course, (or a portfolio review).

This course is designed for remote access students who want to develop their drawing skills while at home, within a defined structure that involves teacher critique and feedback. The course stresses the technical aspects of drawing from observation, studying a variety of subjects and exploring a variety of media. The class focuses on composition, proportion, value, color and creative mark-making. The styles and techniques of a variety of artists are analyzed to demonstrate how both real life settings and the imagination can be sources for creating expressive works. The principles of art and design are reviewed and applied in planning and resolving work on a continual basis. Throughout this course, students have the opportunity to work in a broad variety of media, explore personal ideas, develop technique, and respond to artwork using a critical method of analysis. Students use their sketchbooks as a testing ground for drawings, media experiments, thoughts and ideas and written reflections.

The overall objective of this digital studio course is to gain more familiarity with a digital camera, and to create fine art photographic images. Emphasis is placed on the photographic image as a means of personal expression and the use of the camera to explore the visual world. Students learn about the features of a DSLR (digital single lens reflex camera. This includes an understanding of shutter, aperture and using the DSLR camera in manual mode. If the student does not have a DSLR, a digital point & shoot can be substituted. The course covers important composition and design elements & principles that are applied to all shooting assignments. Assignment themes focus on self-exploration as well as social issues of interest to students. The history of photography is discussed, including image research, reading, and writing. Some students experiment with Adobe Photoshop or similar photo editing software. Students post their own work, view the work of classmates, and do written research and reflection on a photo blog. A USB stick/ flash drive is required as a back-up for storing photo digital files.