• Theatre Department

  • Meet the Directors

  • Theater

    Left to Right:  Brian Grunkowski & Caroline Kinnamore

Brian Grunkowski
Theatre
 

Caroline Kinnamore
Theatre
 

  • Brian Grunkowski

    Brian Grunkowski is new to Plano East this year. Mr. Grunkowski began his teaching career in 2002 as an elementary teacher before becoming a secondary theatre teacher in 2009. He is excited about all the opportunities at Plano East, and he can't wait to bring his best to the department each and every day.

     

  • Course Descriptions

  • Theatre I

    Course Number: 45180A
    Prerequisite: None

    Theatre I is an introduction and overview of the art of theatre. Subjects covered include improvisation, voice, characterization and fundamentals of play production. Study of specific texts includes RAISIN IN THE SUN, HARVEY and A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM.
    Homework/Projects: scene work, monologues, reading
    Benefits: Theatre I helps students improve self confidence and communication skills. It is a great overview of theatre and fulfills the fine arts credit requirement.

  • Theatre II, Theatre III, and Theatre IV

    Course Number: 45280A, 45380A, and 45480A
    Prerequisite: Theatre I or Oral Interpretation I

    Theatre II through Theatre IV (srs.) are taught together. The curriculum is on a two year cycle so students my take the course both their junior and senior years and be introduced to new material. The emphasis is on acting technique and historical acting styles. Students work on script analysis, performance skills and theatre history. Students get to work with guest artists in fields such as acting, dance and stage combat. Some of the texts which are studied include HAMLET, LONG DAYS JOURNEY INTO NIGHT, ALL MY SONS, NO EXIT and THE TROJAN WOMEN.
    Homework/Projects: Students are required to read one outside play and perform one monologue each six weeks. Students also prepare solo and group performances and are required to attend and review outside theatre performances.
    Benefits: Students get to work with guest artist and explore theatre arts in greater depth. Theatre III-IV students produce and perform a class play during the second semester.

  • Theatre Production I & Theatre Production III (Theatre Major Studies I)

    Course Number: 45510A, 45530A
    Prerequisite:Theatre I or Oral Interpretation I

    This is a two-hour block course designed for serious theatre students. Admittance is by audition only. Emphasis is on production and preparing students for college theatre studies. Students work with guest artists and produce a major production as well as spring one act plays. Honors credit is available for one hour of the course.
    Homework/Projects: Students are required to work on all department productions. Students are required to read plays, perform solo and in groups, attend outside productions and write a research paper.
    Benefits: Students are exposed to many theatrical periods and styles. This course can help a student decide whether a career in theatre is right for them.

  • Theatre Production II & Theatre Production IV (Theatre Major Studies II)

    Course Number: 45520A, 45540A
    Prerequisite: Theatre Major Studies I

    This two- hour course is a continuation of Theatre Major Studies I. Students must re-audition for the second year. Second year honors students will produce a one-act play in the spring. Emphasis is on preparing for college auditions and further studies of acting from both western and non-western traditions.
    Homework/Projects: Same as Theatre Major Studies I
    Benefits: This is an excellent course for college bound theatre/liberal arts students. They are exposed to many theatrical and literary traditions and styles.

  • Technical Theatre I-IV

    Course Number: 45190A
    Prerequisite: None

    Technical Theatre students work in the areas of set construction, lighting, sound, costumes, make-up and theatrical design. Tech classes build and provide technical support for theatre productions and other performing groups. Students must be able to work responsibly and independently. After school hours are required during productions.
    Homework/Project: Most work is done in class or in after school crew calls. There are a few design projects.
    Benefits: Technical Theatre is a great course for students who like to work hands on and are handy with tools. This course satisfies the Fine Arts credit requirement.

  • PESH Theatre Twitter