Graphic Design

How does design impact how we think, learn and interact? In this course we will investigate these questions as we explore how graphic communication is woven into our daily lives. Students will gain insight into a range of graphic design applications such as branding and advertising, illustration, typography, information design, and editorial publication. Working primarily with Adobe Illustrator, students will develop their digital drawing and design skills while establishing a workflow between Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop. Open to Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Drawing + Painting

Interests: Design, Hands On
Building on your prior knowledge of drawing and painting, you will expand your technical skills and work with new materials in this course. Concepts and subject matter for your work will come from your interests, and you will have the opportunity to design your own studio practice at the end of the term. Regular discussion of The World of Art and Art History will provide context for our work. Critiques, documentation, and presentation will be essential elements of the class, emphasizing process and product. Prerequisites: Intro to 2D or by the recommendation from the Visual Art Department Head.

Installation Art

How does place affect and define our sense of being? How can we intentionally and artistically alter these places? This course pulls from a history of artists changing our surroundings indoors/outdoors and in physical community space and virtual spaces. You’ll work collaboratively to create these installations/interventions and collaborate with the participants/audience. Regular discussion of The World of Art and Art History will provide context for our work. Critiques, documentation, and presentation will be essential elements of the class, with an emphasis on both process and product. Prerequisites: Sculpture or by the recommendation from the Visual Art Department Head.

Foundations of Costume & Fashion Design

Interests: Design, Film, Hands On, Research
Open to first and second year designers, this studio course will initiate and develop their understanding of the principles of costume design, fashion design, and the construction skills needed to create clothing. Drawing from many disciplines and utilizing a variety of skills and technology, students will learn to research and visually communicate their ideas through a series of projects. Students will explore the visual communication, history, and impact of clothing both on the stage and in everyday life in addition to gaining the skills and techniques needed to create their own clothing. Skills involved in this course include research, collage, sketching, digital sketching,  figure drawing, pattern reading, sewing (machine and hand), painting, and craft.  Students interested in taking more than one art class should reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to discuss possible options. Two Term Course No Prerequisite Required. Open to grade levels 10,11,12

Student Directed Project – SDP

A Student-Directed Project empowers students to do an in-depth exploration of a topic of interest throughout the term. The student designs, plans, and leads their research project in collaboration and with the guidance and support of a coach (faculty advisor). It allows students to delve deeper into their passion and to be the designer of their own learning. There is a wide range of Student-Directed Projects; they are multi-disciplinary, non-linear, and most importantly, student-created and led. That’s what makes them so interesting. Here are some examples of past projects:
  • Creating an architectural model using 3D architectural software
  • Through their eyes: Photo and interview series of veterans
  • Robosub electromagnetic linear accelerator
  • Acoustic pinger for Robosub
  • Virtual Reality game for visually-impaired persons
  • Creating a concept album
  • Dispute: Landlord-tenant board game
  • Multimedia journalism: Producing a podcast series
  • Perplex: English and Theater Study
  • Sensors and fiber optics: Building a fiber optic dress
  • Haptic technologies: Force-Feedback Virtual Reality
  • Applications of integrals to analytical continuation of functions

Beatmaking and Electronic Music

Interests: Design, Hands On
This course is for students who are interested in creating electronic music and is open to both beginners and those with experience in music production. Through a series of independent projects, students will utilize these tools to create their own beats and express their own artistic vision. In addition to creating their own music, students will gain an understanding of the origins and cultural impact of pivotal electronic music throughout the term including hip-hop and house music. The class will cover various facets of digital music, focusing on recording and editing in Abelton Live, and the science and technology behind electronic music production. Students will also have opportunities to share, discuss, and analyze electronic music that they choose themselves. No music experience is necessary. One Term Course No prerequisite Open to Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12

Intro to 3D

Interests: Design, Film
Learn the foundational process to explore your ideas in three dimensions. Instruction will cover a range of materials, tools, and techniques in the intersection of design, craft, and building things that you can use. This includes introductions to ceramics, plaster casting, resin, woodworking, and 3D printing. Regular discussion of The World of Art and Art History will provide context for our work. Critiques, documentation, and presentation will be essential elements of the class, with an emphasis on both process and product.  Prerequisites: Intro to Visual Arts or by the recommendation from the Visual Art Department Head.  Open to 9th and 10th graders

Intro to 2D

Interests: Design, Film
This course is an introduction to the materials and methods used by two-dimensional artists. We will explore the techniques needed for drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, and digital art and learn how artists develop ideas for their work. Working with a wide range of subject matter, by the end of the term, you will have a good sense of your interests in art and be able to design a self-directed project.  Prerequisites: Intro to Visual Arts or by the recommendation from the Visual Art Department Head. Open to 9th and 10th graders

Advanced Costume Design and Construction (Honors) (BVR-X)

Interests: Design, Film, Hands On, Research
Advanced Costume is a one-term, process-to-production course designed to prepare students for 2 public performances at Beaver. The course begins by focusing on script analysis and design, and then students work as costume technicians and designers to bring the play to fruition with the Advanced Theater Acting and Advanced Tech Theater and Design classes. Costume roles can include design, draping, construction, craft, and wardrobe. Students entering this class should be highly motivated and interested in an intense and exciting experience that requires a great deal of commitment. Recent productions include She Kills Monsters and Humpty Dumpty. One Term Course: Winter Term  Prerequisites: Costume and fashion Design Studio and permission of the instructor. Open to Grade Levels: 11, 12

Choreography Foundations

Interests: Design
This studio style course takes a look at how we create movement in dance and some of the tools used to build cohesive choreography on stage, in music videos, and in film. Students will experiment with movement using a range of dance elements and movement concepts. Over the duration of the course, this practice of building a movement vocabulary and “toolkit” will develop a greater sense of body awareness, self confidence, and skills to support their creative process. There will be opportunities to present original student compositions throughout the year. Prior dance experience is not required. This course can be taken more than once and at the Honors level with permission from the instructor. Students interested in taking more than one art class should reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to discuss possible options. No Prerequisite Required. Open to grade levels 9,10,11,12

Costume & Fashion Design Studio (BVR-X)

Interests: Design, Film, Hands On, Research
Drawing from many disciplines and utilizing a variety of skills and technology, students will learn to research and communicate their ideas through a series of student-driven individual projects and mainstage shows. Students will explore the visual communication, history, and impact of clothing both on the stage and in everyday life, and they will deepen their understanding of the principles of costume and fashion design. Students will also learn the skills and techniques needed to then create their own designs. These techniques may include research, collage, sketching, digital sketching, figure drawing, sewing, draping, pattern making, tailoring, dyeing, distressing, painting, and craft. Students entering this class should be highly motivated and work well independently. This course can be taken more than once and at the Honors level with permission from the instructor. Students interested in taking more than one art class should reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to discuss possible options. Three Term Course Prerequisite: Foundations of Costume and Fashion Design or permission from instructor.  Open to grade levels 10,11, 12

Foundations of Design/Tech Theater

Interests: Design, Film, Hands On
In this introductory course, students will begin the year using design projects and games, practical activities and scene work to develop storytelling skills. Students will learn about the design and production aspects of theater and specific script analysis tools. Practical hands-on stagecraft is taught in the various theaters and theater-related spaces such as the scene shop and control booth. This course meets with the Foundations of Theater class, and it is meant to give students an overview of the major components of theater including acting, technical theater, public speaking, and script analysis. Students interested in taking more than one art class should reach out to the registrar or the Head of Performing Arts to discuss possible options.  Two Term Course This course is a recommended course for students entering the Upper School Theater Program. Open to Grade Levels: 9, 10