$30

weekly

or $240 for 8 classes

Stage & Story: A Deep Dive into Theater’s Greatest Traditions

Ages 13-18

Live Group Course

This AP-level theater appreciation class makes theater history fun and tangible through reading, performing, watching, and discussion. Students explore different styles each week with a custom PDF textbook and optional hands-on projects.

Robert Jerome Pagan

Live video meetings

1x per week, 8 weeks

4-18 learners per class

90 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

8 live meetings

12 in-class hours

Projects

1-2 hours per week. 1-2 per week

Certificate of Completion

included

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12

This AP-Level Theater Appreciation course is an in-depth exploration of theater history, styles, and evolution, designed to engage high school students in a dynamic and interactive learning experience. The course covers a broad range of theatrical traditions, from the improvisational comedy of Commedia dell’Arte to the political resistance of Theater as Protest, the immersive experiences of Renaissance Faires and site-specific performances, and the transformation of stage productions into film adaptations.  

Throughout the course, students will explore how theater has evolved as both an art form and a reflection of society. They will study classic and modern works, including Shakespeare’s role in political commentary, the development of musical theater from vaudeville to Broadway, and the impact of marginalized voices in theater. Topics such as religious storytelling, immersive theater, and the adaptation of musicals into film will provide students with a well-rounded appreciation of how performance shapes and is shaped by the world around it.  

The class is structured as an eight-week journey through different styles and movements in theater. Each session includes guided lectures, interactive discussions, visual presentations, and engaging hands-on activities to bring the material to life. Students will analyze historical texts, video clips, and live performances while also engaging in debates, creative exercises, and optional short performance-based activities that enhance their understanding of theatrical storytelling.  

The teaching style is immersive and discussion-based, encouraging students to think critically about theater’s role in culture, politics, and entertainment. While key concepts and historical background will be presented in a structured manner, students will also have ample opportunities for interactive participation through Q&A sessions, small group discussions, and creative analysis of performances. The course balances lectures with multimedia content, including short video clips, images, and live reading excerpts, ensuring that students with different learning styles can engage effectively with the material.  

Students will have frequent opportunities to interact with the instructor, both in live discussions and through guided activities. They will be encouraged to ask questions, share their insights, and engage in structured debates about major theatrical themes. No outside reading is required beyond the provided materials, ensuring accessibility for students with different learning needs.  

By the end of the course, students will have developed a deep appreciation for theater history, an understanding of its social and political impact, and the ability to critically analyze stage and film adaptations. This class is designed to be engaging, thought-provoking, and interactive, providing a tangible, real-world connection to the art of storytelling.

Learning Goals

A deeper appreciation for theater as both an artistic and cultural force, understanding its impact on society across different historical periods.

Critical thinking skills in analyzing theatrical works, recognizing themes of power, resistance, and storytelling techniques across various genres and movements.

Syllabus

Curriculum

Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum

8 Lessons

over 8 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Comedy, Chaos & Masks: The Wild World of Commedia dell’Arte

 Introduction to Commedia dell’Arte, its improvisational nature, stock characters, and influence on modern theater and comedy. Students will engage in short-form improv exercises.

90 mins online live lesson

Lesson 2:

Myths, Gods & Gladiators: Theater in the Ancient World

 Exploration of Greek and Roman theater, including tragedy, comedy, and spectacle. Discussion of Aristotle’s Poetics and the role of theater in civic life. This week will also cover gladiator battles and violent entertainment as a political tool, examining how public executions, colosseum fights, and theatrical bloodshed were used to control, distract, and appease the masses.

90 mins online live lesson

Lesson 3:

Kings, Fools & the Bard: Renaissance Theater

 A dive into Shakespeare, Elizabethan drama, and the influence of Renaissance theater on storytelling. This week will also explore Oxfordian and alternate Shakespeare authorship theories, questioning whether Shakespeare truly wrote all of his works. Additionally, we will analyze how Shakespeare used his plays as political commentary and propaganda, critiquing rulers, reinforcing monarchy ideals, and shaping public perception of historical events.

90 mins online live lesson

Lesson 4:

Faith on Stage: Religious Theater & the Power of Story

 Examining morality plays, mystery cycles, and religious drama’s impact on theater. This week will also cover pageants and modern religious plays, including Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, Children of Eden, and other productions that bring faith-based storytelling to contemporary audiences. Discussion will focus on how religious theater has evolved from medieval performances to modern Broadway and community productions.

90 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs

This AP-Level Theater Appreciation class supports ADHD, Dyslexia, and ASD with structured lessons, hands-on projects, interactive segments, and flexible participation to ensure accessibility for all learners.

Parental Guidance

This course includes discussions of theater as a form of social and political commentary, which may involve mature themes such as historical oppression, protest movements, and propaganda. Specific plays discussed, such as Fences, The Laramie Project, and Radium Girls, address themes of racial injustice, LGBTQ+ issues, and labor rights. Additionally, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui explores authoritarianism and political manipulation through satire. Musical theater discussions may include references to productions like Rent and Avenue Q, which contain mature themes, though discussions will remain academic and age-appropriate. When analyzing film adaptations, students may watch clips from classic and modern musicals, including West Side Story (1961 and 2021), In the Heights, and Wicked (pending release). Official ratings for these films range from PG to PG-13. Any video clips used will align with educational purposes, and full films will not be required for viewing. Parents should be aware that this course encourages critical discussions on cultural and historical issues, but all topics will be approached with academic sensitivity and respect. No third-party tools requiring student accounts will be used.

Supply List

Learners will need the following materials to complete the class:  

- A copy of the AP-Level Theater Appreciation: A Journey Through Performance and History course textbook (PDF), which will be provided at no additional cost.  
- A notebook or digital document for taking notes and participating in class discussions.  
- Access to a computer or tablet with internet access for viewing video clips, reading provided materials, and engaging in discussions.  
- Optional: Copies of suggested plays (Fences, Angels in America, The Laramie Project, Radium Girls, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, Zoot Suit). Full texts are not required, as summaries and key excerpts will be provided.  

All additional reading materials, video clips, and discussion guides will be supplied as part of the course. No additional purchases are required.

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Sources

Pagan, Robert Jerome. AP-Level Theater Appreciation: A Journey Through Performance and History. Course Textbook (PDF). Created specifically for this class, this textbook provides historical context, analysis, and guided discussions on the major theatrical movements covered in the course. Wilson, August. Fences. New York: Plume, 1986. Kushner, Tony. Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes. New York: Theatre Communications Group, 1993. Brecht, Bertolt. The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. London: Methuen Drama, 1941. Kaufman, Moisés, and the Tectonic Theater Project. The Laramie Project. New York: Vintage, 2001. Zindel, Paul. The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds. New York: Harper & Row, 1970. Schneider, Jennifer. Radium Girls. New York: Dramatic Publishing, 2000. Valdez, Luis. Zoot Suit and Other Plays. Houston: Arte Público Press, 1992. Plays listed above are suggested reading, but full texts will not be required. Students will be provided with summaries, key excerpts, and discussion materials from each work to ensure accessibility and engagement. Additional materials include video clips and articles from: - The American Theater Wing (americantheatrewing.org) - The Library of Congress Theater Archive (loc.gov) - PBS Great Performances (pbs.org/wnet/gperf) - National Theatre Live recordings (where available) - Select scenes from West Side Story (1961 and 2021), In the Heights, Wicked, Rent, and other major stage-to-film adaptations All materials are used for educational purposes within fair use guidelines. Let me know if you’d like any modifications.

Meet the teacher

Robert Jerome Pagan

Joined March, 2025

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

I am a multi-award-winning filmmaker, theater artist, and educator with extensive experience in directing, acting, and teaching performance-based disciplines. My background includes years of professional work in theater and film, with a focus on storytelling, historical analysis, and the evolution of performance as both an art form and a cultural force.  

I have taught theater and film studies in various settings, including workshops, masterclasses, and structured courses for students ranging from beginners to advanced performers. My expertise extends to theater history, acting techniques, and the adaptation of stage works to film. In addition to my teaching experience, I have directed and produced theatrical productions and films that have been showcased in festivals and distributed internationally.  

I have worked with young actors and students in educational settings, including high school theater programs and specialized acting intensives. My teaching approach is designed to engage students of all learning styles, making complex theatrical concepts accessible and relevant. I emphasize interactive learning through discussions, hands-on exercises, and multimedia resources, ensuring that students not only understand theater history but also develop critical thinking skills in analyzing its impact on society.  

Through my professional experience in the performing arts, I bring a real-world perspective to this course, offering students insight into how theater continues to evolve and influence modern storytelling. Let me know if you would like any adjustments or additional details.