In this year-long middle school literature course, students will explore how people express themselves through performance - on stage, in dance, and in everyday life. Participants will read novels, plays, and nonfiction texts that reveal both the charm and the challenges of performing. Students will learn to analyze characters, themes, and literary devices; understand how plays are structured and performed; think critically about the arts (not just enjoy them); and write like a reviewer, critic, and analyst.

The following core texts are needed for this course: Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle Taking Flight by Michaela DePrince All the World's a Stage by Gretchen Woelfle Noises Off (a play) by Michael Frayn Our Town (a play) by Thornton Wilder The Importance of Being Earnest (a play) by Oscar Wilde

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