Fine Arts: Theatre

This one-semester course focuses on providing a strong foundation in the introduction to theatre arts, public speaking, and performing in front of an audience. Course topics include vocal production, body language, beginning acting theory, character development, audition techniques, improvisation, monologue analysis, and scene study. Classes comprise of lecture and exercises requiring active participation and a willingness to experiment. The course fee covers props, costumes, and scenery incurred during class productions as well as a prorated fee for use of technology in the theatre. Students are required to participate in a theatrical production either as a cast member or on build crew or run crew (hours can be flexible). Students with previous acting experience may be eligible to start in Acting II per instructor approval.

Grades: 9, 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1
Fee: $15

This is a 1 semester performance course offered every fall. The course extends and develops the skills learned in Acting 1. Students will score, analyze, and perform monologues, duo, and group scenes from primarily contemporary works. Through active exercises, students will explore believability using a variety of acting methods. Techniques will then be applied to continual in class performances. Students will also explore effective audition technique and portfolio-building. Classes include some lecture, exercises requiring active participation and willingness to experiment, and reading of plays. The course fee covers the cost for props, costumes, and scenery incurred in class productions as well as a prorated fee for use of technology in the theatre and a performance-based field trip.


Prerequisite: Acting I, previous acting experience, or consent of instructor
Grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12
Semesters: 1
Fee: $15

This advanced acting course directly applies the skills acquired in Acting II to a full-scale production, in the Arena Theatre. Students will meet and exceed National Theatre Standards through performance by selecting, conceptualizing, developing, rehearsing, preparing, performing, and reflecting upon a theatrical work. Class exercises require active participation and a willingness to experiment. Some after-school rehearsals will be needed during the week before the performance. The course fee covers the cost for props, costumes, and scenery incurred in class productions as well as a prorated fee for use of technology in the theatre and a performance-based field trip.

1 semester, $50 fee
Prerequisite: Acting II or previous acting experience in at least two high school level shows | instructor signature required

This is an introductory course to the AutoCAD program. It will be offered 2nd semester. Students will learn how to set up, create and edit 2D architectural drawings. Lessons covered over the course of the semester include: drawing set up, 2D drawing and editing tools, navigation tools, understanding of layers and properties, drawing completion including text and dimensions. Students will be expected to supply their own laptop and a mouse for this course and download an educational version of AutoCAD onto their laptop. Use of a personal laptop will aid the student in the ability to work on homework outside of class.

Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1
Additional requirements: Personal laptop able to run AutoCAD 15 and a mouse

*This course runs spring of 2024. 

Each semester, a limited number of directed, student-staff apprenticeship positions will be available for credit in stage management, directing, and technical theatre. Students will be expected to work extracurricular hours and staff the current production(s). Exceptional students may be offered paid opportunities to staff visiting productions renting the theatre.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Grades: 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1

This “hands-on” course uses the state-of-the-art facility in the Robert and Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre to train students in basic stagecraft skills including scenic construction, scenic painting, lighting and sound for the theatre. This class is open to all students and is a great introduction into the world of design and engineering: No prior technical experience is needed. Students will be expected to work extra-curricular hours to support the current production. The course fee covers cost of technology, supplies, and scenery incurred in class construction and projects.

Prerequisite: Extra time outside class is required outside of class for productions/events
Grades: 9, 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1
Fee: $60

*This class runs in the fall of 2023. 

This course will directly apply and build on the skills and techniques the student has already acquired in Stagecraft. The curriculum will focus on the entire design process, from original sketches to realized designs and will provide the student with stage production background never before experienced! This is a hands-on class; in addition, students will be expected to work outside of class to staff events and productions in the theatre, as part of the overall course goals and objectives. The course fee covers cost of technology, supplies, and scenery incurred in class construction and projects.

Prerequisite: Instructor consent, additional time required outside of class for productions/events
Grades: 9, 10, 11, and 12
Semesters: 1
Fee: $60

*This class runs in the spring of 2024.