Grade 9 Coursework

Acting 1/Musical Theatre Honors: This foundational year-long course will introduce students to the essential elements of musical theatre performance through integrated study of acting, voice, movement, and choral singing. Students will explore classical acting methodologies while developing their vocal technique and musicianship through the lens of Golden Age musical theatre repertoire. 

Concert Choir: In this course, students will develop their music reading skills and vocal ensemble techniques. Voice building and vocal technique are taught through the study of breath control, vocal production, diction, diatonic/chromatic scales, and sight-singing/ear training. Students are required to attend a designated amount of choral lessons during the lunch blocks each marking period. Concert Choir members perform at evening concerts and festivals. Opportunities exist for students who are highly motivated to advance onto Advanced Concert Choir and audition for several co-curricular and extra-curricular vocal groups in the high school, the school musical, and Region I and State Honors Choirs.

Technical Theatre Honors: In this asynchronous course, students will explore the various production roles of Sound and Lighting, Production Operations, Costuming, Makeup and Hair, and Set Construction. Students will also demonstrate understanding of fundamental industry language and terminology of practices and apply them. Students will have the opportunity to complete Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Training for Theatre and Live Entertainment and earn valuable industry-recognized credentials.

Grade 10 Coursework

Acting 2/Musical Theatre Honors: In this course, students will delve into scene study, rehearsal techniques, and the fundamentals of the acting process through the exploration of monologues and scripted scenes. Students will examine works from a variety of world theatre traditions, explore the methodologies of influential theatre practitioners, and build an understanding of theatre history to support their development as informed and versatile performers. Technical theatre concepts will be infused throughout the course to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theatrical production. 

Vocal/Piano Studio Honors: In this course, students will strengthen their vocal performance skills through the study of vocal technique, diction and language, repertoire, rehearsal strategies, and performance preparation while exploring contemporary musical theatre songs and vocal styles. Students will also develop musicianship through advanced music theory, notation, aural skills, piano and keyboard proficiency, accompaniment techniques, and opportunities in composition and songwriting, while fostering the independence and pedagogical understanding needed for continued artistic growth.

Technical Theatre 2 Honors (Only the Class of 2029): Technical Theatre is structured as a floating course for students enrolled in the Academy for the Performing Arts. Students will participate in this course in grades 9, 10, and 11. Technical Theatre courses are officially designated as Technical Theatre I, Technical Theatre II, and Technical Theatre III. Each level will follow the same pacing guide and build upon skills acquired in the previous year. Technical Theatre provides students with a practical approach to technical and production aspects and the vocations therein. Students will learn the skills needed for sound design, lighting design, scenic design, properties, and costume design. Students are also trained in stage management and theatre business management. Technical Theatre will be infused into students’ other Academy coursework and will conduct a variety of workshops and field trips throughout each year.

Grade 11 Coursework

Acting 3/Musical Theatre Production Honors: In this double-block course, students will explore a variety of musical theatre styles, composers, and lyricists while developing their vocal, acting, and performance skills. Through lyric analysis, collaborative creation, and the study of the musical theatre production process, students will work as a production team to either create and present an original musical theatre piece or stage scenes from a licensed musical. This course will prepare students for college auditions and industry-level responsibilities. Technical theatre concepts will be infused throughout the course to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theatrical production.

Technical Theatre 3 Honors (Only the Class of 2029): Technical Theatre is structured as a floating course for students enrolled in the Academy for the Performing Arts. Students will participate in this course in grades 9, 10, and 11. Technical Theatre courses are officially designated as Technical Theatre I, Technical Theatre II, and Technical Theatre III. Each level will follow the same pacing guide and build upon skills acquired in the previous year. Technical Theatre provides students with a practical approach to technical and production aspects and the vocations therein. Students will learn the skills needed for sound design, lighting design, scenic design, properties, and costume design. Students are also trained in stage management and theatre business management. Technical Theatre will be infused into students’ other Academy coursework and will conduct a variety of workshops and field trips throughout each year.