MRS. Q'S

This course challenges advanced drama students to refine and expand their vocal and physical performance skills for the stage. Through intensive warm-ups, targeted exercises, and performance-based projects, students will develop greater vocal clarity, range, projection, and control, while deepening their understanding of breath support and text work. Movement training will focus on body alignment, spatial awareness, character physicality, and the use of gesture and rhythm to tell a story. Students will explore a variety of techniques drawn from practitioners such as Linklater, Alexander, Laban, and Suzuki to build a fully integrated actor’s instrument. By the end of the course, students will be able to confidently apply voice and movement techniques to monologues, ensemble work, and full productions. 

This introductory course invites students to explore the essential building blocks of theatre performance and production. Through hands-on activities and creative projects, students will develop skills in pantomime, storytelling, and the creation of dynamic characters, including classic stock characters from theatre history. The class will also introduce the fundamentals of directing and producing, giving students an understanding of how stories move from page to stage. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, imagination, and performance basics, providing a strong foundation for future drama study and participation in school productions. 

This course takes students on a journey through the rich history of musical theatre, from the spirited days of vaudeville to the groundbreaking productions of the 2000s. Students will study landmark shows, influential composers, and major trends that shaped the art form, while also developing practical performance skills in singing, acting, and movement. Class projects will include repertoire book development, allowing each student to build a personalized collection of audition-ready songs. By combining historical study with hands-on performance work, students will gain a deeper appreciation of musical theatre’s evolution and the tools to shine on stage today. 

This performance-based class focuses on developing strong vocal skills for both solo and ensemble singing in the musical theatre style. Students will explore a wide range of repertoire from classic to contemporary musicals, working on harmony, blend, diction, and stylistic interpretation. In addition to rehearsing and performing as a group, students will have opportunities for individual vocal work to strengthen technique and confidence. The course also introduces fundamental music theory concepts—such as rhythm, pitch, and sight-singing—to enhance musical literacy and prepare students for future performance opportunities. 

Designed for experienced dancers, this course challenges students to refine the technical and stylistic skills essential for musical theatre performance. Students will explore a variety of dance styles commonly used on stage, including jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, and theatrical dance, while focusing on storytelling through movement. Emphasis will be placed on precision, musicality, performance quality, and adapting choreography to character and context. Students will learn original combinations inspired by Broadway productions, develop audition-ready dance pieces, and expand their versatility as performers. 

This upper-level course is designed for juniors and seniors ready to take on the creative and managerial challenges of producing live theatre. Students will explore advanced elements of production, including budgeting, scheduling, marketing, technical design coordination, and stage management. Emphasis will be placed on leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration as students take active roles in planning and executing school productions from concept to final performance. Through hands-on experience, students will gain the skills and confidence needed to manage all aspects of a theatrical event at a professional standard. 

This course traces the evolution of theatre from its earliest roots in ritual and storytelling to the vibrant stages of the Renaissance and the emergence of Realism. Students will explore how culture, politics, and innovation shaped performance styles across eras, examining key playwrights, theatrical forms, and production practices. Through readings, discussions, and creative projects, students will connect historical developments to modern theatre, gaining a deeper appreciation of the art form’s enduring influence.