Explore the boundaries of the theatrical medium and learn how to (safely!) break all the rules. Students will collaborate as actors, writers, musicians, directors, and designers to devise an original piece of theatre that is nonlinear, experimental, and full of surprises. Students will explore how to create a clear and compelling story onstage through a genuinely collaborative process. Rehearse for 2 mods, in D Blocks as well as some extra rehearsal times TBA per production.

Translate design ideas into 2D and 3D models in order to test whether they work or not before investing time and money. Using VectorWorks to draft on the computer, students will gain skills that are applicable to theatre in the areas of scenery/lighting design and technical direction. Beyond the theatre, these skills are important in engineering (including robotics!), architecture, landscaping, and more.

Prerequisite: Intro to Scenic Design D-Block or permission from the Theatre Department.

During the course of this D-block, which functions as the second part of the “Intro to Scenic Design” course, students will undergo the design process for the upcoming Spring Musical. We will go through the script and make a variety of proposals for the upcoming set, lights, and sound design, which will then be evaluated by the Production team for use in the musical that year.

Disciplined and daring, the thought‑provoking plays often reflect social and political issues or explore a particular dramatic literary style. All welcomed. Actors, assistant directors, stage managers and designers engage in all areas to create a fully realized production as they bond together.  Rehearse for 2 mods, in D & E blocks as well as some extra rehearsal times TBA per production. Students receive 1 theatre art credit and 1 athletic equivalent credit. Completion of this ensemble experience earns 3 D-Block credits.

This course is a hands-on introduction to the world of theatrical design and live production support. This class will help envision and create all elements of  the Fall Dramatic Production including lighting, costuming, sound and scenic design.

Improvisational skills are the cornerstone to being a great performer, public speaker and even acing a job or college interview. Most situations in life are spontaneous, unplanned and unrehearsed. Improvisation is a valuable tool for performers, but the exercises and techniques develop skills important for everyone. Learn how to think on your feet, be in the moment, respond to the unexpected, and let your creativity shine.  During this class we will explore improvisational strategies through technical study, research, and games that were created to build performance skills and self-confidence. No matter where you are in your journey as an actor, whether you are a beginner or have already gotten the bug this class will help you develop an essential skill for theatre and life. 

Intensive Blackbox Production offers students a short, rigorous rehearsal process resulting in a full production for a small stage. Students will have the opportunity to explore how dynamic between actors, crew, and audience is changed by a small stage setting. Material selected will typically feature small cast sizes in a variety of styles, including comedy, drama, and musical theatre. 

During the course of this D-block, students will undergo an intensive introductory course to the art of scenic design. Beginning with reading and discussing a script and ending with the making of a model and full design presentation for a play, students will learn about the entire process from start to finish. No previous experience is required, and all materials will be provided. 

Get out the wrenches, lighting templates, gel color books, and scripts! Learn the basics of theatrical lighting design. Help design, hang, focus, and cue the lights for Fall Production or Short Dramatic Pieces. Become a lighting designer for the Student Directors’ Workshop, Student Designers’ Musical, Dance Concert, or PADD. Find out how they do it in the real world, in theatrical unions and in small, found theatres. Some time outside of class may be required to see or run shows.

Come be part of a large cast with a live band in our musical production. Whether you are new to theatre or a pro there is nothing like being in a musical. Meet new friends, build skills and be part of an exciting community working together to create a performance.  All students enrolled will be cast and a part of the close ensemble. Rehearse for 2 mods, in D & E Blocks as well as some extra rehearsal times TBA per production. Students receive 1 theatre art credit and 1 athletic equivalent credit. Completion of this ensemble experience earns 3 D-Block credits.

Students will learn skills in the areas of Acting, Directing, and if time permits, Devising, by watching and reading a variety of materials and reflecting thoughtfully on an array of theories about how to create a scene on stage. . Students will work independently and in collaboration to present/direct short scenes. Students will learn to deepen their interpretive and creative skills while creating their own worlds on stage for possible performance. 

Be the force behind the scenes for the Spring Theatre Production and possibly a show in the Moir Theatre. This physical, hands‑on class, allows students to build, paint, and put in scenery, as well as hang and focus lights. Students will learn how to use shop tools and lighting instruments safely and to use scenic paint and brushes correctly. When necessary, we tackle the basics of sewing and costuming, too. No theatre experience is required.

Come discover elements of Comedic theatre. Among other things we will explore stand‑up, slapstick and sketch comedy through radio, movies, theatre, performance and street artists. We will ask what humour really means to humanity and where its edges might be. What can we do with fear, excitement, posture, breath, props, light, and sound? During the class you will create a repertory for yourself. No theatre experience required just a willingness to have deep fun.

(Prerequisite: Music Theory 1 or equivalent background knowledge.) Students will combine lyrics and music to create a 5-10 minute scene scored for solo voices accompanied by a trio of single line acoustic instruments.  We will study short scenes by composers like Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein and Lin-Manuel Miranda.  The students will transcribe their melodies using the notation program MuseScore and provide score and parts for the individual instruments.  Ideally the students would sing/act in their own (and their colleagues) scenes while professional players will be hired for the instrumental parts. The scenes would be video recorded in the final week of the course.