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.

Students will learn how to use computer drafting software to create to-scale drawings and 3-D digital models of scenic and lighting designs. Learn the foundational skills of hand drafting and how to utilize those techniques in CAD (computer assisted drafting). These tools are used by Lighting Designers, Scenic Designers and Technical Directors to communicate with directors and other designers, draft light plots, and build detailed scene plans. These skills are transferable to architecture, landscape architecture, construction, engineering, and more.

Prerequisite: Completion of at least one theatre design course (Intro to Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Elements of Design), 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.

A hands-on introduction to the world of theatrical design. This class will introduce the fundamental elements of design (line, shape, color, form, space, value, texture) for live performance. Create art projects that help investigate the creative process while informing and developing your artistic style. Use next year’s fall play as a theoretical production to help envision and create key elements such as costumes, sound, lighting, scenic, and props that assist in storytelling.

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. 

Get out the wrenches, gels, ladders, and scripts! Learn the basics of theatrical lighting design. Help design, hang, focus, and cue the lights for CSW productions. Learn the fundamental elements of design for light and color and how a Lighting Designer sculpts and paints a live production to better tell the story. Become a Lighting Designer for Rock/Pop and/or Dance Concert. Find out how Lighting Designers work in a professional setting after college. Some time outside of class may be required to program cues on the lighting board 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.

Directing involves rallying a diverse group of artists around a central idea; it involves bringing out the best in actors and designers. Students will work independently and in collaboration to direct short scenes.  Students will learn to deepen their analytical and creative skills (research and design process) while creating their own worlds on stage (rehearsal process). 

In this intensive introductory course to the art of scenic design, students will read and discuss a script, research the world of a play, sketch and present design ideas, and build a ¼ inch model of their own scenic design. Students will learn about the entire process from start to finish; no previous experience is required. All materials will be provided.

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.