MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Middle School theatre curriculum encourages students to think creatively and work collaboratively while developing foundational performance skills and building courage and confidence. Participating in hands-on theatre projects, students have the opportunity to express themselves artistically and gain a practical understanding of an actor’s process and how to produce a show. In-class exercises and improvisational activities are aimed at encouraging quick thinking, fostering effective teamwork, and building a strong sense of ensemble. The Sacred Heart Middle School winter musical and spring play co-production with the Brunswick Middle School provide extracurricular opportunities for students to participate in the MS theatre program. Areas of dramatic study in the MS theatre class include, but are not limited to the following:

• Improvisation/Theatre Games
• Creative Storytelling
• Theatre News / Current Events
• Scene Study / Character Analysis
• Playwriting

UPPER SCHOOL

The Upper School theatre program encourages students to become more experienced, thoughtful, and confident theatre practitioners through creative thinking, collaboration, and project work. The process-focused program aims to foster an environment in which students can take risks, try new approaches, develop skills, and grow as artists. Four levels of theatre coursework, beginning with an introductory Theatre I course and culminating in an advanced-level senior Theatre IV Honors elective, allow students to build a strong foundation in the performing arts and to develop within specific areas of interest. Examples of fields of study within theatre curricula include: acting, directing, dramaturgy, theatre criticism, theatre history, performance analysis, theatre current events, theatre theory, playwriting, theatre of world cultures, lighting design, costume design, and set design. The Upper School fall play and winter musical provide extracurricular opportunities for students to participate in the theatre program. The Upper School theatre program welcomes participation from students of all experience levels, meeting students where they are and encouraging growth. The program seeks to build community in an atmosphere of mutual respect and to thrive by supporting and uplifting all program members, asking students to work collaboratively to celebrate the unique strengths of each.