THEATER
USING THE MODEL OF A PROFESSIONAL ENSEMBLE COMPANY, THEATER STUDENTS LEARN PROVEN PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUES AND EXPLORE EXCITING INNOVATIONS IN THEATER PRACTICE.
The Perpich theater program is challenging for all levels of experience from beginner to advanced. It offers solid preparation for college programs in theater and the liberal arts, and has a strong record of placement in conservatory programs.
The curriculum consists of performance skills including acting, movement, and voice, with training opportunities for actor-singers, playmakers, and stage managers; emphasis on drama of literary and social significance; text analysis and action-playing through the Stanislavsky System; inclusion of all students in ensemble performance work; collaboration with the music program (musical theater), media arts (acting for film), and local professional artists. The program prepares two full productions and two workshop presentations.
In the theater program, students produce collective art—art that is meaningful to everyone in the group, because everyone has had an opportunity to contribute. Students explore performance techniques, dramatic theory, and theater history while working in an ensemble company. Together, they read, see, reflect upon, and perform plays and literature of historical and social significance. Students learn how performances are crafted, how plays are made, and the cultural contexts from which the stories arise. Students develop their own themes, using principles of drama they have learned in performance classes.
interested in musical theater?
AS PART OF THE THEATER DEPARTMENT, PERPICH ARTS HIGH SCHOOL has A TWO-YEAR MUSICAL THEATER TRACK.
This track enhances students’ overall knowledge of the art form and the skills within the ‘triple threat’ requirements of musical theater – acting, singing, and movement. This is an intensive and prescribed program which may include after school and some weekend commitments for additional program enhancement.
