ASA has a reputable, structured and highly engaging theatre arts curriculum. We don’t view theatre as a solely creative endeavor, but an academic pursuit. While professional teaching artists prepare students for a degree in performing arts or even a professional career, that is not the main objective of the program. Theatre is good for the brain. Studies have shown a correlation between involvement in theatre and academic achievement, improved reading comprehension, better attendance, and greater self-esteem. Theatre teaches students to think through self-expression and exploration of their artistic voice. They gain the confidence and skills to follow their passion wherever it may take them including, of course, the stage.
Theatre scholars learn theatrical history and develop technique through collaboration, tenacity of practice, work creation, community engagement, and innovations that reinvent the field. The 4-year and 8-year programs are structured sequentially to build on knowledge and previous learning. Theatre students participate in performances, productions, and portfolio exhibitions.
You do not have to be in the theatre arts program to enjoy a production. The ASA Theatre Department produces a play and musical each school year for both middle and high school. Students at ASA, whether enrolled in the theatre program or not, can audition to participate.
Learning the basics of theatre history and literature, theory, performance and production. This the first in the sequence of courses designed to provide a solid foundation for further and deeper study in high school and, at times, to augment what students are learning in their academic classes.
Prerequisites: None. 5th & 6th grade.
The second level of instruction in theatre history and literature, theory, performance and production. This the second in a sequence of courses designed to provide a solid foundation for further and deeper study in high school and, at times, to augment what students are learning in their academic classes.
Prerequisites: Middle School Theatre 1. 6th grade only.
The third in the sequence of theatre history and literature, theory, performance and production. This is the third in a sequence of courses designed to provide a solid foundation for further and deeper study in high school and, at times, to augment what students are learning in their academic classes.
Prerequisites: Middle School Theatre 2, or instructor permission. 7th grade only.
This is the fourth and final course in the middle sequence of classes. Focused study in theatre history and literature, theory, performance and production. This course will complete the foundational elements needed for study in high school and, at times, to augment what students are learning in their academic classes.
Prerequisites: Middle School Theatre 3. 8th grade only.
This course provides an overview of the theatre experience and helps students determine interests and focus of subsequent levels. Students take two hours of Theatre Studies classes each day. Once class focuses on theatre performance and theatre history/literature. The other is a semester of production and a semester of music theatre performance.
Prerequisites: None. 9th & 10th grade.
This specialty program is designed for students interested in the study of Acting. This course will provide students the opportunity to study in depth, over a two year period, the entire scope of the high school program. Students will focus on various performance methods, the history of those methods, etiquette, acting preparation, working in-depth on character development, progression and script/character analysis. This is achieved through scene and monologue work. This is a rigorous course that expects students to participate in school performances and audition for school mainstage productions. This course is taken in conjunction with Theatre Performance – Emphasis – Voice & Movement.
10th & 11th grades only.
This specialty program is designed for students interested in the study of Theatre Production. This course will provide students the opportunity to study in depth, over a two year period, the entire scope of Stagecraft. Students will study elements of set and lighting design, sound design, costumes, make-up, production management and other concepts that relate to the work of the stage. By the end of the two years of study, students will be able to read a script for design, understand the entire process and be able to execute a production concept. This is a rigorous course that expects students to participate in mainstage school productions.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval, Grades 10- 11 only.
Second level program for students interested in the study of Musical Theatre. This course will provide students the opportunity to study acting within the context of Musical Theatre. This is a performance training course that provides an opportunity for students to develop performance skills within the study of Musical Theatre from the Golden Age through 1970. Students will explore the structural elements of acting within the storytelling of Musical Theatre. The class includes a focus on verbal, non-verbal and technical work of acting. This course is taken in conjunction with Musical Theatre 1 – Emphasis – Voice.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval, Grade 10 only.
Second level program for students interested in the study of Musical Theatre. This course will provide students the opportunity to study voice within the context of Musical Theatre. This is a performance training course that provides an opportunity for students to develop performance skills within the study of Musical Theatre from the Golden Age through 1970. Students will explore this repertoire to apply their skills in solo, duet, small group and ensemble performance. This course is taken in conjunction with Musical Theatre 1 – Emphasis – Acting.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval, Grade 10 only.
Third level program for students interested in the study of Musical Theatre. This course will provide students the opportunity to study advanced acting within the context of Musical Theatre. This is a performance training course that provides an opportunity for students to develop performance skills within the study of Musical Theatre from 1970 through present. Students will explore the structural elements of acting within the storytelling of Musical Theatre. The class includes a focus on verbal, non-verbal and technical work of acting. This course is taken in conjunction with Musical Theatre 2 – Emphasis – Voice.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval, Grade 11 only.
Third level program for students interested in the study of Musical Theatre. This course will provide students the opportunity to study advanced voice within the context of Musical Theatre. This is a performance training course that provides an opportunity for students to develop performance skills within the study of Musical Theatre from 1970 through the present. Students will explore this repertoire to apply their skills in solo, duet, small group and ensemble performance. This is a rigorous performance training course that provides an opportunity for students to develop skills and prepare for college vocal auditions. This course is taken in conjunction with Musical Theatre 2 – Emphasis – Acting.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval, Grade 11 only.
All senior Theatre majors will work together in two-hour classes to prepare for college applications, auditions and interviews, producing a fall showcase of audition/interview materials. The ensemble’s capstone project is an original devised one-act play or musical presented in the Spring.
Prerequisites: Instructor permission. Grade 12 only.
This specialty senior level semester class will explore a specific area of theatre based on the senior ensemble’s interest and needs. Past courses have included Playwriting and Voice/Movement.
Grade 12 only.
Select students will serve as student facilitators in the classroom assisting in project based learning, assistance peers in skill development and acquisition, and providing support as needed to the teacher. Students will work in small groups or lead specific projects. Students will also have specific written work to complete as part of the course that will include practice lesson planning, self-reflection, and research based content that pertains to the coursework of the class.
Prerequisites: Instruction approval only. 12th grade
This specialty program is for seniors who will be applying to major colleges, universities, and conservatories to major in music, theatre or dance. Students will work with a mentor teacher on the different aspects of preparing applications and college-level auditions, including repertoire, artist statements, and resumes. Students also participate in jury assessments at the end of each semester, extracurricular arts organizations and performances, and prepare a final senior recital. This is a one (1) credit course, and students are assessed on a pass/fail basis.
Prerequisites: application and interview required, Grade 12 only.