xvi. the theater arts program
The Theater Arts Program The School has a long history of strong commitment to the theater arts. Opportunities exist for all students to explore their talents in this area. Students in the Upper School are required to participate in at least two theater performances during their time here. Participation runs the gamut from all aspects of preproduction (set design and construction) to production (lights, sound, stage management) to performance (acting, singing, dancing). Typically, a full-length play is presented in the fall, a full-scale musical in the winter, and student-directed plays in the spring. Though all performances are supervised by members of the Performing Arts Department, most aspects of these performances are student-run. Leadership roles thus abound during the process of creating and presenting a theatrical performance. The teamwork and spirit of camaraderie evident in all phases of this process provide opportunities for character development not typically found in the traditional classroom. Though participation in only two productions is required, students often become involved in several more before they graduate. Over the past several years, US students have presented a wide variety of shows, including: “Once on this Island” (2011) “The Diary of Anne Frank” (2010) “The Wiz” (2010) “The Skin of Our Teeth” (2009) “Into the Woods” (2009) “Arsenic & Old Lace” (2008) “Pippin” (2008) “The Laramie Project” (2007) “Urinetown” (2007) “The Mousetrap” (2006) “Cabaret” (2006) “The Importance of Being Earnest” (2005) “Hair” (2005) “The Grass Harp” (2004) “Ragtime” (2004) “Dinner at Eight” (2003) “Peter Pan” (2003) “The Comedy of Errors” (2002) “The Sound of Music” (2002) “Great Expectations” (2001)
2011-2012 Upper School Program Guide
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