Performing Arts
From curtain up to final bow, students make the magic happen.
Every student has the chance to shine through courses in speech, music, and theatre. From electives like Introduction to Theatre and World Through Music to a required foundation in the arts and public speaking, students gain the skills and confidence to express themselves on any stage.
The arts in action, on stage and beyond.
Shine bright on stage in one or both of our student-run productions.
Show off your voice, moves, and talent in one of our musicals.
Help light up the stage behind the scenes with your skills.
Discover your niche in the performing arts as your creativity takes center stage.
On Stage
Bringing stories to life.
Each year, students dive into two fully student-run productions, discovering opportunities to shine in every role. Whether acting, singing, or dancing on stage, or designing the perfect set, managing lights and sound, creating costumes, or keeping the show running smoothly behind the scenes, every student finds a way to contribute and grow.
In class
Creativity in the Classroom.
Students can explore electives like Introduction to Theatre, diving into all aspects of production, or World Through Music, focusing on theory, composition, and performance. Every junior also completes a required Art/Music/Speech course, building a strong foundation in the fine arts and public speaking—skills that empower them to express themselves with confidence, on stage or off.
Art Courses
AP Art History
AP Art History is a senior elective which provides an introductory college-level course in art history. This course follows the College Board AP syllabus. Throughout the course students acquire an understanding and knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural contexts. Students examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present from a variety of cultures. While visual analysis is the fundamental tool for this course, art history also emphasizes understanding works in context, considering such issues as patronage, gender, and the functions and effects of works of art. All students sit for the AP exam in May.
Art History
Art History is a senior elective course designed to give students the opportunity to study and appreciate art history from the Paleolithic era to contemporary times. Students will learn to examine and critically analyze major works of artistic expression not only from the Western canon but also works beyond the European tradition. They will be able to recognize trends and visual commentary that may give insight into political, social, religious and cultural aspects of the artist world. A variety of artistic medium will be studied such as architecture, sculpture, painting, drawing, illuminated manuscripts and printmaking. Students will eventually be able to describe and critically analyze a work of art using a specialized vocabulary. The main objective of this course is to gain an appreciation and enjoyment of the history of art with the motivation to pursue further study through college courses and seek intellectual and aesthetic experiences.
Art II
The senior art elective is a continuation and advancement of the junior art course with greater sophistication and depth. This course is designed to provide a stimulating atmosphere for those students who are gifted in art or would like to try their hand at creating art. The course offers a number of mediums with which to work. Students do architecture, design, drawing, printmaking, metalsmithing, painting, sculpture, and modeling with clay. The senior art elective helps the student build a portfolio for advancement in art or partake in the pure enjoyment and appreciation of art.
Art/Music/Speech
This required junior course explores three fine arts disciplines: art, music, and speech/public speaking. In the art quarter, students develop creativity by working with 2D and 3D mediums inspired by personal interests. The music quarter introduces various musical styles, genres, and composers to build lasting appreciation. In speech/public speaking, students focus on effective communication skills—tone, volume, body language, and more—through speeches, interviews, and debates. The final quarter culminates in a project that combines learning from all three areas.
Introduction To Theatre
This senior elective course will introduce students to various aspects of theatre. This course is heavily project based, immersing students in the very complex components of professional theatre, namely, playwriting, directing, stage management, lighting design, scenic design, costume design, sound design, directing and performing. In addition to the hands-on / project learning, students will digest and discuss theatre as an art from exploring various theatrical texts, works from both classic and contemporary playwrights. We will study theatrical terminology, explore theatrical genres, and critique both local and professional theatre. Students will also learn about theatrical history – how it has evolved from its conception to modern day Broadway.
The World Through Music
This course is an elective course for seniors. Students will learn basic musical theory, musical writing, musical terms, and style periods. They will also study the individual styles of various composers. Students will get a chance to perform together, and as a soloist, individual pieces of music written by each class member.