Theatre Arts Program Overview

The South Orange County School of the Arts offers the serious acting student a diverse theatre program. This program includes in-depth studies in acting, directing, musical theatre, repertory, theatrical design and construction, plus theatre and career management. The student's first two years in the program are devoted to individual development in the areas of voice and diction, physical action, characterization, design and application skills (in the areas of scenery, lighting, makeup, costume, and sound), along with studies in acting and dance techniques. In the third and fourth years of study at the academy, the student has the opportunity to participate in repertory acting, directing projects, theatrical management, design, choreography, apprenticeships in our program as well as at local schools and community theatres, job shadowing, and career guidance. In addition to this training, guest artists will be brought in continually to offer additional educational support toward the program. The teachers and staff are committed to achieving excellence in the theatrical education of each student. It is a strong belief of the staff that to succeed in the industry today the individual must have not only a strong educational background and diverse abilities, but also superior technical and management skills. Therefore, continuing at an institution of higher learning, directly entering a career in the field of theatre, or simply providing a better understanding of the art form.

Freshman/Sophmore Year

Advanced Drama
This course offers in-depth theatre studies in the areas of Shakespeare, comedy techniques, the classics, television acting, american modern techniques, mime, and improvisation.

Drama Musical Comedy
This course provides the student with the opportunity to improve and showcase talents in drama, music, or dance, culminating in general public performances.

Stagecraft
This course trains the student in all areas of the theatre practice except acting. The student becomes proficient in analyzing set design, color, lighting, costuming, and stage makeup. Practical experience is gained in the construction of set and stage materials. Students work on various backstage crews during rehearsals and productions.

Junior/SeniorYear

Actor's Repertory Theatre
This advanced course offers the student experience in performance situations. The student will study acting, directing, producing, and dramaturgy through multiple performance experiences. There is a prerequisite of two years of advanced acting for this course and admission into the class is by audition only.

Drama Musical Comedy/Rehearsal
This course provides the student with the opportunity to improve and showcase talents in drama, music, or dance, culminating in general public performances. Admissions into the Rehearsal class is by audition only and is used as a time to instruct and rehearse a mainstage musical.

Theatrical Production
This advance course offers the student career experience/internship as a stage manager, scenic designer, costume designer, property master, video master, lighting designer, and makep artist. There is a prerequisite of two years of stagecraft and admission into the class is by portfolio/interview only.