Theatre Course Descriptions

Division 1 Courses

Acting: Building a Character:

What really goes into creating and performing characters in plays? Have you ever been called “a character”? In this class, you will learn the various ways to explore, develop, and perform all different types of characters.

Plays for Change:

In this class, we will explore the many ways theatrical spaces act as agents of change. We will explore plays from all over the world, and from many different time periods. We will read plays aloud, watch recordings of famous productions, and look at the many ways theatre can make change in the world.

Performing Shakespeare:

1500s English may sound unfamiliar, but decoding it is part of the fun! Shakespeare’s plays were written to be performed - out loud - in front of an audience. They are also about some of the most interesting human traits and activities: war, love, betrayal, political backstabbing, and also being really silly. In this class, we’ll learn some fundamental skills so that you feel confident and excited when reading and performing one of the world’s most well-known playwrights.

Improvisation 1: Foundations:

Improvisation: to invent, compose, create or perform off-hand with little or no preparation. Sounds easy, but in fact the art of improvisation can be deceptively difficult, even for a trained performer. In this class, students will learn the foundational skills required to improvise with the best of them! This class requires nothing more than an imagination and a willingness to play.

Division 3 & 4 Courses

Scene Study:

What are some potential strategies for getting to know a script? How is working closely with just one or two scene partners different from taking part in a play with a larger cast? In this class, students will learn and practice acting skills, script analysis, and performance styles through partner and small group scene work.

Adaptation:

Most stories are borrowed from other stories. Adapting and re-imagining pre-existing tales is just as much a part of playwriting as it is any other art form. In this class, part historical exploration and part creative writing, we will read plays and their adaptations. Our final project will be to write adaptations of our own.

Documentary Theatre:

What goes into creating a piece of theatre that tells a true story? How do performers communicate the essence of real people? What draws audiences to documentary theatre rather than a film? Students who take this course will explore the ways that theatrical concepts contribute to new takes on historical events and political issues.

Playwriting:

Have you ever read or seen a play and thought to yourself: “I could totally write something better than that!”? Maybe you already write plays and would like some more practice. Maybe you have never dabbled, but want the chance to try! In this class, we will learn the fundamentals of playwriting through reading and practice. With guidance from your teacher AND a professional playwright working with the Massachusetts Youth Playwriting Program (MYPP), each student will write their own 10-minute play. Through the MYPP, students’ original plays will be workshopped and performed by professional directors and actors.

Theatre of Dissent:

This class is meant for anyone who is curious about how the theatre can be a place for social & political engagement, questioning, and revolution. We will explore how performance, playwriting, and theatre-adjacent events can contribute to revolutionary thoughts and acts.

Improvisation 2: A Deep Dive:

For students who have already taken Improvisation with Betsy. In this class, we will build on the foundations we set in Improvisation 1, delving more deeply into multiple aspects of improv such long-form (or Harold) and improv based around rehearsal and character development.

Directing Plays:

Are you already planning the PAA play you will direct in your Senior Spring? Do you have grand artistic visions and think: “I wonder if that would work?”? Do you sort of like telling people what to do? Then this class is for you. In this class, students will learn and experience the steps that go into directing a play. Students will create directing books and practice some of the practical aspects of directing.