THEATRE AT JAMES LAWSON HIGH SCHOOL
Our theatre program is a dynamic and creative space where students explore the art of storytelling through performance and production. From introductory to advanced courses—the program guides students through acting, technical theatre, directing, playwriting, and theatre history. It encourages personal growth, collaboration, and self-expression, helping students build confidence, communication skills, and empathy. Students may participate in class performances, full-scale productions, competitions, and community events, gaining hands-on experience both on stage and behind the scenes. Whether pursuing theatre as a passion or potential career path, the program offers a supportive environment for all students to find their voice and thrive artistically.
THEATRE I
Students will be engaged in all aspects of Theatre both on and off the stage. This will start with some basic techniques and games, getting students comfortable moving about the stage and in their bodies, interacting with one another, we’ll explore some scene study and try our hand at acting out those scenes, moving into a more design and technical focus. This class will give the students the opportunity to explore theatre in a big way in order to find the part that most interest them.
THEATRE II
This beginning level acting class will focus on theater acting that relies heavily on spoken dialogue and getting the actors more accustomed to moving about the stage with confidence and intention (Straight Play). Students will work monologues and scenes for development in this level of the course. They will also be coached weekly on improving their movement and body language to deepen the impact of the acting instruction they’ll receive.
THEATRE III
This level three acting course will focus solely on Musical Theatre. Students will receive materials and instruction to help build and developed their voice. Once a week, students will work on choreography to improve basic technique or for the showcase.
THEATRE IV
This fourth level acting class will contains elements and materials of both Theatre II and Theatre III, but will engage our students in directing and/or choreographing their own scenes and productions as assigned. Students from this level will be required to direct and/or choreograph scenes or songs from the two lower levels. Students in this level will also be responsible for all production and creative elements for the Spring Showcase under the guidance of the classroom instructors.
TECH & THEATRE
DESIGN
In this course, students will engage in all elements of production and design throughout the year. This class will produce the designers for both MainStage productions and both showcases for the 25-26 school year. Students chosen as head designers or crew from this class will be required to participate in after school rehearsals and shows as needed. During the school year, students will engage with working professionals to receive a deepen understanding in fields like lighting design, sound design, stage management, and etc. This is a hands on class where students will receive instruction that preps them to work in the backstage area of technical theatre and design.
