Summit Theatre is continuously growing to meet the needs of our students. We currently offer 8 different semester long courses and 1 year long touring production class. All theatre classes can be taken for performing arts or elective credits. Classes are offered in both the performance and production aspects of theatre, and are designed to help students develop their theatrical skills in a structured, supportive and fun environment which encourages creativity, risk taking and personal growth. 

Recommended Course of Study

Theatre 1: Introduction to Theatre
Whether students are new to theatre or have years of production experience, Theatre 1 is a foundational theatre class for everyone! In this semester long class, students will gain skills and confidence in movement for the stage, voice work, character creation and improvisational theatre. Theatre arts are proven to help students overcome stage fright, develop public speaking and non-verbal communication skills while working collaboratively in a creative environment. 

Theatre 2: Intermediate Theatre Techniques
Theatre 2 is a semester long scene study and monologue performance course where students develop and refine individual acting skills in variety of genres, including drama, comedy and classical texts. Theatre 1 is a prerequisite for Theatre 2. 

Musical Theatre 1*
Musical Theatre 1 is a semester long course that will give students the opportunity to learn about the triple threat craft of acting, singing and dancing through the performance and study of Musical Theatre. Both theoretical and practical, this course serves as a broad overview of the history, styles, works and most influential artists of the Musical Theatre genre. Students will be introduced to classical and belt style singing as well as various dance styles, including: ballet, tap, jazz, latin and hip-hop. The course concludes in a Musical Theatre Revue Performance. 

Musical Theatre 2*
​Musical Theatre 2 is a semester long course that builds upon the foundational work in Musical Theatre 1 to expand range in acting, singing and dancing for the stage with a focus on audition and college preparation. Students will continue to build on dance skills in a variety of genres, learn how to create a professional self-tape audition and curate a portfolio of song options suited to their vocal range. The course concludes with a Musical Theatre Revue Performance. Musical Theatre 1 is a prerequisite for Musical Theatre 2.

Stagecraft 1: Sets, Props, Costumes & Makeup
Stagecraft 1 is a semester long class that covers the design and practical skills of set building, properties creation, costume design and makeup basics. Students will learn how to approach a script with an eye toward theatrical design, as well as apply skills practically to school productions. It is highly recommended that students take Theatre 1 prior to Stagecraft classes and that Stagecraft 1 & 2 be taken as a sequence. However, there is no prerequisite and Stagecraft 1 and 2 can be taken out of order. 

Stagecraft 2: Management, Lighting & Sound
Stagecraft 2 is a semester long class that covers the design and practical skills of stage management, theatre marketing and publicity, lighting and sound. Students will learn how to approach a script with an eye toward theatrical design, as well as apply skills practically to school productions. It is highly recommended that students take Theatre 1 prior to Stagecraft classes and that Stagecraft 1 & 2 be taken as a sequence. However, there is no prerequisite and Stagecraft 1 and 2 can be taken out of order. 

Stagecraft 3: Independent Study in Production Design*
Stagecraft 3 is a semester long class in which students take on one of the following production roles for a Summit Theatre production: Student-Director, Assistant Director, Choreographer, Stage Manager, Publicity and Marketing Manager, Set Designer, Master Carpenter, Properties Master, Costume Designer, Makeup/Hair Designer, Lighting Designer or Sound Designer. Students will develop their designs in concert with the director's vision, attend production meetings and work on a timeline to complete and realize all production designs for their chosen or assigned role. You need to complete Stagecraft 1 & 2 and have permission to enroll in this course. 

Thunderous Applause Performance Troupe
Thunderous Applause is a yearlong touring production class. The class selects or creates scripts, rehearses and designs a one-act production in the first semester and then tours the production to local schools or other venues during the spring semester. Students must have taken Theatre 1 & 2 or Stagecraft 1 & 2 and audition/interview to be admitted into the class. 

Acting for Film*
The Acting for Film class is a comprehensive course designed to equip aspiring actors with the necessary skills and techniques to excel in front of the camera. The course will explore the specific demands of acting for screen and film, focusing on character development, emotional authenticity, and effective communication through visual storytelling. Students will learn the fundamentals of acting, explore different genres, and gain hands-on experience through practical exercises, scene work, and short film projects. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of acting techniques specific to the screen, enabling them to confidently pursue further course work, content creation, technical vocabulary and industry standards.

Theatre 1 is a recommended prerequisite for Acting for Film.

*Some classes may not be offered every year. Check the current curriculum guide for up to date offerings.