The Foundations course introduces students to key concepts and terminology essential for their growth in theater over the next four years. In the first six weeks, as the class roster stabilizes, students build trust and confidence by presenting personal items in "Ya-Ya Boxes" and learning to perform in front of their peers. Once the group is established, we focus on theater fundamentals, such as types of stages, stage parts, areas, and body positions, while incorporating pantomime and audience etiquette.

In the second six weeks, students add vocal warm-ups to their routine and engage in improvisational activities. The third six weeks cover the hierarchical structure of theater roles and responsibilities. During the fourth, students develop script analysis skills through guided readings. The fifth six weeks introduce theater history, providing essential historical context. Finally, in the sixth six weeks, students synthesize their learning by selecting, scoring, and performing a complete scene.

This structured progression ensures a comprehensive introduction to theater, offering a well-rounded foundation even for those who do not continue to Theatre Level 2 – Risk-Taking.

Risk-Taking challenges students to deepen their understanding of acting techniques and step out of their comfort zones by making bold, decisive choices. Units on action elements, guideposts, commedia, musical theatre, and movement techniques require students to fully commit to their circumstances, as any hesitation becomes apparent. A puppetry unit further encourages boldness, allowing students to bring inanimate objects to life with creativity and conviction.

Style and Approach builds on the techniques introduced in Level 2 – Risk-Taking, offering a deeper exploration of acting methods and styles. Students will engage with Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints, as well as techniques from Adler, Hagen, Meisner, and Spolin, while advancing their understanding of movement and Stanislavski’s elements of action. This course also focuses on expanding students’ monologue repertoire in preparation for college auditions.

Freeing the Voice Within is a literal and figurative culmination of students' fourth year of actor training, focusing on both vocal technique and personal expression. Students will apply the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to transcribe and perform British and Irish dialects. They will also write their own plays, direct a peer's work, and produce an evening of student-written and -directed one-act plays.

This program's structure emphasizes the interdependence of theatrical elements, creating a poetic progression. Students begin by understanding how these elements connect, then refine their acting skills through sequential learning, and ultimately take the helm to integrate all components in their final year.