​P O U D R E T H E A T R E

Acting 1 introduces students to the foundational skills of performance, combining practical exercises with guided analysis. Students explore voice, movement, and character development while performing monologues, scenes, and short ensemble pieces. Emphasis is placed on stage presence, creativity, and collaboration, while preparing students for auditions and future performance opportunities. This course fosters discipline, confidence, and artistic expression, giving motivated students the tools to grow as actors and engage meaningfully with theatre as both a craft and an art form.

Technical Theatre Certification trains students in the design, construction, and operation of all aspects of live theatre production. Students explore set, costume, lighting, and sound design while learning safe and professional equipment operation. Through hands-on projects and participation in fall and spring productions, students apply design principles and problem-solving skills in real-world settings. The course emphasizes collaboration, technical proficiency, and creative decision-making, preparing students for leadership roles in theatre production and providing certification in the operation of performance hall equipment.

Acting 2 deepens performance skills, building on the foundation of Acting 1 through advanced study of voice, movement, and character work. Students perform challenging monologues, scenes, and ensemble pieces, exploring complex texts and contemporary theatre styles. The course emphasizes artistic risk-taking, professional rehearsal techniques, and collaborative creation. Students refine audition skills and develop critical awareness of performance choices, cultivating versatility, confidence, and creativity. Acting 2 prepares students for high-level theatre opportunities and further study in performance arts.

Scenic Design A trains students in the creation, construction, and execution of stage environments. Students explore design principles, drafting, model building, and scenic construction techniques to bring productions to life. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, problem-solving, and creative decision-making as students contribute to PHS performances. Hands-on projects cultivate technical skill and artistic vision, preparing students for leadership roles in theatre production and providing experience applicable to live performance, architecture, and design-related careers.

Lighting Design A introduces students to the artistic and technical aspects of theatrical lighting. Students learn to design, program, and operate lighting for live performances while exploring color, texture, mood, and focus to enhance storytelling. The course emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and creative decision-making as students work on PHS productions. Hands-on projects develop technical proficiency and artistic vision, preparing students for leadership roles in theatre production and providing practical skills applicable to both live performance and broader design careers.

Costume Design focuses on the artistic and practical skills needed to design and execute wardrobe for theatrical productions. Students learn design concepts, pattern-making, construction, and styling while collaborating with directors and performers. The course emphasizes creativity, technical proficiency, and problem-solving as students contribute to PHS productions. Hands-on projects develop both artistic vision and professional skills, preparing students for leadership roles in theatre production and providing experience applicable to live performance, fashion, and design careers.

IB Theatre Arts (Higher Level) is an intensive, pre-professional theatre course for students who want to study theatre as artists, creators, and scholars. Students explore global theatre traditions, performance theory, and contemporary practice through hands-on projects in acting, directing, devising, and design. The course emphasizes collaboration, research, and original performance work. Through major IB assessments, students develop sophisticated analytical and creative skills while producing ambitious performances that reflect both artistic vision and academic rigor.**At PHS, all students enrolled in this course are required
to test in this subject for an IB certificate.

IB Theatre Arts (Standard Level) introduces students to the creative and academic study of theatre through performance, design, and analysis. Students explore how stories are told on stage across cultures and styles while building skills in acting, collaboration, and critical thinking. Through practical projects and performance work, students learn how theatre is created and how meaning is communicated to an audience, gaining confidence, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for live performance.**At PHS, all students enrolled in this course are required to test for IB certificate.

IB Literature and Performance blends the study of literature with the creativity of live theatre. Students explore plays, poetry, and literary texts from diverse cultures, then bring them to life through performance and staging. The course builds skills in close reading, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication while encouraging artistic expression. Through ensemble work, performance projects, and reflective writing, students connect literary analysis to creative practice, culminating in original performances inspired by the texts they study.

Theatre Production includes many advanced aspects of the theater: acting, directing, set construction and design, lighting, sound, and play writing. This class places emphasis on the student as worker. Prior approval and final evaluation by the instruction is required.
**At PHS, students will experience a hands-on approach to working on a full length play produced for a public audience. (The fall production is a Broadway-style musical, and the spring production is a non-musical play.)
Specific roles and positions will be awarded after an audition or interview process. After interviewing, technicians will design, build, and create the backstage elements of production. Class meets outside of regular school hours; after school, evenings and some Saturdays

This advanced course provides students with professional-level experience in theatre through internships, mentorships, and work-based learning opportunities. Students apply technical, creative, and managerial skills in real-world production environments, including acting, directing, design, stage management, and production leadership. Work assignments are tailored to individual interests and skill levels, with teacher supervision and evaluation. The course emphasizes responsibility, collaboration, and problem-solving, preparing students for post-secondary theatre studies, careers in the performing arts, or leadership roles in school productions.