Acting Classes & Productions

Theater is a graduation requirement for all SAAS students, offering experiences that build both artistic skill and personal confidence. The program emphasizes respect for the craft of acting—for performers, stage technicians, and audience members alike—while creating a safe space for students to take risks, explore stories, and grow as creative thinkers.

In the classroom, students practice everything from presenting written material to improvisation, developing skills that translate directly into problem-solving and public speaking across all academic subjects. Course offerings go beyond acting classes to include stage combat, improvisation, sketch comedy writing, and tech theater, giving students a broad foundation in theater arts.

MEET THE Arts FACULTY

Theater as a Catalyst for Learning

“My son, Adam Quinn ’11, didn’t enter SAAS with an academic background that ensured success, but he had a passion for theater—a passion you transformed into strength, helping him see connections between music and math, character and science, and how every discipline contributes to growth.”–David Quinn

Middle School

Middle School

Middle School acting classes are built around exploration and ensemble-building:

7th & 8th Grade: Students can choose between an Improv or Tech Theater class, a staged play, or the 7th & 8th grade Musical. Through these classes, students develop the skills of acting as they build trust, confidence, and comfort on stage. Students deepen their skills through electives in improvisation, concentration, and performance, with the option to participate in a full-scale theatrical production.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE

Upper School

Upper School

In Upper School, students start with a Beginning Acting course and are encouraged to join our after-school productions. As they build experience, students can pursue Intermediate and Advanced coursework through a structured, audition-based sequence.

9th Grade: Students may take any entry-level acting course and are encouraged to join the fall and spring after-school shows (fall musical and spring drama).
10th Grade: Students may audition for the two-trimester Intermediate Acting class, which focuses on physical expression, vocal projection, and text analysis. Intermediate Acting students are also invited to participate in the winter play (after-school).
11th & 12th Grade: Students who wish to continue refining their skills may audition for the year-long Advanced Acting class, which follows a two-year rotating curriculum. The course emphasizes ensemble work, deepening emotional and interpersonal connection, and strengthening core acting tools such as movement, voice, and text analysis through all-class exercises and performance work. Advanced Acting students compete and receive feedback through the International Thespian Festival, and students frequently audition for college acting programs.

Upper School Curriculum Guide

Acting Classes & Productions

Theater as a Catalyst for Learning

Middle School

Upper School

Build Confidence

Explore Human Interaction and Expression

Enhance Presentation Skills