Acting Classes & Productions

As a core requirement of all SAAS students, the Theater Program instills a deep respect for the process and craft of acting with performers, stage technicians, and audience members alike. By creating safe space in the classroom to take risks and explore the inner landscape of the stories we tell, students also practice the presentation of written material and improvisational skills that transfer to presentations in the academic classroom. In addition to acting, Seattle Academy theater classes encompass stagecraft, costume design, masks, stage combat, improvisation and sketch comedy writing.

Students are introduced to the craft of acting. By incorporating imaginary circumstances, character building, actions and objectives, and text analysis, the Theater Program instills confidence in numerous facets of the art form and its many applications.

Middle School
Upper School

Middle School

6th graders are introduced to the theater arts though exercises in improvisation, concentration, and ensemble building.

During the 7th and 8th grade years, students build on these skills and can participate in a theatrical performance. Cast members learn to memorize words and movement, while also incorporating the basics of costuming and set building.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE

Upper School

Upper School students build on the foundation established in Middle School and are encouraged to participate in the after-school theatrical productions. 9th grade students may take any entry-level acting course and are also encouraged to be a part of the after-school shows in the fall and winter.

By 10th grade, students may audition for the two-trimester Intermediate Acting class which sets the groundwork for physical expression, vocal projection, and text analysis. The Intermediate Acting class presents a public performance near the end of the trimester and these students are also allowed to participate in the Spring drama.

11th and 12th grade students who want to continue working on their skills through the last years of their high school career can audition for the full year Advanced Acting class. There is a two-year curriculum cycle for those who want to take both years. The objective in Advanced Acting is to loosen personal and group blocks to emotion and interpersonal connectivity while simultaneously setting the groundwork for physical expression, vocal projection, and text analysis. Work on the ensemble is emphasized through all-class movement, sharing, and impulse exercises.

Upper School Curriculum Guide

MEET THE Arts FACULTY

theater photo gallery

CROSS-DISCIPLINARY

“My son, Adam Quinn '11, didn't enter SAAS with the kind of academic background that might ensure success, but he had a passion for theater - a passion that you leveraged into a new strength. You took his love of music and turned it into an understanding of the patterns in math; you helped him to see that an inquiry into a character could be turned into an inquiry into the cause and effect relationships of science; you taught him how to study, create meaning, and focus his energy; you helped him to understand that every discipline had a role to play in his development.” –David Quinn

Acting Classes & Productions

Middle School

Upper School

CROSS-DISCIPLINARY

Build Confidence

Explore Human Interaction and Expression

Enhance Presentation Skills