Theater Curriculum and Co-Curricular Opportunities

 

The Theater Department at The Haverford School is passionate about developing the creativity, self confidence, and emotional intelligence of our boys through the study, performance, and production of great plays and playwrights.

—Darren Hengst, Performing arts Department Chair

In Haverford's theater program, boys get hands-on experience in every facet of theater. In addition to learning acting technique, our boys study a variety of skills, from lighting design to stage combat. Starting with introduction to theater courses, the curriculum culminates in an advanced class in which boys have the opportunity to write, direct, cast, and produce their very own play. Theater courses are offered in the Middle and Upper School, with three mainstage productions every year in our 655-seat proscenium theater, Centennial Hall. Centennial Hall is also a popular venue for professional production companies outside the School.

 

What extracurricular opportunities do Haverford School theater students have?

Performance and Production Opportunities 

Each year, The Haverford School Drama Department produces a minimum of two Upper School plays and/or musicals. By participating in theatrical productions either on the stage or back stage, students will become a vital part of a collaborative team. Students may count their participation in one of the upper school productions as one of their sports requirements. Students may not count participation in both productions as a fulfillment of their sports requirements for the school year. 

Stage Crew

As a member of stage crew, students have the opportunity to participate in the active creation of theatre. Working both on school productions and with professional organizations, students have hands-on experience with carpentry, lighting technology, and with scenic painting. To fulfill one sports requirement through this activity, students must complete one semester of stage crew participation. To fulfill both sports requirements, students need to participate in stage crew for the school year. However, all Haverford students must participate in the athletic program at least once before graduation. 

What theater classes are available at The Haverford School?

Theater I

Provides students with opportunities to increase self-awareness, develop critical thinking skills, and explore their talents on and off the stage. The course begins with an overview of public speaking skills. Students put these skills into practice by performing original monologues and scenes from classic American theatrical works. In addition, students learn to incorporate their skills in literary analysis by translating their critical understanding into choices they make as an actor. Participation as audience members at Upper School productions provides excellent opportunities to connect class work to live theatrical plays performed by their peers. Students also learn the basics of design and technical theatre to enhance their understanding of the collaboration that is necessary to bring theatrical works to life. The introduction of stage combat provides an opportunity for the students to understand how their movements can tell the story as well. The course culminates in the production and performance of a stage combat scene. II. Students of the class form a production company with the goal of presenting a play for The Haverford School community and general viewing audience. Under instructor supervision and guidance, participants select a play, rehearse and perform the show.

THEATER II

Prerequisite
Theater II is an intermediate level course which builds on the skills acquired in Theater I. Using scripts from 20 th and 21st century plays, students read, discuss and act in works by modern playwrights who are bright examples of the power of drama. Scene study focuses on students taking greater risks in their acting work and performance exercises will also include roles that will stretch the student actor. Individual expression and creativity is also encouraged through dramaturgical projects within the context of each play being studied. Participation in or attendance at all Upper School productions will be mandatory as a way of studying and experiencing the various tools in action. Theatre II will also travel off campus to view a professional production in order to become discriminating consumers of live theatre. The art of directing is an integral unit in Theater II. Each student will direct a scene from one of the plays read in class. They will concentrate on study of the world of the play, character motivation, implementation of blocking, production history, and most importantly, communicating the action of the scene to their peers. Students also begin swordplay as they advance to the next level of stage combat. As a final project, students are required to perform a scene of their choice that incorporates the swordplay skills they have acquired.

THEATER III: ACTING*

Prerequisite
Theater III* Acting is an advanced-level Independent Study in theatre generally reserved for Fifth and Sixth Form that incorporates many of the lessons and techniques acquired in Theatre I and II. Students of the class form a production company with the goal of presenting a play for The Haverford School community and general viewing audience. Under instructor supervision and guidance, participants select a play, rehearse and perform the show. Each member will also help build the set, procure costumes and props, and will be responsible for the marketing and publicity to promote the show. Professionals from the theatre community are invited to attend performances to give the students valuable feedback. Theatre III gives students an excellent, hands-on experience in establishing and being responsible for their own production company. A focus on playwriting is also optional.

THEATER III: DIRECTING*

Prerequisite
Theater III* Directing is an advanced-level Independent Study in theatre generally reserved for Fifth and Sixth Form that incorporates many of the lessons and techniques acquired in Theatre I and II. Students of the class form a production company with the goal of presenting a play for The Haverford School community and general viewing audience. Under instructor supervision and guidance, participants select a play, rehearse and perform the show. In this section, members will be responsible for directing moments in the performance. Students will deepen their understanding of direction for the theater from Theater II through preparation and practice, all advised by the instructor. Each member of the course will also help build the set, procure costumes and props, and will be responsible for the marketing and publicity to promote the show. Professionals from the theatre community are invited to attend performances to give the students valuable feedback. Theatre III* Directing gives students an excellent, hands-on experience in establishing and being responsible for their own production company.