Theater

Urban's Theater Arts Department helps students build confidence, access creativity and practice collaboration as they engage in storytelling through the art of theater.

Through a range of classes and productions, students have opportunities to explore the various crafts of theater, as performers, writers, designers and technicians. By learning to perform for their peers in a safe environment, students build confidence and self-awareness as they develop physical poise and vocal clarity. Through improvisation, character development, circus arts, original writing and scenic design, students access creativity and explore multiple modes of self-expression. Throughout our program, students practice collaboration, from in-class work with partners to full ensemble productions, and actively engage in empathy -- both with their artistic partners and with the dramatic characters they encounter.

Our program accommodates students with no performing experience, as well as those interested in pursuing theater professionally. Foundational classes introduce artistic habits of mind and give students opportunities to explore the elements of theater in low-risk environments. Advanced classes train students in a range of performance techniques and expose them to the uses of dramatic tools in wider community settings. Our production classes mount two major productions each year, a play and a musical, and the year ends with a festival of short plays written and directed by Urban Seniors. Urban is also one of the few high schools in the country to offer a circus arts course.

DEPARTMENT GOALS

The Urban Theater Program teaches skills and mindsets relevant to a range of social and professional contexts. We emphasize and encourage the development of: confidence and self-awareness; creativity, improvisation and risk-taking; collaboration, empathy and ensemble; technical craft and problem-solving; as well as curiosity and flexibility. We seek to offer students avenues for personal exploration and creative expression, and opportunities to connect theatrical work to larger social concerns. We also expose students to a range of professional performance that demonstrates virtuosity, ingenuity and cultural breadth. For students who seek to pursue ongoing theatrical studies, we promote the habits, skills and knowledge necessary for collegiate or technical studies in theater.

UAS IN THEATER

Urban Advanced Studies (UAS) classes in Theater are designed to sharpen students’ theatrical skills and widen their perspectives on applying them. This work includes the pursuit of physical and vocal control, ability to self-reflect and work collaboratively, and capacity to portray complex characters and circumstances. Students study a wide variety of theatrical techniques, styles and contexts, and are expected to execute sophisticated physical and conceptual work with care and discipline. All UAS classes culminate in public performances.

Students taking UAS Theater classes are expected to build on foundational concepts and skills, to develop nuanced analysis and sophisticated performance across a variety of styles. Students in UAS production classes must demonstrate skills in acting, singing and/or dancing, and be prepared to actively participate in demanding rehearsals beyond the school day.

THEATER COURSES 2024-25

Theater 1: Performance Lab

Theater 1: Performance Lab introduces students to the basics of theater as an art form, as well as the skills and habits of mind required for performance. Students will engage in a range of activities, including basic acting, physical and vocal exercises, character development, scene study, monologue performance, theater games, improvisation, and exploration of other elements of theater such as direction and design. Through these activities, students will increase their confidence, build greater physical and vocal awareness, enhance their observational skills, develop their ability to reflect on their creative process, and deepen their understanding of theater as an art form and storytelling tool. In cooperation with peers, they will gain greater access to their creativity and spontaneity, improve their ability to work collaboratively, and express themselves through performance. The course includes a field trip to see a play at a local professional theater, where students can observe firsthand the elements and choices that make up a theatrical production. This class serves as a prerequisite for all advanced theater classes. (No previous experience required) (1/2 credit)

One Acts Festival

One Acts Festival is an advanced theater seminar that produces a festival of short, student-written plays for public performance. In this class, students will engage in workshops on directing techniques, engage with writings by theater professionals, and regularly reflect on rehearsal progress. They will hold auditions, develop rehearsal plans and direct their own rehearsals with actors not enrolled in the course, conducted outside of class hours. Students will also actively participate in other aspects of production, including design, construction and publicity. Please note that this class requires attendance at rehearsals after school, especially for technical rehearsals near the end of the term. Students interested in writing a play eligible for inclusion in the festival are required to enroll in the weekly Playwriting class during winter term. To complete a stage-ready script by the end of the winter term, Playwriting students will be expected to meet writing deadlines and submit several script revisions. Interested students with no prior theater production experience must consult with the instructor before enrolling. (12th graders only) (1/2 credit)

Peer Education Theater

Peer Education Theater is a class, a performance event and an Urban tradition. Through a daily stream of journal prompts and performance projects emphasizing self-discovery and collective exploration, we write and perform constantly. Students mine their lived experiences, emotions and imaginations to produce solo and group scenes for each other. The ensemble practices a series of listening and witnessing skills, as well as collaborative decision making in group projects. We acquire stagecraft through regular improvisation and exercises for body and voice. In the second half of the term, focus shifts toward the production of a show, where students compile a script from their original written work and collective visions. The course concludes in a series of community performances and discussions. Newly enrolled Peer Resource students are required to take this class in 10th Grade. Peer Education Theater is open to all students, no experience necessary. (1/2 credit)

UAS Musical Theater Production

UAS Musical Theater Production is a full-scale ensemble production in collaboration with the music program at Urban. We spend approximately 10 weeks in rehearsal, culminating in public performances in the Gumption Theater. Production work may involve guest artists in choreography, design and instrumental accompaniment. This class requires an understanding and ability to engage in acting and singing techniques, as well as strong dedication, energy and mutual support. Students will analyze and rehearse a scripted musical, including engaging in rigorous practice of acting, singing and dancing, both in rehearsal and independently. Students will also engage with creative work in other aspects of production, including design, construction and publicity. Please note that this class includes rehearsals after school multiple days a week throughout the term, and every afternoon during Weeks 9-11. Students may not participate in an Urban athletics team while taking this class. Prerequisite: Intro to Urban Singers Chorus, Theater 1 or Essentials of Comedy. Peer Education Theater can count with instructor approval. (1/2 credit)

UAS Theater 1: Production

UAS Theater Production is an advanced acting class that stages a full-scale ensemble production. We spend approximately 10 weeks in rehearsal, culminating in public performances in the Gumption Theater. This class requires an understanding and ability to engage in acting technique, as well as strong dedication, energy and mutual support. Students will analyze and rehearse a scripted play, engage in research on the play’s themes, apply writings by theater professionals, and regularly reflect on personal progress. Students will also engage with creative work in other aspects of production, including design, construction and publicity. Please note that this class includes rehearsals after school multiple days a week throughout the term, and every afternoon during Weeks 9-11. Students may not participate in an Urban athletics team while taking this class. Prerequisite: Theater 1, Essentials of Comedy, Musical Theater Production, Peer Education Theater or instructor approval. (1/2 credit)

UAS Theater 2: Performance Ensemble

UAS Theater 2: Performance Ensemble is the second in a sequence of classes that helps students develop the skills and habits of mind required for performance. Students will broaden their knowledge of theatrical approaches, develop strategies for analyzing scripts, learn to create complex dramatic characters, learn to listen to and follow their instincts, and gain experience in creating, guiding and performing work in a variety of styles. Students will analyze and perform or direct scripted scenes and monologues from a range of plays, and investigate a selection of genres from the theatrical canon. The course includes a field trip to see a play at a local professional theater. Theater 2 culminates in a showcase performance of scenes and monologues developed entirely in class time for the school community. Prerequisite: Theater 1, Theater Production or instructor approval. (1/2 credit)

Courses Offered In Alternate Years

Circus Techniques

Circus Techniques teaches students to go upside down, juggle and balance on different objects; in other words, to expand their physical vocabulary by developing skills in a variety of traditional circus arts. In class we perform basic acrobatics, human pyramids,juggling and aerial work. These techniques enhance flexibility and build strength while teaching students timing, spatial orientation and coordination. Work in circus arts requires discipline, collaboration and imagination. It provides a strong foundation for anyone interested in learning new skills, expanding creativity and developing courage. The course culminates in a circus performance that is developed entirely during class time for the school community and public. (No previous experience required) (1/2 credit)

Essentials of Comedy

Essentials of Comedy investigates an art form that is both unifying and polarizing: comedic performance. We will explore various styles of comedy, including short form (such as TikTok and improvisation games), sitcoms, satire, stand-up and more, to understand what makes something funny and why. This is a performance-based class where students will be expected to hone their comedic chops through individual and small group performances, presentations and writing exercises. All experience levels are welcome, from confident jokesters to those uncomfortable with jokes altogether. Comedy is more important than ever, and this class will invite students to both find and create a respite, emphasizing joy and playful discovery. The class will include a field trip to a local comedy event, such as a stand-up or a sketch group performance. Essentials of Comedy culminates in a final showcase performance developed by the class for the school community. (No previous experience required) (1/2 Credit)

Queer Theater History

Queer Theater History examines the global history of queer theater. Students will study plays, performances, theory, and scholarship in an exploration of how LGBTQ+ artists have used theater to challenge societal norms and push for political change. The course covers a range of performance styles, from drag shows to experimental theater, and how queer artists have shaped the history of theater over time. Students will also look at the intersections of queer theater with other social movements, such as feminism and anti-racism, and the ongoing struggles for representation and inclusion in the theater world. This course intends to identify key aspects of queer theater and performance, and deepen students’ understanding of physical, social, and emotional subtext in history. Prerequisites: US History Sequence (Making/ReMaking America), or any Theater class, or instructor approval. (11th and 12th graders only) (1/2 credit) Cross-listed in Multidisciplinary Courses.