“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being. ”
Introduction to Theatre Arts
This Introductory elective is accepted by the University of California A-G Guide as a Visual and Performing Arts “f” requirement. This year-long, activity-oriented course is designed to introduce students to all aspects of Theatre Arts while building the student’s “Soft Skills” leading to College and Career Readiness. This class does not require an audition, and enrollment is at the discretion of the student’s counselor. Students are required to WATCH a live theatre show each semester.
Dr. Stephan Gray, certified fight director demonstrates safety in stage combat during a 6th period workshop series..
A Toy Story Tableaux
Intermediate Theatre Arts
Students focus on realistic acting focused on Stanislavski techniques. In the fall, this class produces a Mental Health one-act play for Health students. Students will be required to PARTICIPATE in this live ensemble theatre production, whether on stage or as crew, and to attend at least one after school rehearsal. Please do not take this performance class if you cannot be in performances.
In the Spring, students must also either participate in a show, such as the Musical or Poly Productions, or be on a crew.
Evening Shows are at 6:30 pm.
Health Play (Fall) 6:30 pm - ONE evening show after sharing the show during their class period with Health classes.
Wig Master Melyssa Swenson teaches a guest workshop on wig design in preparation for the Addams Family Musical.
Advanced Theatre Arts
Students learn ensemble work, improvisation, character study, and varied styles of performance through hands-on performance. In the Spring, a professional actor & screenwriter from NHSI of Northwestern University of Chicago will guide the students in writing their own one-act play. Six of these plays are selected to be produced for performance. Membership is by instructor approval only based on successful 1st year observation or audition (See Class Placement tab).
Students will be required to PARTICIPATE in a live theatre production each semester, whether on stage or as crew, and to attend at least one after school rehearsal in preparation for each. Please do not take this performance class if you cannot be in performances.
Evening Shows are at 6:30 pm.
Poly Productions (Spring) - TWO evening shows.
“Advanced” class during Skype Interview with Playwright, Lindsay Price, who has written over 200 plays, including darklight, the play which IA students are currently rehearsing for our health department.
Play Production
(7th period)
Our select premier ensemble functions as a repertory theatre company. The Fall play is rehearsed primarily during class time. However, these students are also required to attend some after-school rehearsals, in order to perform at the high level expected by Long Beach Poly High School. Membership of Play Production is by instructor approval.
These students maintain leadership positions in the drama department throughout the year.
Students are REQUIRED to participate in regular after school rehearsals and performances leading up to:
Fall Play
Spring Musical
Shakesperience
Incoming students have just discovered their “Bigs” after a couple of weeks of secret buddy gifts.
Enjoying free tickets to “The Glass Menagerie” at our local professional theatre, International City Theatre