A B O U T   O U R   C L A S S E S

This year, students can choose to participate in one or both semesters of our theatre program. The year will be broken into two separate (but related) classes.
Enrollment is already open for both our 1st and 2nd semester classes. If you would like a reminder about 2nd semester enrollment, follow us on social media for regular updates.

E M P O W E R M E N T   T H R O U G H   P L A Y W R I T I N G

S E P T E M B E R  -  N O V E M B E R


​Students will be guided through the process of writing their own individual One Act plays about topics that deeply matter to them. This will be a time to explore character development, personal beliefs, and talents. This class will emphasize clear storytelling rather than grammatical precision. 

Students will receive instruction on writing techniques and be guided through the writing process. They will need to have access to a computer so that they can write at home during the week and should also have a way to work on their scripts in class. 

We will play interactive games and spend time discussing ideas and stories during class time; weekly classes will be used for fun interaction, not just “writing lab.”

Each writer will get to direct a scene from their script for a small showcase. Family can be invited to the mini performance. At the end of the semester, through a voting process, two One Acts will be chosen to be featured in the end of the year production (which will be produced in June). 

Students can always schedule coaching sessions with Mrs. Bry for one on one discussion help with their story development/ script writing. 
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Students will be graded through a rubric which includes categories such as participation, completion and quality of script, and final scene showcase.

Max Capacity:  12 Students​


C O S T: $ 4 5 / M O N T H

A C T I N G   A N D   P R O D U C T I O N

J A N U A R Y  -  J U N E


Students will be taken through the rehearsal and production process as they learn to fulfill technical roles and/or acting roles. Everything from costumes, to sound design, to concessions management will be incorporated into the class.The production will focus on bringing the two selected One Acts to life. Both One Acts will be directed by Bryanna Ruesche and there will be opportunities for seniors to apply for an internship as an assistant / stage manager. 

There will be a lot of discussion and interaction during each class time. Students will also learn some fun warm up games. However, this time will primarily be used as a professional rehearsal time. The goal is to train students on how a successful show is developed. This will culminate into a full-length final performance at the end of the school year with several consecutive show dates.

The semester will begin with auditions (for on stage roles) and a sign up sheet (for tech and crew positions). NO ONE WILL BE TURNED AWAY! It is our desire to open this class to students who do not desire to perform but still have a passion for participating in the creative process. Through auditions, we will assign roles for onstage and off stage. All of our tech crew will be guided in how to do their responsibilities and how to help pull a show together like a professional theatre company. All of our actors will learn how to do intensive character development throughout the semester.
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Students will be graded through a rubric which includes categories such as participation, professionalism, and the final production quality.
Max Capacity: 25 Students 


C O S T: $ 4 5 / M O N T H

T I M E  C O M M I T M E N T

  • 1st and 2nd semester classes will meet from 9:30am - 11:00pm on Fridays.

  • 2nd semester Acting and Production class will require some evening rehearsal times, periodically (tech students may not be called for all rehearsals but actors will be expected to attend most rehearsals).
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*See our "Calendar" page for our detailed schedule. Rehearsal schedule is subject to additions but families will be updated accordingly and with ample time to plan ahead.

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C R E D I T  O P T I O N S

  • Participation in both the first and second semester of our program will count for one full elective credit of theatre arts.​
  • Participation in the Empowerment Through Playwriting (1st semester) class can count for EITHER ½ creative writing credit OR ½ elective in theatre arts.
  • Participation in the Acting and Production (2nd semester) class can count for ½ elective in theatre arts.
  • You can also choose to participate in one or both of our classes this year and not count credits but add it to your student’s overall portfolio as an extracurricular.
  • If your student is a senior and is selected to be one of our 2nd semester interns, this will be a great addition to their portfolio! There is also the potential for a recommendation letter if the interns are professional and effective. 
 Our program is built to serve 7th through 12th grade students.

R E Q U I R E D  M A T E R I A L S

  • Students will need access to one of the following: desktop/laptop/tablet/ipad/etc so they can work on their stories and can type their scripts on a weekly basis.
  • Students will need access to our Slack App (through either a computer or phone)
  • Students will need pencils (pens are optional)
  • Students will need notebook paper
  • Students will need highlighters
  • Students will need a 2 inch binder
  • Each student is REQUIRED to bring one (1) ream of paper
  • Each student is REQUIRED to bring one (1) roll of paper towels
  • For the second semester: students may be asked to purchase stage makeup
  • For the second semester: each student will have a $15 Resource Fee
All written materials and coursework will be provided; no textbook required.

S C H O L A R S H I P

We desire to be inclusive and offer our program to students who care deeply about the mission of ETD. In order to make sure our doors are open to students with various situations, we will be offering scholarship opportunities!
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Requirements:
-Student must meet all program eligibility requirements
- Student must be financially restricted from participation in the program (could not otherwise enroll without financial assistance)
- Student must write one paragraph (5 sentences or more) about why they desire to participate)