Theatre

Building character, confidence, relationships and futures…

Students in grades K-7 receive weekly classes in Theatre Education specifically designed to instill confidence, foster collaboration, and utilize real life skills they can take with them throughout their academic and professional journeys. From structured play to devising and adapting Greek Tragedies, our students are exposed to a variety of theatrical techniques and structures that not only enhance their creative minds but enrich and support their academic ones as well. The theatre program is primarily project-based learning, focusing on practical application of the skills they acquire in class while giving students artistic autonomy and freedom. 

---

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Kindergarten: The theatre experience at HNJ begins in kindergarten where students begin to discover creative expression through organized play and movement. They learn the basic components of creating a character, the importance of stage presence and body language, and the proper use and control of the human voice. These skills are then put on display at their graduation ceremony at the end of the year. 

---

LOWER SCHOOL 

First Grade (Creating Characters): The foundation of any dramatic scene is the characters within it. First grade students begin to explore the process of creating a character from the ground up and the many components needed to develop it. This training culminates in their final Character Project in which they fully embody a real-life person. Students study and develop the many traits that make up a character and then give voice to them through writing an original monologue which they perform for their families and peers. 

Second Grade (Puppet Theatre):  Building on the skills they’ve learned in first grade, students in second grade expand on the concept of character and create and devise a short play. Through the use of puppets, students are able to explore theatrical structure and how a play is created while also discovering the many backstage positions that theatre employs. Directly correlating to their core curriculum classes, students begin to understand narrative storytelling and expression, all while embracing collaboration and creativity.

Third Grade (Sounds & Shakespeare): As our students develop academically, the theatre program begins to align more with their everyday core curriculum by exploring the concepts they’re learning in the classroom in a practical manner. Third Grade students begin to explore language and voice in their theatre classes and develop their memorization and performance skills. Using Dr. Seuss and Shakespeare, students are exposed to the beauty and structure of language, the importance of diction and enunciation, and understanding and interpreting more complex texts. The year culminates in a performance of a Shakespeare sonnet on stage for families and peers. 

Fourth Grade (It’s All Greek to Me): As students learn about mythology in their core classes, they take that knowledge into the theatre environment as they learn all about the origins of theatre in Ancient Greece. In a cross-over collaboration with the Art Department, they then create real Greek Theatre Masks and begin the process of devising their own theatrical work in the Ancient Greek style. Students learn about the importance of collaborating, the process of writing a play, as well as the structures and characteristics specific to storytelling in ancient times. These mini-plays are then presented onstage for families and peers. 

---

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Grades 5-7 (Public Speaking): No matter what future career path our students embark on, they will undoubtedly be asked to speak in front of a group of people. Public speaking is a skill that not only can be taught but must be practiced. At HNJ, the middle school theatre curriculum focuses solely on public speaking and the techniques used to create confident individuals and future leaders. 

Fifth Grade (Extemporaneous Speaking): As our students begin their middle school experience, they ease into the world of public speaking through weekly classes that teach them the skill of “thinking on their feet.” Weekly prompts offer a topic of discussion that students will then respond to in an impromptu presentation. They learn the importance of gathering information, quick research, as well as how to organize their thoughts and ideas in a concise manner. Particular attention is given to body language, vocal projection and connection with an audience. 

Sixth Grade (Persuasive Speaking): Students build on their skills from fifth grade by applying them to an organized presentation geared at persuading an audience to buy into their product or idea. Think of a mini “Shark Tank.” Students research factual information about their product and arm themselves with information that supports their enthusiasm for said product. They are encouraged to bring as much individuality to their presentations and focus on the structure of what makes a good speech. Particular attention is given to format and outline. Students then present their speeches onstage for their grade level at the end of the trimester. 

Seventh Grade (Welcome to My Ted Talk!): Now armed with the knowledge and tools of what makes a good public speaker, students are tasked with creating their own 5-minute Ted Talks on a topic of their choice. Students learn important research skills, the difference between primary and secondary sources, as well as the benefits technology gives a presenter in public speaking. Focus is given to engaging an audience, body language and vocal clarity and projection. Students present their talks for families and peers at the end of the trimester. 

---

MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVES

Middle School students have the opportunity to engage more deeply with theatre through our elective offerings. In these classes, students that are enthusiastic about theatre and performance are given the chance to explore these topics in a more concentrated and focused environment. Here are just a few of the classes that the Theatre Department offers: 

• Broadcast Journalism 
• Music Video Production
• Musical Theatre Voice
• Musical Theatre Dance
• Set Design
• Costume Design 
• Playwriting