High School and Middle School Performing Arts Programs

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts offers students rich experiences in the theater arts at both the middle school and high school levels. Students are provided with many opportunities to participate in the program both on and off stage.

Chenery Middle School Theater Program 

Grade 8 Theater Arts Elective. The theater arts class is designed to give students experience with both platform (or public speaking) and theatrical communication. Students explore a variety of speech styles, movement, and stage spots and scenes. A culminating performance is planned as part of this experience.

Lower School (grades 5 and 6)

Lower School students are offered an after-school Theater Workshop program that meets once per week throughout the school year. The focus is on fundamental acting, staging and playwriting, as well as confidence building. The program culminates in an informal presentation for their parents and/or classmates. The presentation might, for instance, be a short one-act original piece written and performed by the students in the program.

Upper School (grades 7 and 8)

Seventh and eighth graders present an annual spring musical theater production. Students are provided with opportunities not only on stage, but in set design, costuming, and other aspects associated with a major musical production. All rehearsals are after school.

Belmont High School Theater Program 

Students at the High School level have opportunities for hands-on learning, both after school and during the school day. Course offerings in theater include Introduction to Acting and Technical Theater as well as Advanced Acting, Directing and Dramatic Analysis. Theater classes focus on creativity, critical thinking and expanding knowledge of a wide variety of theatrical styles through hands-on, exploratory learning. Outside the classroom, all students have the opportunity to participate in the Performing Arts Company's five co-curricular productions each year.