Classes
TJ Theater is a welcoming department where you can meet new people, express creativity, and use your brain and body in a refreshing way. All experience levels welcome!
Theater Arts
Acting
Directing
Playwriting
Units of Study
Building an Ensemble
Improvisation
Character Development
Theater for Young Audiences
Devised Theater
Audition Workshop
VHSL One Act Competition
And more!
Semester Classes
Theater Arts 1 and 2 (regular credit)
Theater Arts 3 and 4 (+0.5 credit)
Technical Theater
Designing
Producing
Engineering
Units of Study
Set Design and Construction
Scenic Painting
Costume Design and Construction
Lighting Design and Engineering
Make up Design
Sound Design and Engineering
Stage Management
And more!
Semester Classes
Technical Theater 1 and 2 (regular credit)
Technical Theater 3 and 4 (+0.5 credit)
Expectations
No prior acting experience needed
Active participation and willingness to learn
Willingness to adhere to safety regulations when operating equipment
Open perspectives to other student’s artistic views
Why Theater?
Sample Schedules
Gain leadership skills through collaborative projects
Develop a confident voice for public speaking and presenting
Experience varied perspectives
Build creative problem solving skills
Destress while still being productive
Build relationships with students you might not otherwise interact with
Experience hands-on project and activities that get you moving
Wondering how to fit an arts class into your schedule? Check out these sample course plans to see how students have taken arts classes at TJ while still taking a variety of STEM classes that lead to various senior labs. Click below to see a sample schedule, organized by senior research lab. Or, put in your individual plans into our course planning spreadsheet to see how to make curricular theater work!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am worried about my student’s workload. How will a performing arts class affect this?
A: It won’t add to their take home workload! The performing arts classes are designed to have their assignments and projects done in-class.
Q: There are so many electives and required classes to take at TJ. How can my student fit a performing arts class into their schedule?
A: It is possible to take a performing arts class at every grade level! Your student can talk to counselors or the arts teachers for scheduling help, or check out our sample class schedules! You can take the unique STEM classes that TJ offers while still taking a performing arts class. Sample course schedules are above!
Q: Does taking a performing arts class mean that my student has to participate in the after-school productions?
A: Absolutely not! The curricular classes and after-school programs are separate.
Q: My student wants to audition for the theater productions, will taking the class help their chances of being cast?
A; All students who audition are given equal chances during casting. However, students who take the classes will have the time and resources to develop their acting ability.
Q: I see that there’s an 8th period option for Drama and Choir. What is the 8th period club and how is it different from the class?
A: The 8th period clubs are student led activities like improv club, choir, and student technician training. 8th period is not teacher instructed time, so students do not get the full experience or exposure to the material. For more information, see our 8th period page.
Q: What are the benefits of taking a theater arts class?
A: Research shows that students who take arts classes in high school are more well-rounded, have increased academic performance, and strengthen communication skills.
Q: On the course sign ups, I see multiple levels of theater. Which one do I sign up for?
A: The semester breakdown for the theater arts classes are:
Theater Arts 1 / 3 = Fall Semester
Theater Arts 2 / 4 = Spring Semester
Students interested in taking a full year’s worth of theater for the first time should sign up for Theater Arts 1 and 2.
Q: My student wants to take theater all four years. Is that possible?
A: Yes! Students who want to take arts classes all four years, can sign up at any grade level. The curriculum is new each year, so material is fresh and just like band or orchestra, students will have a new experience each time regardless if they have taken the course before.
Testimonials
TJ Students
"Theater is the most interactive class I've ever had. In other classes, students aren't quite as close, and work solo for the most part. In theater, talking and having fun with your peers is part of your classwork." - Class of '26
“It has helped me hone my social intelligence in many ways. Now I can communicate with my teachers and peers in a much more effective way than I previously had. That skill can prove useful for many years to come." - Class of '26
“Thanks to theater, I am better at public speaking, communication, and expressing my ideas. As a senior, I am in the Robotics research lab completing a project that will be in our spring musical... and I'm not the only theater student who has done theater-related research!" - Class of '23
TJ Parents
"My child has increased self-confidence, has built friendships, and feels a sense of belonging in theater at TJ." -Class of '26 Parent
"Theater has been good for my child's mental health. In a school where a lot of things are stressful, theater has provided a place where she express herself in a a supportive community." - Class of '25 Parent
"We know that colleges value students that are well-rounded. My child's investment and dedication to theater arts will be a valuable asset to her in that regard." - Class of '25 Parent
"Theater appealed to my student because it is collaborative and supportive, unlike some of the other more competitive things at TJ. It is a way to focus energy on something outside of the intense core curriculum." -Class of '23 Parent