TOWAMENCIN- With course selection quickly creeping up, many students are thinking about their many options for their next year at North Penn. There are so many course choices here at the high school, it is easy to get confused. A few classes that many don’t know about are the North Penn Theatre classes, taught by Mrs. Andrea Roney.

“The theatre classes improve you as an actor and teach you other helpful skills,” commented junior Sammi Stec.

The course options and descriptions are listed below:

Designing for the Stage/Stage Crew 8010 (2 periods – 0.3 credit)

This class is open to all students of any grade who are interested in an opportunity to study many aspects of theatre: sets, costumes, make-up, properties, light and sound design, marketing and publicity, business management, stage management, and dramaturgy (research). Hands-on projects will be offered in all areas of the backstage area. A final project and portfolio are required. Some “real-life” experiences may be offered in class to support the North Penn High School Theatre fall play or spring musical. Participation in NPHS Theatre plays is not a requirement for the class — though we certainly encourage you to get involved!

Introduction to Acting 8020 (2 periods – 0.3 credit)

Acting exercises, improvisations, script analysis, and research techniques are used to help students of any grade discover the physical and emotional truths of a character. Through work on a chosen monologue and a portfolio project, supporting writing and research skills, students will increase their acting, communication, analysis, writing, and time management skills while developing self confidence and the appreciation of the art of acting. A final monologue presentation and portfolio are required. Participation in NPHS Theatre productions is not a requirement for the class, but it would be amazing to try out techniques learned in class on the big stage! 

Advanced Acting 8030 (2 periods – 0.3 credit)  

Prerequisite: Student must have earned a “B” or higher in Introduction to Acting OR have an audition/interview. 

Students will continue to develop the acting, communication, analysis, writing, research, and time management skills begun in Introduction to Acting or Stage Crew & Design through in-depth analysis and research of scenes, monologues, or one-act and full length plays. Acting exercises, improvisations, critiques of work, and script analysis will help students create characters that reflect different time periods and acting styles. A minimum of two acting or design projects and a portfolio reflecting the student’s growth as a creative artist are required. Work will be differentiated for students interested in technical theatre.

Drama Major 0235 (6 periods – 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Acceptance into this course is pending the outcome of an audition with the Drama Major instructor prior to April 1 AND is open to BOTH juniors and seniors. Drama Major can be taken in both the Junior and Senior years with one year focusing on History and Development of American Musical Theatre (2018- 2019) as a unique American creation, and the History & Development of the American Theatre (2019-2020) as we found our theatrical voice as a nation. Drama Major is an exciting class made up of students interested in both acting and technical theatre. Students complete a wide variety of group and personal projects geared to the curriculum and his or her personal interests; read/watch and critique plays and relevant films; read texts on acting and production; continue to develop skills in time management, auditioning & job interviewing, communication, collaboration & team-building, reading & dramaturgy; and support NPHS Theatre productions — plus other fun activities. Besides acting and/or design work, a portfolio project reflecting the student’s growth as a creative artist is required. It is recommended that a student have taken a prior theatre class or have experience in NPHS Theatre prior to scheduling this class.

Career Study or Professional Exploration

Explore opportunities to work closely with the business and creation of NPHS Theatre through programs offered at NPHS.

“Theatre education includes all the 21st Century Skills that educators have found through research and practice prepare students for life. It’s called the 4C’s: collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity.  None of us can predict exactly what jobs will be in the future, but any student who can apply the 4C’s to his or her learning can adapt to any new opportunities,” explained Roney