Theatre
The Jackson Academy stages are home to Shakespearean adaptations like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, classic favorites like Peter Pan and Mary Poppins, and original works created by faculty members. JA Theatre students’ talents shine in the spotlight and backstage, bringing powerful stories to life
A Vibrant Stage Life
Talented performers, technicians, and designers collaborate to create theatrical experiences that lift audiences to new heights. Theatre students discover and hone their storytelling abilities, exercising creative muscles while gaining confidence and deepening their sense of empathy. Whether it’s a love for lights, costumes, stagecraft, acting, dance, or music, there’s a place for everyone’s work in the spotlight!
Classroom Instruction in Theatre
Jackson Academy students from grades six through twelve have the opportunity to participate in a variety of theatre classes and productions. Preschool and Lower Schools students also have the opportunity to collaborate with Middle and Upper School students on various theatre projects throughout the year. Jackson Academy is home to Troupe 8632 of the International Thespian Society, a nationally recognized theatre honor society.
Performance Opportunities:
- The Fall Musical wows audiences each October on the main stage with performances by 6th-12th grade students. The musical gives student performers and crew members the opportunity to learn from professional costumers, designers, musicians, and technicians from across the country.
- Theatre students participate in Christmas With the Arts, a school-wide celebration of the holiday season, hosted by the Performing Arts Departments.
- Each year, Upper School theatre students travel to three competitions to participate in One Act Festivals as well as solo, duet, and group competitions.
- Each Spring, the Blackbox Theatre is transformed into a stunning performance space as Middle and Upper School students present the Spring Play.
- Middle School students enrolled in the Musical Theatre Elective present their class play in the Blackbox Theatre each May.
- The fun doesn’t stop when the school year ends! Performers from grade K5 to 8th grade can participate in Center Stage and Lights Up summer camps!
Classes
Theatre I
This course is a theatre survey or introduction course. Students participate in class performances and projects. Upon completing this course, students have mastered the following:
- Basic theatre history from Greek to modern
- Types of stages, stage directions, and basic acting techniques
- Theatrical professions and hierarchy
- Basic knowledge of technical theatre elements
Theatre Production
Theatre Production introduces students to the backstage art of theatre. Students enrolled in this class will gain a working knowledge of scenic design and construction, makeup design and execution, prop and costume design, and areas of technical theatre including lighting and sound design, marketing, directing, and stage management.
Theatre Competition
This class provides a time for rehearsal for theatre competitions across the state including Dramafest, MTA, and ThesCon. Admission to this course is by audition only. Students enrolled in this course are required to commit to participate in all competition events. Through rehearsal and execution of a one act play and individual events for competitions, students in this course continue their education in the areas of acting, musical theatre, directing, costume and set construction, and makeup design.
Musical Theatre Elective
This class is an opportunity for Middle School students to explore the world of theatre. Students in this course discover basic stage acting rules and practice improvisation. In addition, they prepare a one act play to present at the end of the year.
Theatre has the power to challenge, inspire, and entertain our audiences as we tell the stories of the world around us and the worlds we imagine might exist. As we teach students how to become better artists, we are also teaching them creativity, diligence, and empathy.
Visit Jackson Academy
Schedule your personal tour of JA’s campus by calling 601.364.5761 or clicking the link below.