The Theater Department at AACMS provides students with a blend of rich, engaging and thought-provoking learning activities designed to develop their skills in communication—reading, writing, speaking and listening—as well as critical thinking, and storytelling. The curriculum continually reinforces students’ knowledge of basic theater terminology and healthy development of the actor’s voice while offering a range of experiences with theater in its various forms. The program places a heavy emphasis on the process rather than the product, allowing students a safe space to think creatively, use their imaginations, and express themselves.  

At every level, the AACMS Theatre curriculum reinforces the fundamentals of theater, including basic vocabulary, stage directors, movement for the actor, developing the actor’s voice, and improvisation.
 

Fifth Grade
Theatre Workshop students study the basics of theater, including fundamental vocabulary and stage directions. Students develop their performance skills through participation in theater games, improvisation activities, and choral speaking. Students also focus on spatial awareness, learn and perform short monologues and scenes, and study the creation of human tableaux. Finally, students prepare scenes to be performed at part of the Fifth Grade Arts Showcase.  

Sixth Grade
Following a review of basic theater terminology, stage directons, and types of stages, sixth grade Theater students explore a wide range of key skills including movement for the actor, development of the actor’s voice, breath control, articulation, and projection. Over the course of the school year, students also study improvisation, pantomime, clowning, choral speaking, characterization, performance of monologues, and prop construction. In the spring, students study ancient Greek theater. Students routinely perform for their peers as part of the class, with evening performances for friends and family held periodically.  

Seventh Grade
In seventh grade theatre, students continue building on the basic skills and vocabulary introduced in earlier years. They deepen their work in movement, improvisation, characterization, and character development. The curriculum also includes units on playwriting, Commedia del’Arte, prop making, and theatre history, offering students a broader understanding of theatrical traditions. Throughout the year, students have opportunities to apply their learning through performance, including participation in the Spring Theatre Showcase.

Eighth Grade
Eighth grade theatre students build on their prior knowledge by applying foundational skills to more advanced concepts, texts, and performance projects. With the benefit of extended class periods, students engage in a wide range of topics, including short- and long-form improvisation, deeper character work, costume design, stage makeup, acting methods, and acting for the camera. A strong focus is placed on monologue and scene work—students write, analyze, and perform pieces while also developing essential audition techniques. The year culminates in an introduction to Shakespeare and participation in a spring play, giving students the opportunity to apply their learning in a full production setting.
 

The Theater Department provides performance opportunities for all students. Fifth grade Theater Workshop students perform as part of the annual Fifth Grade Arts Showcase. Sixth and seventh grade Secondary Theater students perform for peers and classmates during the school day. Primary Theater students in grades six, seven and eight prepare for two showcases each year, one in the winter and another in the spring. Theater performances are held in a variety of venues throughout the year.
 

Shannon Felletter                                 Jaedon Muhl
7th & 8th Grade                                      5th & 6th Grade
sfelletter@arts-cs.org                          jmuhl@arts-cs.org