CHSW THEATRE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Philosophy and Rationale: Theatre has always been a part of human history. Every culture has its own unique form of theatre. Theatre is a reflection of the society that created it and by its nature has the ability to transform that society. The students of Cranston High School West need to understand the role theatre has in society and its place in human history. Through a balanced study of theatre history, stage technology and design fundamentals, dramatic literature, and performance skills students will come to understand and apply the creative process as they create their own works of art.
Program Mission Statement: The Theater Program at Cranston High School West aims to well prepare those students who plan to further study or work in theater arts, as well as to develop, in all students, the confidence, poise, articulate communication, team work, problem solving, critical thinking, and reflective strategies required to become productive members of society. In a theater classroom or production environment, all students are:
1.) Communicate effectively and confidently to a variety of audiences
2.) Gather, analyze, and apply information and ideas in order to recognize and solve problems based upon critical thinking skills
3.) Be prepared to successfully complete higher educational pursuits while preparing for professional work in the entertainment industry
4.) Make decisions and act as responsible members of society
5.) Be a life-long participant in theatre and other art forms
Season: CHSW Theatre Program typically produces two main stage productions each year: a musical in the fall and a one act play in the spring for the RI State Drama Festival. Productions are selected with a four-year vision to provide students with opportunities to participate in a variety of performance styles and play genres. Informal production opportunities occur throughout the year as an outgrowth of class projects to include UNMASKED, ACTING OUT, CABARET.
Program Mission Statement: The Theater Program at Cranston High School West aims to well prepare those students who plan to further study or work in theater arts, as well as to develop, in all students, the confidence, poise, articulate communication, team work, problem solving, critical thinking, and reflective strategies required to become productive members of society. In a theater classroom or production environment, all students are:
- Continuously challenged to move beyond sitting passively in the learner’s seat and actively engaged in their learning by doing
- Heterogeneously grouped and molded, through academic, social, and creative interactions, into a cohesive team.
- Given performance and technical theater opportunities that challenge and extend their creativity
- Making connections between theatre, self, other classroom content areas, life experiences, and the world in which they live.
- Encouraged to develop a lifelong appreciation for theatre arts.
1.) Communicate effectively and confidently to a variety of audiences
2.) Gather, analyze, and apply information and ideas in order to recognize and solve problems based upon critical thinking skills
3.) Be prepared to successfully complete higher educational pursuits while preparing for professional work in the entertainment industry
4.) Make decisions and act as responsible members of society
5.) Be a life-long participant in theatre and other art forms
Season: CHSW Theatre Program typically produces two main stage productions each year: a musical in the fall and a one act play in the spring for the RI State Drama Festival. Productions are selected with a four-year vision to provide students with opportunities to participate in a variety of performance styles and play genres. Informal production opportunities occur throughout the year as an outgrowth of class projects to include UNMASKED, ACTING OUT, CABARET.