“Newsies” with the Skylight in our Black Box Theater
Our program is aligned with National Core Arts Standards for Theater where students are engaged in rigorous academic study learning advanced skills based on a college level curriculum. Many students continue to study theatre in secondary education. The fundamental education received at MHSA prepares our graduates, many of whom have gone on after graduation to major in theatere, television and film studios across the country.
Multiple productions in our three performance spaces allow students to apply their classroom learning in a real world environment. The Theatre Program at MHSA works directly with many local organizations such as the Skylight Opera Theater and The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, in addition to masterclasses with professionals.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Level 1 – Intro to Theatre/Pre-AP Theatre (Freshmen) Students are introduced to storytelling, Ancient Greek Theatre history, the foundations of improvisation and comedy techniques. The Skylight Music Theatre also offers their Teen Writes program for our Freshmen, in which students create and perform a short performance piece. This year focuses on building a foundation of community, empathy and resilience within the Theatre Department, and culminates in a public comedy show performance.
Level 2 – Theatre Arts Workshop (Sophomores) Students Engage in scene work and script analysis from Renaissance and Modern Realism texts. Basic technical design and function are Introduced. Students will participate in the Skylight Music Theatre’s Musical Residency in the fall. There is a heavy focus on collaboration and professionalism.
Level 3 – Advanced Acting & Acting for the Camera (Juniors) This course will provide students with a solid foundation for professional study as an actor in theatre as well as in film/TV/Radio. The class focuses on an academic and studio approach to the most significant Playwrights and Theoreticians of the Twentieth Century. In keeping with the contemporary world there is a study of electronic media as well.
Level 3 – Stage Crew & Design (Juniors) Students begin or continue script analysis & design work with Symbolist, Expressionist & Existentialist texts. Students are responsible for the preparation and execution of the technical needs of the performance/film schedule of MHSA.
Level 4 – Directing (Seniors) The primary purpose of this course is to establish the fundamentals of Directing, both in film and theatre, including choosing shows, rehearsal scheduling, best directing practices, etc. There will be collaboration with the Level 4 Design students for Senior Showcase and Film Study. Senior Showcase is the final, completely student-led (design, directing and performing) performance for Theatre Majors.
Level 4 – Technical Theater and Advanced Design (Seniors) Students begin or continue script analysis & design work for Post-Modern and African American texts. Students are responsible for the preparation and execution of the technical needs of the performance/film schedule of MHSA.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
CURRENT AND PAST PARTNERSHIPS
BIOS
Mrs. Tricia LaCroix – A graduate of MHSA’s Theatre Department in 2006 herself, Mrs. LaCroix is happy to be back in her new favorite role as “teacher”. She attended UW-Stevens Point and received her BFA in Acting. After a hiatus from the world of Theatre, Mrs. LaCroix came back to MHSA to work as a secretary and the Parent Coordinator. During that time, she also went back to school to receive her Theatre Education degree from UW-Milwaukee. Mrs. LaCroix has performed in over 20 productions and she is grateful to be able to share her passion for Theatre with her students.