Theatre

Teaching performance techniques at Maret begins at an early age. Each student has an opportunity to perform on stage at Maret beginning in kindergarten with music concerts. The lower grades include many other projects that include presentation and performance skills, such as foreign language plays, biographical and fictional character projects, and the annual Publishing Party. Students learn how to present in front of others and build confidence in their own “voice.”

The performance capstone in the Lower School is the fourth grade Greek Musical. The students memorize lines, learn choreography, block scenes based on Greek mythology, and work on songs and instrumental pieces. They begin this process in February during Intensive Study Week with workshops in drama and theatre and continue the process in music class and, in early May, with daily rehearsals.

Performance Studies
In this interdisciplinary class, students examine the greater world through the lens of performance to reflect on our society and interpret deeper meaning. They continue to build acting techniques and explore all aspects of performance, including dance, music, and theatre. In addition to working with different types of monologues and scenes, students write and create their own performance pieces that explore their individual passions. They perform regularly for the class and finish the year with a group performance in front of a small audience.

Introduction to Technical Theater
Students gain introductory technical experience in stage carpentry, lighting, and sound. They learn the skills necessary to work backstage for a live production and are encouraged, but not required, to work on the fall and/or spring tech crew for a Maret theatrical production.

Advanced Technical Theater
Students with an interest in technical theater further develop and apply stagecraft skill sets. They take part in hands-on class projects, work on Maret productions during class time, and are encouraged, but not required, to spend time outside of class working on Maret productions.