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.

Basic Acting Technique
Students acquire basic acting techniques and terms through performance exercises that acquaint them with the fundamental tools of acting: voice and body. Students learn how to analyze a script as an actor, identify the circumstances of a scene, and develop a character’s physical actions. They perform monologues and scenes for the class and finish the year with a 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.