About
The Theater Arts pathway at San Jacinto Valley Academy provides students with a creative and supportive environment to explore performance and production. Whether new to theatre or building on prior experience, students develop confidence, collaboration skills, and a strong artistic voice.
Students progress through Theater Arts and Production 1 and 2, where they learn acting, improvisation, character development, and stagecraft, while gaining hands-on experience with technical elements like lighting and sound. For advanced study, IB Theatre Year 1 and Year 2 offer deeper exploration of global theatre and performance.
Students may also take Creative Arts, an introductory elective that explores visual and performing arts, including basic stagecraft and production concepts.
Creative Arts is all about trying new things and discovering what you can create. Students explore different forms of art; from performance to design, while building confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills. Whether you’re stepping into the arts for the first time or looking to expand your creativity, this class gives you the freedom to express yourself and think outside the box.
Theater Arts and Production 1(TAAP 1) description: Theater Arts and Production 1 is an introductory course within the Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) pathway that provides students with foundational skills in both performance and technical theatre. Students will explore basic acting techniques such as voice, movement, character development, and improvisation, while also being introduced to stage directions, blocking, and ensemble work. In addition, students gain exposure to technical elements including set design, lighting, sound, and backstage responsibilities. Through hands-on activities, scene work, and collaborative projects, students build confidence, creativity, and communication skills while developing an understanding of the rehearsal and production process.
Theater Arts and Production 2 (TAAP 2) description: Theater Arts and Production 2 builds on the foundational skills developed in Theater Arts and Production 1, offering students more advanced training in both performance and technical theatre. Students deepen their understanding of acting through character analysis, scene study, and more complex improvisation, while refining their vocal projection, physicality, and stage presence. They also take on greater responsibility in the production process, exploring areas such as stage management, lighting and sound design, and set construction. Through collaborative performances and hands-on production work, students develop leadership skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and a stronger commitment to professional rehearsal practices, preparing them for advanced coursework and real-world theatre experiences. The experiences gained in this course also prepare students for IB Theater their Junior year of High School.
IB Theater Years One and Two: During this two-year course, students will be exposed to theatrical culture from around the world and learn about a variety of theater theorists. They will practice in a research project, a solo project, a collaborative project, and will complete a Director's Notebook. They will also have the opportunity to attend many theatrical productions throughout the year. In addition, the IB Theater class takes a dedicated group of students to New York every year to attend Broadway productions and take master classes from working professionals. The IB Theater course is a rigorous exploration of the world of theatrics and will challenge even the top students.
Intro To Drama(6th-8th grade): Intro to Drama is a fun and engaging course designed to introduce middle school students to the basics of acting and performance. Through games, improvisation, and creative activities, students will learn foundational skills such as voice, movement, character development, and teamwork. This class emphasizes confidence-building, imagination, and self-expression in a supportive and low-pressure environment. Whether students are new to theatre or already love performing, Intro to Drama is a place to take risks, make new friends, and discover the joy of being on stage.
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SJVA Theater Promotion Video