Classes Offered

Below is a list and brief description of all the theatre classes we offer at Shawnee Mission North High School

Intro To Theatre/Drama

Prerequisite- None  

This year-long class is taken by students from ninth to twelfth grade enrolled together. Students learn about theater, past, and present; theater, onstage and backstage; and learn to understand and appreciate the theater process. Students participate in a variety of activities including improvisations, theater games, acting alone, and with a partner and playwriting.  

Credit may be applied toward the minimum fine arts graduation requirement.

Actors Studio 

Prerequisite- Intro To Theatre 

This course lasts one semester. Students concentrate on acting and improving their communication skills. Students act with a partner, develop auditioning skills, write scenes/monologues, and improve voice and diction. The course may be repeated with the approval of the instructor. 

Credit may be applied toward the minimum fine arts graduation requirement.

Technical Theatre 

Prerequisite – Intro To Theatre or teacher recommendation 

In this one-semester class, students work independently and in groups on selected projects in the technical (backstage) areas of theatre. These areas include construction, makeup, costumes, sound, lights, publicity, programs, house management, etc. A wide range of projects allows students to work creatively. Teamwork, cooperation, and dependability are stressed, and each student is expected to meet deadlines. Some after-school work is expected. Course may be repeated with permission of the teacher. 

Credit may be applied toward the minimum fine arts graduation requirement.

Repertory Theatre 

 Prerequisite – Intro To Theatre, Actor’s Studio, Technical Theatre, and/or teacher recommendation. 

This year-long course is for juniors and seniors only. Students produce, direct, adapt, write, teach, perform, and manage all facets of several in-class productions. The prerequisites for this course may be taken concurrently or waived with teacher permission. Some after-school work is expected.

Credit may be applied toward the minimum fine arts graduation requirement. 

Advanced Repertory Theatre/A.R.T. 

Prerequisite – Repertory Theater or teacher recommendation

This is a select, all-senior performing group. Interested theatre students audition their junior year. This group performs student-directed and student-written sketches and also stage other major productions throughout the year. 

Credit may be applied toward the minimum fine arts graduation requirement.