About Patapsco's Theatre Magnet

Students who are interested in theatre may follow a variety of 'tracks' depending on their interests. All students begin with either Theatre Arts I (comprehensive) or Introduction to Theatre (magnet). Then each student selects a track to follow.

Performance Theatre Program

Students following the performance track begin with an introductory study of the principles of acting and directing, voice and movement, technical theatre, and theatre history and criticism. After their freshman year, the students further their performance skills through specialized courses in acting and directing. During their study, students have the opportunity to work in two state-of-the-art theatres: a traditional proscenium house and an intimate black box theatre. By their senior year, performance students move toward independent projects in acting or directing.

Throughout these studies, each student develops an audition portfolio and a resume to prepare for college or casting opportunities.

Technical Theatre Program

Technical theatre practitioners need a full view of theatre. Consequently, the technical theatre students begin, like the performance students, with an introductory study of the principles of acting and directing, voice and movement, technical theatre, and theatre history and criticism. After the freshman year, these students continue with advanced technical theatre, designing and working on in-class projects and on the many productions that are mounted throughout the year. These students have the opportunity to work in both a traditional proscenium house and a black box theatre, using state of the art lighting and sound systems. By their senior year, technical theatre students are placed into practical experiences, some of which are at off-campus theatres.

Honor Society

Patapsco is a member of the International Thespian Society, an honor society for theatre students (troupe #2891). In addition, Patapsco is active in the Maryland High School Theatre Association.

Course Offerings

Freshmen:

• Introduction to Theatre (GT)
• Theatre Technology (GT)

Performance Track:

• Acting Shakespeare (Honors & GT)
• Acting I (GT)
• Acting II (GT)
• Theatre Production Seminar (GT)

Technical Theatre Track:

• Technical Theatre II & III (Honors)
• Design and Production I & II (GT)
• Production Aesthetics (GT)
• Televideo (GT)
• Theatre Production Seminar (GT)