WELCOME to NORTH PENN HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE
ACADEMICS AND ACTIVITIES for 2016-2017
NPHS has a unique and varied theatre program that allows interested students to pursue the arts of
acting, technical theatre design (costume, lights, props, set, and sound), theatre management (stage
management both backstage and in rehearsal), and theatre administration (marketing, publicity,
dramaturgy, and business skills) through both academic courses and extra-curricular activities.
While the academic courses and activities compliment each other, and students are encouraged to
participate in both, you choose your level of involvement!
You don’t have to participate in NPHS Theatre, Thespians, Green Room, or Improv Troupe to take a
class AND you don’t have to take a class to participate in NPHS Theatre, Thespians, Green Room
or Improv Troupe – but if you have the “theatre bug,” there’s something for you at North Penn High
School!
NPHS THEATRE ACADEMICS
ALL NPHS theatre classes are structured to teach students according to the Pennsylvania and
NPSD Reading and Writing Core Standards, the Pennsylvania Standards for the Arts and Humanities, and the National Core Standards in Theatre Arts. In all theatre classes, students are reading,
writing, researching (called dramaturgy in theatre), analyzing, creating, critiquing, discussing, and
developing an aesthetic for the theatrical arts. Whether interested in pursuing a professional career
in theatre or desiring to improve 21st Century skills such as: communication and public speaking,
time management and organization, team work and collaboration, job interviewing preparation and
practice, and empathy and social interaction PLUS an appreciation of literature, history, psychology,
and research all while channeling and challenging the student’s individual creativity — each student
grows through exploring the theatre arts and their personal creativity — and has a lot of FUN!*
All students in theatre courses complete a Portfolio Project and Presentation(s) in acting or a technical theatre area(s) they choose. These portfolios have been valuable for college interviews even
for students not planning to major in theatre or musical theatre as they demonstrate a student’s ability to visualize and complete a multiple faceted project over an extended period of time.
Students with a strong interest in theatre are encouraged to take:
Sophomore year: Introduction to Acting and/or Designing for the Stage/Stage Crew
Junior year: Advanced Acting and/or Designing for the Stage/Stage Crew or Drama Major (please
be familiar with the perquisites for the courses)
Senior year: Drama Major and/or Designing for the Stage/Stage Crew and/or Advanced Acting and/
or Independent Study and/or Career Study with Mrs. Roney or local professional theatre (please be
familiar with the perquisites for the courses)
*The list of 21st Century Skills was developed by the 2013-2014,
Drama Major Class but is supported by major studies and research .
NPHS THEATRE COURSES
THE FOLLOWING THEATRE COURSES ARE OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS AND MAY BE TAKEN IN
THE SOPHOMORE, JUNIOR, AND/OR SENIOR YEAR:
DESIGNING FOR THE STAGE/STAGE CREW 8010 (2 periods – 0.3 credit)
This class is open to all students who are interested in an opportunity to study
many aspects of theatre: sets, costumes, make-up, properties, light and
sound design, marketing and publicity, business management, stage
management, and dramaturgy (research). Hands-on projects will be offered in
all areas of the backstage area. A final project and portfolio are required.
Some “real-life” experiences may be offered in class to support the North
Penn High School Theatre fall play or spring musical. Participation in NPHS
Theatre plays is not a requirement for the class — though we certainly
encourage you to get involved!
INTRODUCTION TO ACTING
8020 (2 periods – 0.3 credit)
Acting exercises, improvisations, script analysis, and research techniques are
used to help students discover the physical and emotional truths of a
character. Through work on a chosen monologue and a portfolio project,
supporting writing and research skills, students will increase their acting,
communication, analysis, writing, and time management skills while
developing self confidence and the appreciation of the art of acting. A final
monologue presentation and portfolio are required. Participation in NPHS
Theatre plays is not a requirement for the class — though we certainly
encourage you to get involved!
THE FOLLOWING COURSES REQUIRE EITHER A PREREQUISITE OR AN AUDITION/INTERVIEW
WITH THE THEATRE TEACHER. PARTICIPATION IN NPHS THEATRE COUNTS, TOO!
ADVANCED ACTING
8030 (2 periods – 0.3 credit)
Prerequisite: Student must have earned a “B” or higher in Introduction to Acting.
Students will continue to develop the acting, communication, analysis, writing,
research, and time management skills begun in Introduction to Acting or Stage
Crew & Design through in-depth analysis and research of scenes,
monologues, or one-act and full length plays. Acting exercises,
improvisations, critiques of work, and script analysis will help students create characters that reflect different time periods and acting styles. A minimum of two
acting or design projects and a portfolio reflecting the student’s growth as a
creative artist are required. Work will be differentiated for students interested
in technical theatre.
DRAMA MAJOR
0235
(6 periods – 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Acceptance into this course is pending the outcome of an audition with the Drama
Major instructor prior to April 1 AND is open to BOTH Juniors and Seniors.
Drama Major can be taken in BOTH the Junior and Senior years with one year
focusing on the History & Creation of the Modern American Musical (2016-
2017) and the following year on American Theatre and how American Theatre
artists found our voices on the world stage (2017-2018).
Drama Major is an exciting class made up of students interested in both acting
and technical theatre. Students complete a wide variety of group and
personal projects geared to the curriculum and his or her personal interests;
read/watch and critique plays and relevant films; read texts on acting and
production; continue to develop skills in time management, auditioning & job
interviewing, communication, collaboration & team-building, reading & dramaturgy; and support NPHS Theatre productions — plus other fun activities.
Besides acting and/or design work, a portfolio project reflecting the student’s
growth as a creative artist is required.
It is recommended that a student have taken a prior theatre class or have
experience in practical theatre prior to scheduling this class.
NPHS THEATRE ACTIVITES
NPHS THEATRE:
2015-2016 Staff:
Andrea Roney (Producer/Director);
Debra Buckner (Co-Director/Choreo.); John Buckner & Christopher Young (Technical
Directors), Jim Overholtzer (Light Designer), Matthew Klenk (Musical Director), Angela Hoerner
(Costume Designer), Marianne Brady (Costume Shop Mgr), Ken Gerges (Assist. TD), Judy
McGuriman (Tickets), Sally Kauffman (House Mgr.), Gloria Riley (Assist. Musical Director), Lauren
Gourley (Assist. Producer), Sean Brady (Assist. Choreo.), Chris Doerr & Craig Weierman (Sound
Engineer & Technical Advisors).
NPHS Theatre produces a fall play and a spring musical each year. All are welcome to
participate. An Activity Fee is required; scholarships are available. Performing in the
productions is based on an audition for acting, singing, and/or dancing. Stage &
Costume Crew participation is based on interest and showing up for all crew calls.
Student Production Staff interviews for leadership positions for stage and costume
crew and production/rehearsal assistants.
NPHS THESPIAN TROUPE #5464: 2015-2016 Director: Andrea Roney
NPHS Thespian Troupe #5464 is part of the International Thespian Society and the
Educational Theatre Association. Student officers are elected by the membership and
Cabinet positions are appointed through an application and interview process. Students
join through an entrance fee ($27 1st year/$5 2nd & 3rd years) and earn points by
participating in Thespian activities, NPHS Theatre productions, and other theatre
opportunities. Annual Thespian activities include: Philly AIDS Walk, NPHS fall
production, PA State Thespian Conference, professional theatre workshops, Middle
School Workshops, BC/EFA Variety Show, NPHS spring musical, monthly meetings,
fundraisers, and social events. Members attend a monthly membership meeting.
NPHS Theatre & Thespians Information Mrs. Roney, roneya@npenn.org
OTHER THEATRE RELATED ACTIVITES:
GREEN ROOM CLUB 2015-2016 Advisor: Ms. Leslee Frye
Info: fryel@npenn.org
The Green Room Club is a theatre appreciation club with elected student officers an
appointed cabinet positions. The Club has annual theatre-related activities.
IMPROV TROUPE 2015-2016 Advisor: Mr. Jeff Miller
Have a fun time creating improvisatory skits and presentations.
Info. millerjt@npenn.org