<\/strong>The first year of our program focuses on building a foundation of community, empathy, and resilience. Students are introduced to storytelling, Ancient Greek Theatre history, the foundations of improvisation, and comedy techniques. The Skylight Music Theatre offers their Teen Writes program for our freshmen, which involves students creating and performing a short piece. The year culminates in a public comedy show performance.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Level 2: Sophomores” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#ED1C29″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#ED1C29″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Theatre Arts Workshop [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Level 3: Juniors” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#ED1C29″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#ED1C29″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Advanced Acting & Acting for the Camera Stage Crew & Design [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Level 4: Seniors” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#ED1C29″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#ED1C29″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Directing for Film & Theater Technical Theater & Advanced Design [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”40px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n *Offers special invitations and discounted tickets to performances<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mpsschoolsites.wpenginepowered.com\/mhsa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/65\/2025\/09\/mhsa-2024-10.jpg” alt=”A person adjusting a light on a stage.” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”40px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n All students can audition for the fall show, the spring musical, and senior projects. There are also a variety of community theatre audition opportunities throughout the year, including over the summer. Other performances are broken down by grade level.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Level 1: Freshman” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#ED1C29″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#ED1C29″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Freshman at MHSA can perform through two showcases. The Comedy Showcase<\/strong> typically involves improv or short, scripted comedy scenes designed to practice timing, character work, and audience engagement. Students learn to be quick on their feet and build a rapport with others. The Ensemble Showcase<\/strong> emphasizes group work and collaboration over individual stardom. Students learn that every person on stage is vital to the performance. They build trust and learn how to work together as a cohesive unit.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Level 2: Sophomores” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#ED1C29″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#ED1C29″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n At this level, students dive into more structured acting. Realism scene work<\/strong> involves playing characters who are believable and “real.” Students discover how to find the character’s internal thoughts (subtext) and motivations in everyday situations. Shakespeare<\/strong> introduces students to classical text and heightened language, challenging them to understand and convey complex emotions and poetic dialogue. This improves their vocal technique and ability to perform in a different style.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Level 3: Juniors” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#ED1C29″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#ED1C29″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Level 3 marks a transition towards more professional and technical skills. The Junior Showcase<\/strong> is often a capstone project for juniors, who perform polished scenes, monologues, or songs for an audience. This prepares them for auditions and previews what they might do after high school. Acting for the Camera<\/strong> is a crucial modern skill. Students learn the technical differences between acting on stage and on film, such as how to work with close-ups, hit their marks, and use subtle facial expressions instead of big, theatrical gestures.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Level 4: Seniors” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#ED1C29″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#ED1C29″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The final level focuses on advanced skills and leadership-oriented opportunities. Music Scenes<\/strong> allow students to integrate acting with singing and musicality, preparing them for musical theater. This involves understanding how music and lyrics can advance the plot and reveal a character’s inner state. Directing Scenes<\/strong> is a major responsibility where students move from being performers to leaders. They learn to be the primary storyteller, guiding fellow actors on blocking, character development, and the task of bringing the entire scene to life. Students develop leadership skills, hone their vision, and emerge with a deeper understanding of the entire production process.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In the Theatre & Film Program at Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA), our students learn advanced skills through a college-level curriculum.Many MHSA grads have gone on to major in theater and work in television and film studios across the country. Multiple productions in our three performance spaces allow students to apply their classroom […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":49,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Visit the Course Offering page for in-depth class descriptions.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/strong>The second year focuses on collaboration and professionalism as students are introduced to the basics of technical design. Sophomores engage in scene work and script analysis from renaissance and modern realism texts, and they participate in the Skylight Music Theatre\u2019s Musical Residency in the fall.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>This course provides students with a solid foundation for professional study as actors in theatre as well as in film\/TV\/radio. We focus on an academic and studio approach to the most significant playwrights and theoreticians of the 20th century. In keeping with the contemporary world, we study electronic media as well.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Students begin or continue script analysis and design work with symbolist, expressionist, and existentialist texts. They are responsible for the preparation and execution of the technical needs of all performances and films at MHSA.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>This course establishes the fundamentals of directing for both theater and film, including show selection, rehearsal schedules, best practices, and more. Level 4 Theatre students collaborate with Level 4 Design students for Senior Showcase and Film Study. Senior Showcase is the final, completely student-led (designing, directing, and performing) performance for theatre majors at MHSA.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Students begin or continue script analysis and design work for post-modern and African American texts. They are responsible for the preparation and execution of the technical needs of all performances and films at MHSA<\/p>\nPartnerships<\/h2>\n
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Performance Opportunities<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>\r\nOur Philosophy<\/h2>\r\nOur program is aligned with National Core Arts Standards for Theater where students are engaged in rigorous academic study learning advanced skills based on a college level curriculum. Many students continue to study theatre in secondary education. The fundamental education received at MHSA prepares our graduates, many of whom have gone on after graduation to major in theater, television and film studios across the country.\r\n\r\nMultiple productions in our three performance spaces allow students to apply their classroom learning in a real world environment. The Theatre & Film Program at MHSA works directly with many local organizations such as the Skylight Music Theatre and The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, in addition to masterclasses with professionals.\r\n
Course Offerings<\/h2>\r\n
Level 1: Intro to Theatre\/Pre-AP Theatre\u00a0
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<\/a><\/h3>\r\nStorytelling. Ancient Greek Theatre. Improv and Comedy. Teen Writes.\r\n\r\nCommunity, Empathy, Resilience.\u00a0<\/em>\r\nLevel 2: Theatre Arts Workshop<\/h3>\r\nScene Work and Script Analysis. Intro to technical stage design. Musical Theatre Residency with the Skylight Music Theatre Musical Residency.\r\n\r\nCollaboration and Professionalism.<\/em>\r\n
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<\/a>Level 3: Advanced Acting & Acting for the Camera, Stage Crew & Design<\/h3>\r\nProfessional Development for Stage and TV\/Film Acting. Technical Design and Stage Crew.\r\n\r\n\r\nLevel 4: Directing, Technical Theater and Advanced Design<\/h3>\r\nDirecting for Film and Theater. Design of a project from start to finish. Senior Showcase.\r\n\r\nDedication and Leadership.<\/em>\r\n
Performance Opportunities
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Current & Past Partnerships<\/h2>\r\n
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Click here for Audition Requirements.<\/a><\/h2>\r\n
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<\/a><\/h2>\r\n\r\nTheatre Department Google Site.<\/a><\/h2>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_mc_calendar":[],"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-22","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mps.school\/mhsa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mps.school\/mhsa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mps.school\/mhsa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mps.school\/mhsa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mps.school\/mhsa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mps.school\/mhsa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mps.school\/mhsa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/49"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mps.school\/mhsa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}