"I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being." - Oscar Wilde

St. Martin's production of "The Wizard of Oz" 

We believe that the theatre is truly the most collaborative art form that exists. It is by its nature interdisciplinary, and allows students access to every academic discipline through theatrical practice and production. The scope and sequence of the theatre curriculum at St. Martin's is carefully designed to introduce basic fundamentals so as to allow for further investigation of theatrical design, advanced theories including historical and philosophical perspectives, cultural differences, physical and vocal awareness and overall presence on and off stage. With the study and practice of dramatic literature, students are engaged in critical thinking situations by exploring the motivations of characters actions, analyzing emotional responses and interpreting playwrights' intents. This helps our students further understand historical and contemporary notions of time, place and culture. Ultimately, we believe in the building of ensemble and community. As the Greeks first explored, the theatrical community is essential to the understanding of personal development, human relationships and can have a profound influence over the journey of our youth.

Performance opportunities are of the utmost priority of the Performing Arts Program. Therefore there are ample opportunities for the entire STM community to be involved on and off stage. Our production schedule each year will include a full scale musical, a Shakespeare, a dramatic piece, and additional student written and directed material produced throughout the year.

Middle School Theatre

Students at STM begin a formal exploration of the theatre in the sixth grade. The building of ensemble and learning from a project based perspective is introduced. We firmly assert that the true nature of theatre can only be embraced by practical implementation. Therefore game work, trust exercises and physical awareness becomes the focus. Through the exploration of improvisational activities, students learn to trust their creative impulses in a safe and productive environment allowing them to embrace the open nature of the classroom. Towards the end of the semester all the practical tools are gathered to practice and mount a small scale production in which the true essence of collaboration is explored.

Upper School Theatre

Students at the upper school level investigate theatre in a more substantial way. Continuing with the basics of improv, trust building and game work; students at this level start to explore more of the physical nature of theatre. Strong emphasis is placed on studying the principles of acting and understanding theatrical conventions dealing with time and setting. The anyalisis of text is introduced from which students reveal physical, emotional, intellectual, and social dimensions of character and how they help to provide insight into the mind of the playwright. We continue with the strongest element of teaching theatre, that being the focus of project based learning. Within small groups students investigate scripts and themes that they wish to explore. As a group they make casting decisions, design production elements, direct and produce selections of material to the class and community.

Technical Theatre and Design at STM

As part of the US and MS theatre course the implementation of the fundamentals of technical production and design are essential to the overall curriculum and objectives of the course. During the production and design phase of the course the students study the fundamentals of lighting and scenic design by examining design objectives, design tools, process, vocabulary and the collaborative experience needed to create a cohesive work of theatrical art. The course is taught using hands on experience, group projects, lecture and discussion. Through this portion of the course the students will gain skills in observation, evaluation and implementation of design for the theatre, general knowledge of the theatrical space and learn discipline and respect for the art form.