WELCOME TO TOSA WEST THEATRE!

We produce two full-scale theatrical productions each year. With each show, we always strive to communicate the value of a #varsitytheatre program. We are excited to continue to share our story, inspire creativity and enrich our students and the Wauwatosa community with exceptional theatre experiences.

TOSA WEST TROJAN PLAYERS

The Trojan Players have monthly meetings, typically held on Thursdays after school. The meetings are run by the Players Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Assistant Technical Director, Auditorium Crew Manager and Social Media Manager). The Trojan Players is open to all students and we always encourage new members! The Trojan Players is a place where everyone can be involved!

WHY THEATRE?

Being involved in Theatre has many benefits:

Lettering in Theatre: Just as in sports, students can letter in Theatre! Students earn “Players Points” for a variety of things including participation in shows, volunteering, theatre enrichment activities and more. For every 100 Players Points earned, there is an award. Points are cumulative. Letters are awarded at the Theatre Banquet each year.

International Thespian Society: The Trojan Players are affiliated with the International Thespian Society, an honor organization that recognizes student achievement in theatre. Similar to lettering in theatre, students earn points through participation in theatre. Induction takes place at the Illiums.

Illium Awards: Held at the end of each school year, the Illiums are our Theatre Awards Night. This is a special night where we celebrate the past year and honor students with a variety of awards.

Scholarships: The Trojan Players offer several scholarship opportunities for active participants.

THEATRE CLASSES

Acting 1: 1 semester, ½ credit; grades 9-12; prerequisite: none. This performance oriented, interdisciplinary course gives students the opportunity to develop basic skills in various areas of performance. In this class, students will begin their journey as a theatre artist/actor. Course content will focus on developing the student as an actor through ensemble work, partner and solo work, and other curricular aspects of foundational theatre skills.

Acting 2: 1 semester, ½ credit; grades 9-12; prerequisite: Acting 1 or consent of instructor. This performance oriented, interdisciplinary course gives students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills as a performer. In this class, students will continue their journey as a theatre artist/actor. Course content will focus on refining the student’s skills as an actor through ensemble work, partner and solo work, and other curricular aspects of theatre skills.

Theatre Production & Design 1: 1 semester, ½ credit; grades 9-12; prerequisite: none. Theatre Production & Design 1 provides a detailed look at the technical aspects of producing a show. In this class, students will begin their journey as a theatre artist/technician. This course offers students a balance of academic work along with the important hands-on operation of technical theatre equipment. This course provides a complete introduction to the field of technical theatre.

Theatre Production & Design 2: 1 semester, ½ credit; grades 9-12; prerequisite: Theatre Production & Design 1 or consent of instructor. Theatre Production & Design 2 provides a deeper look at the technical aspects of producing a show. In this class, students will continue their journey as a theatre artist/technician. This course offers students a balance of academic work along with the important hands-on operation of technical theatre equipment. This course provides students a chance to learn more about the field of technical theatre.

Independent Studies in Theatre: 1 semester, ½ credit; grades 9-12; prerequisite: Acting 1, Theatre Production & Design 1, and/or consent of instructor. Only offered 8th hour. This independent study course offers students additional work in Acting or Technical Theatre. All course work will be completed independently and submitted to instructor.

Musical Theatre: 1 semester, ½ credit; grades 9-12; prerequisite: none. This performance oriented, interdisciplinary course provides an introduction to the musical theatre stage. In this class, students will begin their journey as a musical theatre artist/performer. Course content will focus on the development of foundational skills in singing, acting and dancing.

Improvisation: 1 semester, ½ credit; grades 9-12; prerequisite: none. This performance oriented, interdisciplinary course offers the novice a complete introduction to improvisation. In this class, students will learn how to give an unscripted response to an idea or situation. Students will innovate, create, and hone their skills at improvising scenes based on an audience suggestion. Students in Improvisation will participate in group activities and exercises that develop public speaking, problem-solving and collaboration skills.