Weehawken High School Theater is a preparatory training conservatory within Weehawken High School providing instruction in all aspects of the dramatic arts. The Department is dedicated to nurturing Weehawken students’ creative expression in a diverse and accepting educational environment. Through the department’s curriculum and creative theatrical programing, WHS Theater strives to foster a deeper understanding of the human condition, harvesting empathy and emotional intelligence.
Introduction to Theater (7th Grade Elective)
The purpose of this class is to increase students' understanding, appreciation, and critical perceptions of the theatrical event. Students receive a broad overview of the art form from the Ancient Greeks to the present day focusing on the aesthetics and humanistic aspects of Theater.
Acting Techniques (8th Grade Elective)
This course focuses on introducing and developing the basic acting techniques of characterization, role analysis, stage movement, voice and body control. Whether the student has acted before or is exploring it for the first time, the course expands the student's expressive capabilities, hones their imagination, and enhances their spontaneity as they acquire the tools for developing a character and a basic narrative.
Advanced Acting
Advanced Acting is designed to prepare students for acting complex roles in drama. Students will explore all elements of acting from text analysis, dramatic character development, blocking, connecting with other actors, and the importance of socially-aware plays.
Theater Appreciation
Theater Appreciation immerses students in all genres of theater. The course uses video performances in conjunction with scripts and analytical materials so that students may view, experience, analyze, and critique theatrical forms, including Comedy, Drama, Musicals, Commedia dell 'arte, Contemporary, and Shakespeare.
Theater Production
Introduces the student to the fundamental elements and principles of design and how they apply to the theatre experience of scenery, costume, and lighting design. Students will learn industry specific vocabulary for the discussion, appreciation, and evaluation of theatrical design. Students will gain firsthand experience in the design process as they create their own designs that are used in our annual production of Weehawken Shorts.
Technical Theater
Students enrolled in Technical Theater actively engage in the process of building, managing, and implementing the technical aspects of a production. Students learn how to properly use all tools required for creating the technical elements of a production as well as maintaining a safe working environment. Students work alongside theater professionals to gain knowledge and insight on working in professional theater.
Theater Season
Weehawken High School Theater produces 3 productions annually. A Fall Play in November, Spring Musical in March, and Weehawken Shorts in May. Each production utilizes professional theater practices and gives students real world experience and application of the techniques taught in the department's curricular classes.