Performance Theater

The Theater Department at Greenwood Christian Academy is an integral part of the school community. From the classroom to the stage, GCA performers expect to meet the highest standards of excellence. That standard of excellence is a trust handed down from class to class, a standard that underclassmen are eager to meet and alumni are proud to have held.

 

Courses

The Performance Theatre classes offered at GCA are High School Performance Theater, Junior High Preformance and
Technical Theater. These courses may be taken each year that the student’s schedule allows.

Performance Theater is an acting class which ranges from introduction to acting to advanced training depending on the prior skills of the student. The course has regular exercises in impromptu acting, pantomime and dramatic interpretation. In addition, the course has full units of choreography, accent/dialects and stage combat.

Technical Theater class exists primarily to assist in the production of the school’s plays. This includes set construction, make-up, lighting, sound, stage crew and other duties. All Technical Theater students are required to participate in the performance of both the fall and spring shows, either as cast or crew.

 

The Shows

GCA performs three theatrical productions each year, two musicals and one Madrigal Dinner. The shows are cast from the student body enrolled in the choir classes. All students in grades 9-12 may audition for the spring musical. Junior High students may audition for the fall musical.

Drama Mission Statement

Edify – Although a dramatic production may not necessarily occur in the context of public worship, the content of our shows may often communicate a spiritually edifying message. While not all dramatic productions may be overt in their message, it is our goal to select plays for performance which will elicit discussion and spiritual growth.

Entertain – through our plays, we hope to make our audiences happy or to otherwise touch the emotions. This is a special ministry to people and a blessing to be able to use one’s talents to bring glory to our Creator even as we bring joy to His people

Educate – As with all co-curricular activities at GCA, drama has an educational objective. Our performers and crew learn and improve their skills of acting, singing, and choreography, deepening their own understanding of the human condition by portraying complex characters. All students who participate learn the importance of teamwork, commitment, and encouragement.

Philosophies of the Greenwood Christian Academy Theatre Arts Department

  • We radiate ideals of humanity and stand as an example of leadership and citizenship for others to follow.
  • We strive to create a legacy driven by expanding knowledge and enhancing preparation for life.
  • Using our newly developed skills, we can build a stronger department based upon our love for our craft.
  • In turn, we become an organization devoted to giving back as much or more as we receive.
  • A Theatre is a Temple where Art is created—it should be treated with Reverence and Respect.
  • A Theatre is where Plays are performed, not for play.
  • Theatre is a place to escape the problems of life—not to let them interfere with the process of creation.
  • Take care of your Theatre—it will take care of you.
  • Taking good care of oneself is important for retaining one’s good health while dealing with the vigorous stress of production.
  • Having fun in Theatre comes from putting forth effort, being disciplined, and doing the job correctly. The rewards are ten fold compared to being adequate, sliding by, or just pulling it off.