Theatre
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Theatre
Orangewood Theatre features a rich variety of theatrical opportunities, including two musicals and one play every year as a part of our three upper school productions – one that involves students from both upper and lower schools. Students are encouraged to develop their talents in a Christ-centered environment that fosters spiritual growth alongside artistic development.
During the school day, our students in 6th-12th grades have the opportunity to take both basic and advanced theatre classes.
In our vibrant Junior and Senior Thespian troupes, students learn more about work ethic, professionalism, and how to work together as an ensemble.
And everything that you perform in word and in works, do in the name of our Lord and give thanks by Him to God the Father.
- Col. 3:17
Recent Performances
MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL
Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir is a golden ticket to adventure.
UPPER SCHOOL SPRING ONE-ACT
A man shares with the audience his favorite record - the 1928 musical The Drowsy Chaperone. As he plays the record, the show comes to life in his apartment. Mix in two lovebirds on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and a sleepy chaperone, and you have the ingredients for a show that will have everyone laughing. With plenty of hilarious roles, The Drowsy Chaperone JR. is a fun, delightful show for both performers and their audience.
UPPER SCHOOL MUSICAL
The classic tale of a Kansas farm girl named Dorothy ends up in the magical Land of Oz after she and her pet dog Toto are swept away from their home by a cyclone. Upon her arrival in Oz, she learns she cannot return home until she has destroyed the Wicked Witch of the West.
Theater I is an entry level theater course offering a broad introduction to the theater arts. In this course, we will touch on numerous aspects of the theater, covering the basics in areas such as acting technique, improvisation, stage combat, stagecraft, and much more. The course will adapt each semester to the interests and knowledge level of those participating. This is a great option for students interested in seeing how much theater has to offer, or those who want to have some influence on how they will earn their Fine Arts credit.
Theater II is designed for second year students and takes the skills learned in Theater I to the next level. We will go deeper in acting methods and techniques, as well as focusing on auditioning skills, script analysis, and more demanding roles. Theater II is by audition only; completion of Theater I is a prerequisite.
Our Tech Theater class is designed to offer a broad look at all of the other aspects that go into a production for those students wanting to stay off the stage. Students will learn the basics of set design and construction, prop management, lighting, makeup and hair design, and sound design. This course is also very hands-on, as students will be creating the sets, props and more for the OCS productions currently being produced.
Top Tips to Prepare for Auditions
Read the Script
Oftentimes, you can find the script online to help prepare for your audition. Decide what role(s) you are interested in. At Orangewood, you will always be considered for all roles, but it is helpful for the director to know what role(s) you are invested in.
Practice Reading the "Sides"
"Sides" are the portions of the script we use for auditions. They will be printed out for you to use on audition day. Know what is happening and make strong choices about how you think the character should be portrayed. Practice reading the sides out loud.
Prepare the Song
If you are auditioning for a musical, you will also find two versions of each song with the sides: one with vocals, and one karaoke version. Use the vocal version to learn the song and then rehearse singing with the karaoke track. Prepare the song for the role you are interested in.