Drama Programs

The Drama department at Mercer Island High School is open to all students, regardless of skill level. We believe that the creative process behind theatre helps build lifelong learners and collaborators.

Through the offerings in our program, we strive to: 

• Provide an educational experience which enables all students to grow personally through creative self-expression.

• Provide students with opportunities to develop skills in all aspects of theatre arts, including acting, singing, dancing, improvisational, and technical theatre skills through rigorous coursework and live performances. 

• Give students instruction and experience in collaborative work, self-discipline, and leadership.

• Prepare students to be well-rounded, contributing members of the community, as well as theatre professionals.

• Be inclusive of all cultures and backgrounds in our community as we take risks to address relevant social issues through theatrical exploration and performance.

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Here are the courses we offer

Dance Production and Choreography

Students will develop and practice basic dance skills in a variety of dance styles, including jazz, salsa, ballet, tap, modern and hip-hop. The course will also include techniques in choreography, as well as dance history, helping students to understand varied dance forms as a reflection of culture and history. Students choreograph their own pieces, develop and deliver performance critiques, and participate in performances. Students will create, produce, and mount a full-scale theatrical dance production for public performance. This course includes instruction on stage make-up techniques, costume design and construction, lighting design, stagecraft, advertising, budget development, and front of the house management. Students have the opportunity to perform, direct, and manage the business of a full-scale dance production in the fall semester. In the spring semester, students will choreograph a full-length production. All levels welcome.

Drama Improv

Through drama games and improvisations, you will learn to “think on your feet,” improve focus and concentration ability, and collaborate with others. In-class activities promote development of listening and memorization skills. Activities will help you build confidence and self-esteem. You do not need to be an actor to take this class. It is for all skill levels and abilities. Each unique semester builds on knowledge acquired through the course of the year. In-class work helps you prepare for an Improv Show at the end of the semester.

Drama 1: Actors Studio

This course offers you the fundamentals of acting and improvisation, text study and analysis (monologues, scenes, and full plays), working with dramatic structure, and preparing for auditions. Activities are designed to sharpen skills in concentration, communication, collaboration, vocal and physical expressiveness, critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Each unique semester builds on knowledge acquired through the course of the year. Students who complete Drama 1 successfully are encouraged to audition for Drama 2. 

Drama 2: Advanced Drama

This performance-based program explores a wide range of approaches to developing your artistic voice as a theatre actor. Drama 2 students are expected to dedicate significant outside-of-class-time to rehearse and perform in the winter/spring productions. When appropriate, you will train with professional artists in such specialized areas as mask work, singing and dancing, playwriting, and stage combat. As opportunities arise, you will work collaboratively to create original theatre pieces for in-school and/or other public performances. 

Theatre Technology 1

This is a project-based, hands-on opportunity for students with a serious interest in learning about the basic technical elements of lighting and sound, set building, scene painting, costume design and construction, and marketing for theatre. Opportunities are available for you to learn to program light cues, operate power tools, engineer sound, use a sewing machine, and more. Outside of class time is encouraged, especially when working on Drama Department productions. Flexible time options are available for students who set up independent contracts with the Drama staff. 

Theatre Technology 2

Technical Theatre 2 offers students the opportunities to expand and hone their craft. Students will explore advanced set design and construction techniques, a design process transforming a script into a reality, and the leadership skills necessary to be a productive member of a production team. Students apply, analyze, and assist in the creation of a unifying concept for a production in one or more of the following disciplines: lighting, sound, properties, set construction, special effects, rigging, graphic design, costumes, make-up, theatre management or stage management. Students may choose a technical theatre focus, assist, and then lead the design process for a main stage production. At the end of the course, students will create a portfolio to showcase their work and prepare them for the technical theatre workforce.