Westside Christian High School offers four theatre courses and a variety of opportunities for students to be involved, either in a class or as an extra-curricular activity.
THEATRE PERFORMANCE
Three drama classes are focused primarily on the acting aspect of theatre:
Drama I - An introductory course to theatre including the foundations of acting technique and the artistry of technical design. (Required for admission to higher-level drama classes.)
Drama II - An advanced acting class covering a multitude of genres, theories, and styles used in the craft of acting. (Pre-requisite: Drama I)
Drama III - An advanced acting and production class. Students in Drama III will be responsible for the development of their own production that will be presented during the school year. (Pre-requisite: At least two years of Drama or Technical Theatre experience. Students must audition and/or interview for admission into this class.)
TECHNICAL/STAGECRAFT
This experiential course is focused on the technical knowledge and artistry needed to produce theatrical performances. Students will design, develop, and construct the set pieces needed for all school productions, as well as run all of the technical aspects of plays throughout the school year. In addition to the regular class schedule, students will meet several times a week at Alpenrose Opera House to build all of the sets for our productions.
The theatre department produces two full-length productions per school year and a one-act festival. Our emphasis is on diversity in training, so we produce a variety of theatrical genres in order to challenge and entertain. It has been our goal to produce a musical as often as every other year.
In addition to our theatrical productions, drama students have the opportunity to take multiple field trips to local productions, take part in workshops led by professionals, and be involved in a weekend get-a-way to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. They may also help produce the annual Westies award night, perform in Westside Encore and take part in state and national dramatic competitions through the International Thespian Society.
STAFF
All of the classes are taught or led by professionals who have been thoroughly educated in their craft and offer a wealth of experience. Theatre is, by its very nature, an experiential, collaborative craft. Students learn far more than simply how to focus a light or deliver a line; they learn essential life skills. At Westside Christian Theatre, we strive above all to glorify God and edify each other with excellence. We believe that by putting God first, each other second, and the show third, we not only develop an enduring and rich community, but art that is meaningful and honest.
The department's Artistic Director is Michael Shelton. Michael graduated with his Master's Degree in Teaching from George Fox University. He has worked professionally and locally as an actor, director, designer, and writer for many years. This is his second year at Westside, and he is blessed to be part of such a wonderful and creative community.