Take the stage  From turning words on the page into a living, breathing character, to the technical artistry of costumes, lighting, and sound, ASFA’s theatre arts program gives students a deep understanding of the collaborative process of realizing works for the stage. 

A professional lens  ASFA offers a comprehensive training program across all elements of theater arts, from costume design and acting for film to stagecraft and musical theater. In addition to their academic and hands-on preparation, students observe and work alongside visiting artists, experience world-class performances at the DJD, and explore the professional options available to them after graduation. 

A holistic approach  Beginning with fundamentals of physical expression and movement, students learn to interpret and perform scenes and monologues, and receive training in costume and scene design, stage management, lighting, sound production, and direction. All students are trained in both performance and production in order to attain an understanding of the entire enterprise of the theater. 

Meaningful performances  Every year, all aspects of our three main stage productions are generated by students, with the guidance of diverse teaching artists who draw on a wealth of professional and lived experience to help them tell deeply human stories. Students also have the opportunity to create and present their own work, turning their vision into a performed reality. Our facilities include the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater (DJD)—our professional performing arts center outfitted with state-of-the-art technology—and a black box theater.

The Theatre Arts Department at ASFA offers unique curricular paths for exceptional students at the middle and high school levels. ASFA Theatre Arts students have the opportunity to take classes in a wide range of theatrical styles and disciplines. Students receive a plan of study carefully devised to create highly trained, dynamic, and imaginative young people prepared for success at the next level.

Middle School

Students in the 7^th & 8^th grades receive an exciting program of self-exploration and rigorous technique in Acting & Musical Theatre. The middle school program is designed to lay the foundation for rigorous and comprehensive training for successful entrance into the 9^th grade. This program takes students through an extended specialty period each day of foundational courses in Movement, Singing, Acting, and Self-expression. These courses are taught by ASFA’s award-winning faculty and top professional teaching artists. Middle School students will have the opportunity to perform an end-of-year showcase in one of our mainstage theatres. Students who complete the 8^th grade successfully are not required to re-audition for entrance into high school.

            Middle School Curriculum

Theatrical Dance, Musical Theatre, Acting Self-Expression, Intro Acting for Stage/ Screen

High School

Students entering the 9^th grade are immersed in a comprehensive training program in Theatre Arts taught by a team of exceptional educators and theatre professionals. This program is one of the most comprehensive of its kind and allows students to find their area of passion and while challenging them to grow as artists, thinkers, and individuals. Every student who graduates from the Theatre Arts program will have had the chance to explore courses in Acting for the Stage, Musical Theatre, Scenic Design, Costume Design, Directing, Stage Management, and Acting for the Camera (plus many more).  Additionally, ASFA brings industry guests of regional and national acclaim to campus to present workshops and guest lectures, exposing students to industry-leading role models.

At ASFA, the students make the art. ASFA maintains a rigorous performance schedule of three mainstage productions. Students have the opportunity to perform and/or work-behind-the-scenes in all mainstage shows, senior directed one-acts, and showcases. At ASFA our students do it all: they build the sets, make the costumes, hang the lights, and perform the roles.

High School Four Year Sample Course Matriculation

9^th Grade: Theatrical Dance, Movement for Actors, Fundamental of Acting, Improvisation, Stage Craft, and Intro to Costume and Design.

10^th Grade: Voice and Speech, Role Analysis, Musical Theatre Workshop (taught by industry professionals), Design Fundamentals, Costume Design, Stage Management.

11^th Grade: Theatre History, Lighting Design, Costume Construction, Monologue Study, Musical Theatre Workshop II, Stage Combat, Acting for the Camera.

12^th Grade: Directing, Acting Styles, Advanced Screen Acting, Scenic Design, Advanced Theatrical Design & Sound Design.

What Do  ASFA Theatre Arts Alumni Do?

ASFA’s Theatre Arts graduates consistently earn spots in top-tier college and conservatory programs, with a strong track record of acceptances into prestigious musical theatre programs. Our alumni have gone on to train at institutions such as, Carnegie Mellon, NYU Tisch, University of Michigan, and Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

With rigorous training in acting, voice, and movement, our students graduate prepared to excel in the highly competitive world of theatre. Many have built successful careers in film and television, on national tours, and in major regional theaters, proving that ASFA’s Theatre Arts program provides the foundation for a bright future in the performing arts.

• Ajiona Alexus: Atlantic Records recording artist and actress, known for her roles in the Netflix hit series "13 Reasons Why,"  Tyler Perry’s “Acrimony,” and Will Packer's "Breaking In."
• Suzanne Collins: Author of "The Hunger Games"
• Ryan Jamaal Swain: Film & Television actor, "Pose," "Conframa," named a Forbes 30 under 30
• Chuck Yates: Award-winning artistic director and producer, theatre founder, screenwriter
• Aron Altmark: Lighting and production design Top 30 under 30 business owner and creative director of Visual Endeavors
• Erica Oyama: Emmy-nominated producer and screenwriter
• Colby Holman: Actor, "Fear the Walking Dead"
• Henry Washington, Jr.: Assistant Professor of Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Wesleyan University

Application

• The general application is done through an online platform.
• Submit the general application before submitting any department-specific materials.
• The parent questionnaire is an opportunity to provide important information on your student.
• The two student essays are an opportunity for the student to highlight their personality and passion for their specialty.
• A $25 application fee must be submitted with the application (if this cost is prohibitive contact Katie Gordon.)
• Applications open at the beginning of November.
• Monologues for students invited to the on-campus audition are available here: Monologues