Curriculum

In addition to core academic classes, a Theatre Focus student has the opportunity to take courses in Acting, Technical Theatre & Design, Directing, Playwriting, Musical Theatre, Film, and/or Dramatic Literature. We design a four-year plan that takes you from foundation to specialization in your areas of interest. Private or semi-private lessons are also available in acting, film, costuming, dance, and voice.

Click here to see a complete list of theatre course offerings.

Performance Opportunities

Theatre Focus offers a wide variety of performance experiences to each student, from classroom scenework to the mainstage. We produce a mix of classic, modern, contemporary, and experimental plays as well as musicals and student lab shows. In August of 2009 we will have the honor of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival under the auspices of the American High School Theatre Festival.

Click here to see the Theatre Focus production history.

Guest Teaching Artists

Theatre Focus brings to our Austin campus leading performing artists and professors for teaching residencies in their field of expertise. Topics range from stage combat and dialects to lighting and dramaturgy, and everything in between.

Visitors have included guests from Yale University, Theatre of Yugen (San Francisco), Northwestern's National High School Institute, The Society of American Fight Directors, and The Royal Shakespeare Company.

Click here to see a comprehensive list of our recent guest teachers.

Theatre Outings

Theatre Focus makes regular field trips to professional and university theatres in Austin, Dallas, and Houston to experience live theatre. We attend performances, take facility tours, Q&A with actors, and participate in workshops at a variety of venues.

Click here to see details about the places we've visited.

College Preparation

For students who wish to pursue theatre studies in college, Theatre Focus provides individualized guidance in selecting the right programs and one-on-one coaching for auditions. Our preparation culminates in a chaperoned trip to the Unified College Auditions in Chicago.

Click here for more details about our college preparation process.

An Alumni Reflection

"I can think of nothing that has been more crucial in shaping my high school experience. Theatre Focus boasts an incredible faculty and attracts bright, talented, and dedicated students.

Performance opportunities are abundant, but the focus is placed on the process. As I leave to pursue theatre in college at Northwestern, I feel incredibly confident and well-prepared. Students in Theatre Focus are challenged to surpass their wildest expectations, given endless support, and are encouraged to be keen and passionate students of theatre and the of the world." - Kelley Abell, Class of '08