Drama
Secondary Drama Overview
In Secondary, Drama is an elective that immerses students in storytelling through both stage performance and a comprehensive film program. Students explore acting, directing, and production for stage and screen, graduating with a well-rounded understanding of the creative process and the skills to bring stories to life in any medium.
Middle School Drama Courses
Middle School Intro to Drama:
Students move through three units:
- Characterization through scripts and scene recreation,
- Filmmaking through short scriptwriting and collaborative production,
- Stage performance through rehearsing and presenting an abbreviated play for young audiences.
Students gain experience in both performance and production while collaborating as writers, directors, and producers.
Middle School Advanced Drama:
Advanced Drama functions as a collaborative theater company. After selecting a play together, students work in design departments (set, costume, sound, props) to conceptualize and execute creative visions, while also serving as performers. The course culminates in a fully realized production designed, produced, and performed by students.
Main Stage Productions
Every school year, students bring two Main Stage shows to the community. Please join us for our AC production of:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - January 28 & January 29, 2026
A walk down memory lane- Take a look at our past seasons
High School Drama & Film Production
HS Drama and Film Production offers hands-on storytelling through film and live performance. Students engage in writing, directing, performing, filming, editing, and producing original works for both screen and stage. Through individual and collaborative projects, they develop technical skills and artistic voice. By the end of the course, students create multiple original works across media, including a pilot episode, music video, short film for the AC Film Festival, and a live stage production.
AC Film Festival
Join us for our 5th Annual Film Festival on April 13 and April 14, 2026, celebrating students’ love of film and storytelling. Students submit original short films across genres, fully written, produced, and directed by them. Films are evaluated by our global network of alumni working in the film industry in the United States and Europe, who serve as festival judges and honor standout projects.
Independent Study Programs in the Arts
Our Independent Study programs allow students to deepen artistic exploration through one-on-one mentorship, specialized coursework, and hands-on experiences. Whether serving as teaching assistants or pursuing focused projects such as High School Screenwriting or Theater Production and Design, students refine skills, build portfolio-ready work for college and beyond, and receive personalized support to advance creative passions.
Arts Integration & Transdisciplinary Approaches
We believe in the transformative power of the arts. Transitional programs like Cougar Camp (supporting the move from 5th to 6th grade) and First Year Seminar (guiding students from middle to high school) integrate arts-based approaches to help students navigate these pivotal moments. Through artistic techniques like embroidery for fine motor development and interdisciplinary drama and music work for oratory and collaboration, students experience how the arts inspire growth, confidence, and transformation.