High School Center Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Theatre

Theatre

Ready to step into the spotlight and turn your love for performance into a real-world career? Theatre takes you beyond the classroom and into an immersive, hands-on theater experience. Whether you dream of acting, directing plays, designing sets, or managing production tech, this pathway lets you master professional techniques and work with industry-standard tools.

Core Experiences

Secure the prestigious Maryland State Fine Arts Diploma Seal
Train in acting, playwriting, set design, lighting, and/or state management
Analyze theatrical heritage, performance critique, and dramatic theory
Partner directly with professional theater companies and industry experts

Program Goals

Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills in the Arts
Equip students with a strong academic foundation in the core concepts and practical techniques of theatre, while also becoming fluent in the technological tools used by modern theatre professionals.
Provide Hands-On, Authentic Experiences in the Arts
“Move beyond the classroom” by requiring students to apply their knowledge in an authentic context through a Capstone Project and cultivated experiences with industry professionals.
Foster College, Career, and/or Community Pathways in the Arts
Support students in exploring and pursuing postsecondary education and careers in the arts by offering certifications, dual enrollment opportunities, and engagement with industry professionals.

Application & Locations

Application: Interest-based application

Schools:

Southern Region: Northwood
Eastern Region: Blake
Central South Region: Woodward
Central Region: Richard Montgomery
Central North Region: Quince Orchard
Northern Region: Seneca Valley

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Theatre Program. Cells in blue are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
Theatre 1 (Double Period)	Theatre 2	Theatre Elective or IB Theatre	Theatre Elective or IB Theatre
Theatre 1 (Double Period)	Theatre Elective or World Language	Theatre Elective	Theatre Elective
World Language or Elective	Elective (Physical Education, Health or Technology Education)	Theatre Elective or Arts Entrepreneurship and Management or World Language	Theatre Elective or Career-connected Learning or World Language
English	English	English	English
Math	Math	Math	Math
Science	Science	Science	Elective (Physical Education, Health or Technology Education)
Social Studies	Social Studies	Social Studies	Elective (Physical Education, Health or Technology Education)

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, students must complete the following to remain enrolled in the Theatre Program and earn the related certificate:

Theatre Core (3 credits)
- Theatre 1 (double period, cohorted)
- Theatre 2 (cohorted)
- One Theatre elective or World Language class in grade 10
Theatre Focus (4 credits in any of the following areas)
- Advanced Acting
- Play Directing
- Stage Design
- Musical Theatre
- Stage Management
- IB Theatre (in schools that offer International Baccalaureate only)
Secondary Focus (two credits in one of the following areas)
- Theatre (two additional theatre focus credits)
- Business (one credit Arts Entrepreneurship & Management plus on credit Career-connected Learning)
- World Language (two credits or world language in grades 11-12 and the Seal of Biliteracy)