Performing Arts - Theatre
Pea Ridge Theatre
Coming Spring 2025!
About Performing Arts-Theatre
Step Into the Spotlight! Explore the thrilling world of theatre—learn how to act, design sets, create costumes, and bring stories to life on stage. Discover the magic behind the scenes and the art of captivating an audience.
Get Hands-On! Dive into fun projects and activities that let you shine. From performing scenes to designing props, you'll practice skills used by theatre pros and work as a team to create unforgettable performances.
Dream Big! This class can inspire careers in acting, directing, stage design, costume creation, or even theatre management. Whether on stage or behind the curtain, the possibilities are endless!
Students in Action
Program Highlights
The Art of Performance
What will I learn in Theatre 1-4?
This course is designed for students new and old to the world of theatre, where they will learn the basics of performance, stagecraft, and the collaborative nature of theatre.
Students will explore foundational acting techniques, vocal exercises, improvisation, movement, and character development. Emphasis is placed on building confidence, creativity, and teamwork.
The course will also include an introduction to theatre history, terminology, and stage production. During the high school class period, we work on the play for that semester.
The Art of Stagecraft
What will I learn in Stagecraft 1-3?
The Stagecraft course introduces students to the technical aspects of theatre production, providing hands-on experience in building, designing, and operating the elements that bring a performance to life behind the scenes while emphasizing the collaborative nature of theatre.
Students will learn about the various components of stage design, including set construction, lighting, sound, costumes, props, and stage management.
Throughout the course, students will explore safety protocols, the tools and materials used in stagecraft, and the process of transforming a script into a live production. By the end of the class, students will have a foundational understanding of how to work behind the scenes and contribute to the production of a theatre performance.
Join the Thespian Society
What is the Thespian Society?
The International Thespian Society (ITS) is an honor society for high school and middle school theatre students. It is a division of the Educational Theatre Association.
Thespian troupes serve students in grades 9–12. To be inducted into Thespian Society, students have to reach a 2.7. GPA and include multiple hours of theatre and community service hours.
A few famous ITS alumni include Tom Hanks, Val Kilmer, James Marsters, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Stephen Schwartz.
Meet The Teacher
Mrs. Elmore
Mrs. Elmore graduated college from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in History Education and a minor in Theatre. She has been teaching for 3 years and has taught the following courses: Musical Theatre (9th-12th grade), Intro to Theatre (7th-8th), Theatre 1-4 (9th-12th), and Stage Craft 1-3 (10th-12th).
Even though Pea Ridge is her first teaching job, she has been working in the world of theatre for a very long time! She has choreographed, directed, served as a literary editor for theatre directors, and performed in many shows. A few of her theatre highlights include performing in Little Women (Beth March), The Secret Garden (Mary Lennox), All in the Timing (Director), Elegies (Dramaturg), and EIU Dancers (Director/Choreographer).
When asking Mrs. Elmore what she loved about her pathway she said, "I love getting to see my students be creative. They come up with the most clever ways to make sets, props, and costumes. It's wonderful to see my actors take on a role and completely transform into that person. The best day is our Friday show, because I get to see everything come together and we get to share it with audiences."
Fun facts: She is a military kid, and she was born in Germany!
Get involved in the Pea Ridge Drama Troupe!
Troupe Highlights
- Participate in 2 full length shows a year (fall & spring)
- Perform a children's show & a Christmas musical
- Attend & complete workshops with regional theaters like Theater Squared
- Perform for Autumn Place of Pea Ridge (Retirement & Assisted Living Facility)
- Be a part of fun team bonding activities
- Involvement in community events & with young Fine Arts students
Drama Troupe Mission Statement
As actors, we strive to build a community within our troupe as well as outside of our school walls. As students, actors, and people, we will grow together, encourage one another, and express our creativity to bring joy to ourselves and audiences.
Troupe Competition Opportunities
As a troupe, we compete in the State Festival amongst other Arkansas troupes in preparation to potentially make it to nationals. Students have options to compete in different categories, including: acting or musical theatre events, prop design, set design, costumes, hair/makeup, and much more.
It is an overnight trip where students not only get to compete, but also work with technicians, designers, directors, choreographers, etc.
Follow the Performing Arts-Theatre Program of Study
