About Patapsco's Theatre Magnet

Students who are interested in theatre may follow a variety of 'tracks' depending on their interests. All students begin with either Theatre Arts I (comprehensive) or Introduction to Theatre (magnet). Then each student selects a track to follow.

Performance Theatre Program

Students following the Performance track begin with an introductory study of the principles of acting and production, voice, movement, script analysis, and theatre history and criticism. After their freshman year, the students further their performance skills through specialized courses in acting and directing. During their study, students have the opportunity to work in two state-of-the-art theatres: a traditional proscenium house and an intimate black box theatre. By their senior year, performance students are prepared for advanced directing and dramaturgy and progress to working as an ensemble in creating a full production.

Throughout these studies, each student develops an audition portfolio and a resume to prepare for college or casting opportunities.

Technical Theatre Program

Technical theatre practitioners need a full view of theatre. Consequently, the technical theatre students begin, like the performance students, with an introductory study of the principles of acting and production, voice, movement, script analysis, and theatre history and criticism. After the freshman year, these students continue with advanced studies in technical theatre and design.  Students are exposed to all areas of production, including lighting, sets, props, sound, costumes/make-up, and stage management.  Students have many hands-on opportunities through in-class projects and the many productions mounted during the school year. These students have the opportunity to work in both a traditional proscenium house and a black box theatre, using state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. Additionally, students may also work with a fully functioning internet broadcasting system.  By their senior year, technical theatre students are prepared for advanced directing and dramaturgy and progress to working as an ensemble in creating a full production.

Throughout these studies, each student develops a design portfolio and a resume to prepare for college, internships, and production opportunities.

Additional information

Honor Society

Patapsco is a member of the International Thespian Society, an honor society for theatre students (Troupe #2891).

Visiting Artists

Students have the opportunity to work with several professionals from the Baltimore/DC area, as well as esteemed visiting artists from New York and professional touring companies.

Performance and Production Opportunities

The Patapsco Theatre Department mounts five productions per year including a musical, a contemporary or classical play, a 24-hour original one-act festival, an honor society one-act, and the senior seminar produciton.  The music, theatre, and dance departments also collaborate to produce a mainstage musical, thereby adding to the number of full-scale productions available.  Technical theatre students also have many opportunities to work on assemblies, music concerts, and dance events.

Theatre Journalism and Criticism

Patapsco participates in the Cappies Critics and Awards Program, as well as the Hippodrome's Young Critic Program.

Career Opportunities

Students will learn about numerous career opportunities in the realm of theatre including performance, management, tech, production, and college study.