The Theatre Department introduces the student to all aspects of the Theatre through a broad based curriculum.  The curriculum provides a strong foundation of historical and dramatic literature, acting, mime, technical/production areas, and design. Through this four year program students’ talents are discovered and nurtured and the students are given ample opportunity to use those talents and skills in lab and performance situations. The Theatre Department has a strong commitment to experiential learning as a means to reinforce the lessons of the classroom and to encourage artistic discipline and growth.  As a result of this in-depth training, students enter into higher education either as able participants in the theatrical arts or as informed patrons of the arts.

The philosophy of the Theatre Department at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts is to provide comprehensive training in theatre in a way that:

• trains students through modern and classical methods
• allows students to perform and utilize theatrical skills in productions
• teaches process and problem solving
• improves students' theatrical skills
• encourages creative thinking
• provides a safe, positive environment where students are free to take chances and experiment
• challenges students to move beyond potential into success
• teaches and encourages the practice of honesty and open communication about work
• opens students to the total spectrum of theatre
• teaches ethics and responsibility on both the professional and personal level so that we have affirmed students who will continue to grow as theatre artists, creative thinkers, and responsible community members. 

 The Theatre Conservatory is one of the largest programs in the school. Students take classes in Acting, Mime, Movement, Diction, Combat, Playwriting, Play Analysis, Costume Construction, Set Construction, Costume Design, Set Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Props, Theatre and Stage Management and Directing. The department has six full time teachers, four adjunct teachers and about 260 students. The Theatre Cluster produces four major shows per year, two directing festivals, the African-American Heritage show, and three playwriting festivals per year. Our program is a generalist program and students are asked to be as well-rounded as they can be by taking courses in as many areas as they can.

Quick Facts:

7 full time faculty members, 4 adjunct teachers, 260 students, 10 productions and festivals every year

Courses in Acting, Mime, Movement, Diction, Combat, Playwriting, Play Analysis, Costume Construction, Set Construction, Costume Design, Set Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Props, Theatre and Stage Management and Directing