Theater Arts
Explore the world of performance at Cardinal Newman through our Theatre Arts program. From foundational skills to full-scale productions, students develop creativity, collaboration, and confidence on stage and behind the scenes.
Theatre 1

Theatre 1 introduces students to the fundamentals of theatre, providing a strong foundation in the art form. Students explore improvisation, script and character analysis, playwriting, and the design elements of sets, props, lighting, and sound, while also directing their own productions.
The course emphasizes collaboration, communication, and giving and receiving constructive feedback. Students study how theatre has evolved across cultures and societies, examining its role in reflecting and shaping values and beliefs. By developing critical thinking skills and analyzing theatre from multiple perspectives, students gain a deeper understanding of the craft and are well-prepared for further study in theatre
Speech and Performance

Speech and Performance helps students become confident and effective public communicators through theatrical principles, including improvisation, voice, speech, and dialect. The course covers speaking techniques for various contexts, such as introductory, informative, persuasive, and special-occasion speeches.
Students develop creativity, adaptability, and quick thinking through short- and long-form improvisation, while also honing interview skills and learning to convey ideas with clarity and conviction. Techniques for managing stress and anxiety are integrated, helping students transform nervous energy into persuasive communication. By the end of the course, students gain confidence and skill to communicate effectively in a variety of personal, academic, and professional settings.
Theatre Production

Theatre Production guides students through the full performance process, culminating in productions for an audience beyond the classroom. The course emphasizes speech, movement, and physicality while engaging students in auditions, rehearsals, and all aspects of staging a play or musical.
Students perform in a teacher-directed production in the Fall and a student-directed, teacher-mentored production in the Spring. After-school rehearsals and performances are required for one week each semester to accommodate technical and dress rehearsals as well as public performances
Past CN Productions

- Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine
- Spelling Bee
- You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
- Heathen Valley
- Complete History of America, Abridged
- Grease
- Wild Oats
- Cardinal Comedians Improv Show
- If You Are a Dreamer: An Evening of Shel Silverstein
- Godspell
- Bullshot Crummond
- Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge
- Comedy Tonight
