Theatre Arts 1 is a foundational course designed for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of drama. Students will study the basic elements of acting, design, and directing through research, rehearsal, and performance of monologues, scenes, improvisation, and ensemble projects. While emphasis will be contemporary theatre, the history of the theatre is included in this curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to study playwriting, dramatic critique, and technical aspects of Classical through current theatre practices. Attendance at Talon Theatre Fall and Spring Productions is mandatory. Participation in the annual SMCHS Christmas Production is encouraged.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
(f) UC Approved

Advanced Theatre Arts Honors is a NEW course designed for students who want to build on their previous training in acting, directing, and production design.  This fun, creative and comprehensive course will focus on character development through contemporary and classical scene study and monologues. In the first semester, the course will emphasize acting technique, vocal production, physical acting and styles.  In the second semester, students will delve into the elements of production by forming a theatre company in which they will direct, design or act in a project of artistic interest culminating in a Capstone project presented to the public.  This course will prepare students who choose to go into IB Theatre HL or SL. It is also being offered as an Honors option for students in grades 10 -12 who choose not to take IB Theatre.

Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 10, 11, 12
UC Approval Pending
Prerequisites: Theatre Arts 1 or Musical Theatre 1 or Teacher Approval.

Students interested in fulfilling the group six requirement of the IB program can opt to do so through this theatre subject. IB Theatre HL 1 is the first year of a two year course beginning in the student’s junior year. In HL1 students do the preparatory work for the IB Assessments which they complete in their senior year. Students focus on theatre processes and develop skills, knowledge, and understanding through practical application in directing, Creating, Collaborating, Designing , and Performing. Students will explore various acting techniques, world theatre traditions, and playtexts throughout the course. Course work includes in depth exploration of various theatre practitioners and their processes, world theatre traditions, the directorial process, the role of the designer in theatre, and collaboration on an original theatre piece. Participation in Talon Theatre Productions is factored into the grade as rehearsal and performance credit. IB Theatre Students are eligible to apple for Design positions for the fall and Christmas productions.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 11
(f) UC Approved
Prerequisites: No pre-requisite but previous theater background recommended

7221F THEATRE IB HL 2

This course is a continuation of IB Theatre HL 1 and builds on the work done in throughout the previous year. Students are required to complete four IB Assessments by the end of the school year: The Director’s Notebook for which a student selects an unfamiliar play and develops a directorial concept for a production; A World Theatre Research Presentation for which the student explores an unfamiliar theatre tradition and performs a solo presentation demonstrating the tradition; The Collaborative Project in which students take on a role within the production process such as playwright, designer, director, or actor and creates an original piece of theatre and a solo theatre piece using the techniques of a theatre practitioner. Participation in Talon Theatre Productions is factored into the grade as rehearsal and performance credit. IB Theatre Students are eligible to apply for Design positions for the fall and Christmas productions.

Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 12
(f) UC Approved
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre HL 1 IB.

Students interested in fulfilling the group six requirement of the IB program can opt to do so through this Theatre subject. Theatre IB SL is an honors level course designed for students to complete in on year. Students focus on theatre processes and develop skills, knowledge, and understanding through practical application in Directing, Creating, Collaborating, Designing, and Performing. Students will explore various acting techniques, world theatre traditions, and playtexts throughout the course. There are three IB assessment projects that must be completed by the end of the school year: The Director’s Notebook for which a student selects an unfamiliar play and develops a directorial concept for a production; A World Theatre Research Presentation for which the student explores an unfamiliar theatre tradition and performs a solo presentation demonstrating the tradition; The Collaborative Project in which students take on a role within the production process such as playwright, designer, director or actor and creates an original piece of theatre. Participation in Talon Theatre productions is factored into grade as rehearsal and performance credit. Theatre IB SL students are eligible to apply for Design positions for the Fall and Christmas productions.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 11, 12
(f) UC Approved

This course is an overview of how musical theatre has evolved as an art form from its earliest roots in European Operetta, Vaudeville, and the Jazz Age through the Golden Age of Musical Theatre to the present day. An understanding and appreciation of this theatrical genre will be fostered through the study of musicals such as Showboat, Oklahoma, West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables, Wicked, and Next to Normal. Students will be introduced to a range of musical theatre styles, composers, lyricists, and choreographers. Students will learn how this uniquely American art form has reflected changes in society through the years. Throughout the course, students will perform scenes and songs and work together to create an original musical revue. No musical experience necessary.
Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
(f) UC Approved

7213A MUSICAL THEATRE 2

This course builds on the foundational skills developed in Musical Theatre 1. Emphasis will be given to performance of a variety of musical styles and genres from the history of the American Broadway Musical from Operetta, to the Golden Age, Rock Opera and Contemporary Song Cycles. Students will focus on acting through in depth character analysis, vocal type, physicalization, phrasing, staging and Choreography. Emphasis will also be given to developing vocal technique. Students will rehearse and perform in a showcase at the end of each semester. Students will collaborate on creating an original musical theatre performance piece.

Length of Course: Year
Open to Grades: 10, 11, 12
(f) UC Approved
Prerequisites: Musical Theatre 1 or Teacher Approval

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2021-2022 Season

Talon Theatre's Past Productions 

The International Thespian Society is the only organization recognized by colleges and universities to honor high school students for outstanding work in theater on the secondary level. Talon Theatre maintains an active membership in the society with Honor Troupe #5524. Membership gives students incentives to participate in theater activities and can be an important factor in gaining admission to a quality theater program at the university level. There are two initiations each year and students are recognized with awards at the Talon Theatre Awards Banquet in the spring.

For more information on the International Thespian Society, please visit their website.

Membership

To become a Talon Theatre Thespian, inductees must earn 10 points, 5 of which must be earned through Talon Theatre. Refer to the thespian point award category sheet and fill out the sheet. Students must have participated in at least two Talon productions to be inducted. The deadline for inductions is quarterly, please turn in forms to Mrs. Barth.

Accolades

These recognition are the cumulative effect of the combined effort of every thespian board and president since Troupe # 5524 was reactivated in the fall of 2010 by Talon Theatre Director Amy Luskey-Barth. Since that time, over 100 students have been inducted into Troupe #5524 with students attending the International Thespian Festival and the California State Festival annually.

• Recognized at the California State Festival as the 2016 California State Honor Troupe. Honor troupe designation is similar to being identified as a “Blue Ribbon” School for participation in local, state, and national levels and for excellence in theatre.
• In 2014, SMCHS was represented at the California Youth in Theatre Day in Sacramento where then Thespian President Joanna Pisano delivered her first place award-winning essay about the importance of educational theatre.
• Performed at the International Thespian Festival in the Chapter Select Showcase in 2013 with “The Miracle Worker.”
• Numerous students have competed in the National Individual Event Showcase in acting, musical theatre, technical theatre and design by achieving superior ratings at the state festival.
• In 2015, Tyler Cotner won first place in sound design at the International Thespian Festival.
• Many students have received sizable scholarships from the Educational Theatre Association and state thespians and have gone on to study at some of the top theatre programs in the country.

• SANTA MARGARITA THESPIANS ACHIEVE STATE AND NATIONAL HONORS!The Covid-19 Pandemic could not suppress the enthusiasm, energy and talent of Talon Theatre Thespians.  For the first time in the history of SMCHS, two members of Thespian Troupe 5524 have been selected as officers on the CALIFORNIA STATE THESPIAN BOARD! After a lengthy and competitive application and interview process, ETHAN DIAZ and DELANEY JANKANISH were named as 2021/2022 State Thespian Officers at the virtual California State Thespian Celebration on April 3^rd.  Their new leadership positions will include extensive educational theatre advocacy work throughout the state. They will be responsible for the Southern and Northern Leadership training, organizing the California State Thespian Festival and representing the state of California for the International Thespian Society and the  Educational Theatre Association.

  At the national level, twelve Thespians participated in the International Thespian Excellence Awards (THESPYS). The THESPYS recognize the highest level of achievement in school theatre performance and technical theatre.  This educational program gives Thespians the opportunity to receive constructive feedback on prepared theatrical material and technical designs.  Students who achieve overall superior scores at their chapter and the top scores in their category at the International Thespian Festival earn International Thespian Excellence Awards!  The following six Talon Theatre Thespians achieved Superior Ratings in their performance category from the International Thespian Society: ETHAN DIAZ, Solo Musical Theatre; DANIEL TROYAN, Solo Musical Theatre; OLIVIA ORELLANA, Solo Musical Theatre; SARAH CLARKE, Solo Musical Theatre; TORI BENSER and ISABELLA TOSCHES, Duet Musical Theatre.

  The International Thespian Society is a division of the Educational Theatre Association. Founded in 1929, the International Thespian Society is the only organization  recognized by colleges and universities that honors the achievement of theatre students at the secondary level.

  “I could not be prouder of these dedicated Thespians,” said Troupe Director, Amy Luskey-Barth. “I am especially pleased that Ethan and Delaney will be State Thespian Officers. They will be outstanding representatives of educational theatre throughout  the state of California and across the country.”

2021-2022 Leadership Board

President: Olivia Orellana
Vice President: Lizzie Bork
Secretary: Brennan McMahon
Treasurer: Ethan Diaz
Historian: Sophie Pennell
ComedySportz Liaison: Maya Daniels
Communications Liaisons: Sarah Clarke & Annie Mulvihill
Technical Theatre Coordinator: Delaney Jankanish
Philanthropy Liaison: Thomas Rawlings
Junior Troupe Liaisons: Delaney Giraudi & Maggie Thilken
California State Thespian Officers: 
Delaney Jankanish & Ethan Diaz

QUESTIONS?
Contact Mrs. Amy Luskey-Barth at bartha@smhs.org

For information on ISTA, please visit: https://ista.co.uk/

Travel Opportunities

Members of the Thespian Honor Society have the opportunity to attend both the California State Thespian Festival as well as the International Thespian Festival where students perform in individual events, compete for scholarships, take workshops and meet other theater students from around the world.

MENTORSHIP

The College Prep Pre-Professional Program

What ls It?

The Mentorship Program is an individualized course of study to prepare students for Auditions and interviews for admission to college, university, and conservatory theatre Arts training programs. Students who intend to major in theatre arts should enroll in the Mentorship Program in the spring of their Junior Year.

The Mentorship - College Prep Pre-Professional Program assists parents and students in their search and selection of the right theatre training program for the student.

·        Selection and cutting of audition material for each audition

·        Private Coaching

·        Preparation for college scholarship auditions

·        Time Management and Focusing

·        Portfolio

·        Interviewing techniques and practice

·        Video for pre-screening

·        Online profile

How Do I Apply?

A student must fill out an application by Mid-February of their Junior Year indicating their intention to enroll in the Mentorship Program. The student and parents will then be invited to conference with Mrs. Barth to discuss the student's goals and to discuss the best course of training and preparation. Preparation begins in the spring of the student's junior year outside of school time. Students who attend the International Thespian Festival have the opportunity to audition for college theatre program scholarships in June of their junior year.

Most college auditions are held between December and February of the student's senior year. The number of coaching sessions is dependent on the number of programs for which the student is auditioning. Some programs in directing, playwriting, and technical theatre require a comprehensive portfolio of the student's work throughout high school.

Preparation begins in the spring of the student’s junior year outside of school time.

For more information, please contact Amy Luskey-Barth at bartha@smhs.org

Information and Registration Packet

Speak UP! is an original award-winning play that follows the stories of four teenage characters who struggle with issues of identity, sexual assault, guilt and suicide. The play, inspired by Project Semicolon, brings to light some of the real life circumstances and causes of teen suicide and provides hope for those in need by demonstrating the power that one person can have in the lives of those who feel isolated, abandoned or misunderstood. Encouraging empathy, compassion and love, the play is a powerful reminder of how inextricably linked we are to each other.

Speak UP! is a call to action.