Acting and Technical Theater

The Acting and Technical Theater Career Pathway is part of the Arts, A/V Technology & Communications Career Cluster, focused on designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism and entertainment services.

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Learn from professionals who followed this career pathway in videos from RoadTrip Nation.

Ric Birch
Executive Producer, Olympic Ceremonies

Nancy Feldman
Wardrobe and Makeup Supervisor, Blue Man Group

Diane Guerrero
Actress, "Encanto," "Orange is the New Black"

Christopher Jackson
Actor/Musician, "Freestyle Love Supreme," "Hamilton," "In the Heights," "Moana"

Judith Jamison
Choreographer/Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater

Potential Careers

Pathway Courses

Example Four-Year Plan

This is just an example of a possible four-year plan with these pathway courses included. Talk with your counselor and view the graduation requirements to create a plan that works for you.

Example Four-Year Plan Graphic

Example Four-Year Plan: Acting and Technical Theater

Example Four-Year Plan Courses

Grade 9

Required Courses

Language and Literature — two credits
Math (Algebra) — two credits
Physical Science — two credits
Global Geography and Culture — two credits
P.E. — one credit
Health (any year) — one credit

Pathway Courses

Theatrics — one credit

Elective Courses

World Language (2-4 years) — two credits
Other suggested electives — 3 credits:
- full-year courses: Jazz Studies and Performance (every other day), Ninth-Grade Band, Ninth-Grade Orchestra, Southwoods Singers (every other day), Treble or Bass Clef Choir
- one-semester courses: Debate I, Marching Band (early bird), Theatrics, art classes

Grade 10

Required Courses

Biology — two credits
Fundamentals of Writing (Grades 10, 11, or 12) — one credit
Math (Geometry) — two credits
P.E. — one credit
Speech Communication (Grades 10, 11, or 12) — one credit

Pathway Courses

Drama I: Acting — one credit

Elective Courses

World Language (2-4 years) — two credits
Other suggested electives — six credits: additional performing and fine arts classes, as well as:
- Language and Literature courses: Advanced Speech, Broadcasting Lab, Creative Writing, Cultural Literacy, Debate, Film as Literature, Introduction to Broadcasting, Journalism, Publications, Shakespeare
- Education Courses: Child Development, Foundations of Education, Initial Field Experience, Senior Field Experience
- Business Courses: Introduction to Business, Accounting, Business Law, Computer Applications, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Intro. to Computer Applications, Computer Applications, Marketing and Advertising, Leadership, Personal Finance, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Web Page Design, Video Production
- Technical Theater emphasis: Carpentry Fundamentals, Construction Fundamentals, Design Studio, Digital Animation, Digital Illustration, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Foundations of Technology and Engineering, Leadership, Photography, Textile Construction, Video Production

Grade 11

Required Courses

Language Arts Elective — two credits
Math (Algebra II) — two credits
Chemistry (Grades 11 or 12) — two credits
U.S. History — two credits
P.E. — one credit

Pathway Courses

Drama II: Advanced Acting — one credit
Dramatic Literature — one credit

Elective Courses

World Language (2-4 years) — two credits
Other suggested electives — three credits: additional performing and fine arts classes, as well as:
- Language and Literature courses: Advanced Speech, Broadcasting Lab, Creative Writing, Cultural Literacy, Debate, Film as Literature, Introduction to Broadcasting, Journalism, Publications, Shakespeare
- Education Courses: Child Development, Foundations of Education, Initial Field Experience, Senior Field Experience
- Business Courses: Introduction to Business, Accounting, Business Law, Computer Applications, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Intro. to Computer Applications, Computer Applications, Marketing and Advertising, Leadership, Personal Finance, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Web Page Design, Video Production
- Technical Theater emphasis: Carpentry Fundamentals, Construction Fundamentals, Design Studio, Digital Animation, Digital Illustration, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Foundations of Technology and Engineering, Leadership, Photography, Textile Construction, Video Production

Grade 12

Required Courses

Literature Elective — one credit
Language Arts Elective — one credit
Government — one credit
Economics — one credit
P.E. — one credits

Pathway Courses

Technical Theater — one credit

Elective Courses

World Language (2-4 years) — two credits
Other suggested electives — three credits: additional performing and fine arts classes, as well as:
- Language and Literature courses: Advanced Speech, Broadcasting Lab, Creative Writing, Cultural Literacy, Debate, Film as Literature, Introduction to Broadcasting, Journalism, Publications, Shakespeare
- Education Courses: Child Development, Foundations of Education, Initial Field Experience, Senior Field Experience
- Business Courses: Introduction to Business, Accounting, Business Law, Computer Applications, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Intro. to Computer Applications, Computer Applications, Marketing and Advertising, Leadership, Personal Finance, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Web Page Design, Video Production
- Technical Theater emphasis: Carpentry Fundamentals, Construction Fundamentals, Design Studio, Digital Animation, Digital Illustration, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Foundations of Technology and Engineering, Leadership, Photography, Textile Construction, Video Production

Other Pathway Information

Related Electives

Valley Southwoods: Bass Clef Chorus
Valley Southwoods: Concert Band
Valley Southwoods: Jazz Studies/Performance
Valley Southwoods: Orchestra
Valley Southwoods Southwoods Singers
Valley Southwoods: Treble Clef Chorus
A Capella Choir
Advanced Speech
AP Music Theory
Chamber Orchestra
Concert Choir
Concert Ensemble
DMACC: Foundations of Education
DMACC: Initial Field Experience
Explorations in Music
Film as Literature
Jazz Studies/Performance
Marching Band
Orchestra
Select Treble Clef Choir
Symphony Band
Valley Singers

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Acting and Technical Theater

WATCH: Career Videos

Potential Careers

Pathway Courses

Example Four-Year Plan

Example Four-Year Plan Graphic

Example Four-Year Plan Courses

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Other Pathway Information

Related Electives

Career-Related Activities

Potential College Majors

Next Steps

Where do I start?

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