Dramatic Arts Courses

Houston Christian students looking to study Dramatic Arts, Performing Arts and Technical Theatre may elect to sign-up for the following sequence of courses:

Theatre Introduction and Advanced Theatre

This multi-level acting pathway offers a comprehensive, progressive study of dramatic performance, taking students from core fundamentals to advanced stagecraft and screen acting. In Theatre 1, students build essential confidence and performance skills through public speaking, improvisation, character analysis, monologues, and pantomime, while being introduced to foundational theatre history and acting theories from Stanislavsky, Hagen, Strasberg, and Mamet. Expanding on this foundation, Advanced Theatre challenges experienced performers to elevate their craft through an in-depth study of 15 influential theorists, advanced theatre history, and practical instruction in unarmed and single-sword stage combat. Across both levels, students cultivate a growth mindset and a lifelong appreciation for the arts, with advanced coursework offering hands-on experience starring in published scenes and student-directed short films that culminate in featured showcases at the HC Fine Arts Festival.

Theatre Production

This course is designed for students performing, stage managing, or choreographing in one or more HC Theatreworks productions throughout the year—including the Fall Musical, Winter Musical, Spring Play, Coffeehouse, Advanced Digital Filmmaking and Production Films, and Children's Theatre. Serving as the primary rehearsal block for these productions. Continued work through advanced acting theorists is core to the class.

Technical Theatre Introduction, Intermediate, and Advanced

Our three-tiered Technical Theatre program provides students with a progressive, hands-on journey through every discipline of backstage production, including scenic and graphic design, construction, painting, lighting, sound, props, stage management, costuming, and makeup design. Beginning with foundational production skills, the curriculum progresses to specialized construction and fabrication—teaching practical building techniques and power-tool operation, including welding. At the upper tier, the program offers 20+ student leadership positions, empowering advanced students to manage teams and execute designs for all HC Black Box and Main Stage productions.

Digital Digital Filmmaking and Production Introduction and Advanced

Offered at both Introductory and Advanced levels, this program guides students through the complete filmmaking process—from initial concept and scriptwriting to camera operations, lighting design, audio production, and post-production editing. In the Introductory course, students build foundational technical and storytelling skills as they create original projects for submission to the ISAS Fine Arts Festival and the HC Fine Arts Festival. Building on this core, Advanced students refine their artistic voice and master complex production techniques to create high-caliber short films targeted for national film festival submissions. Throughout both levels, students develop critical thinking, visual literacy, and collaborative leadership while bringing their visual stories to life.

Other opportunities: ComedySportz, International Thespian Society, Coffee House