Whether it be singing along to your favorite show-tunes or reciting the everso poetic lines of historical monoliths, our acting classes encompass the whole spectrum of theatrics! Under the direction of our Theatre Director, Christa Whittaker, Music Director, Robert Walker, and Dance Director, Jenn “J-Stew ” Stewart, there is nothing stopping us from producing high-quality productions year after year for the Lake County area!

Our acting department is divided into two sectors; Musical Theatre and Theatre (Acting). Musical Theatre is a fast-paced, multitalented class that requires students to learn elements of singing, dancing, and acting throughout the course of the year. Musical Theatre is comprised of students that auditioned at the end of the previous year to be in the course and throughout the year use that class time to study and rehearse the season’s musical performances. Pre-AP Theatre is the introductory level into the world of theatre leading students towards the path of moving onto Theatre 2-4 courses. Those upper level courses teach actors the basic fundamentals of live theatre, introducing them to very real expectations relating to professional-grade performing. Whether it be a comedy, a tragedy, or a comical tragedy, our theatre program has presented shows of a wide variety and is always improving as we gain more hands-on experience throughout our journey. All members actively assisting with a production are expected to stay after-school for any required rehearsals and should always bring their A-Game! Most of our shows are performed on our Mainstage, but smaller productions occasionally perform in our Blackbox theater. All of the sets for our shows are imagined and created by our Technical Theatre classes, working together with the Theatre classes to create productions unlike anything you’ve ever seen!

* Note: Musical Theatre takes up 2 class periods and is by audition only. Theatre 2-4 is “by recommendation” only.

Technical Theatre: Design & Production

Interested in being apart of what goes on behind the curtains? To learn valuable real-world skills and to create the foundation of our productions? Well, then Technical Theatre might just be for you!

Under the wing of our astounding Technical Theatre director, Mr. (Roh) Rohleder, you will learn how to work as a team to create a unified vision, whether that be building the world of Auradon from Disney’s: Descendants, or the town of the Tony Award winning musical, Fiddler on the Roof. Understanding and utilizing the foundational tools that are used to create these environments is the starting point for all of our students (beginning in our Tech 1 class). This includes learning how to use power tools, (including saws, screw guns, etc.) and traditional tools (such as hammers, staple guns, etc.) safely and efficiently during class, as well as during Tech Build Days.

By working as a team with your peers, we are able to create the structure of what makes our theatre productions top-notch year after year! If this sounds like something you’re interested in, join Technical Theatre when class selection opens next. (Spaces are limited, first come first serve!)

Costume, Hair, & Makeup

The costuming class with Mrs. Whittaker is a unique opportunity to explore the world of costumes, makeup, and hair in Technical Theatre. Collaborating and problem-solving are key in evolving shows from the beginning to the end of the costuming experience. In the class, you will learn how to use a sewing machine, how to hand stitch, as well as various makeup techniques; all to be utilized during our many theatrical performances!

* Note: Students must have participated in our “Tech 1” class in previous school years to be eligible to join.

Tech Crew Club

Looking to play an integral role in the live production of our mainstage shows? As an extension to our Technical Theatre classes, Crew Club manages the behind-the-scenes aspects of our live theatre productions and makes our shows really come to life! With many ways to assist within the club, you’ll surely find a position that fits you most.
The available positions in Crew Club are:

- Props

- Run Crew

- Costuming

- Sound

- Lighting

- Ushering

- Stage Management

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Being a part of Crew Club, members are subjected to more in-depth experiences than a typical Technical Theatre student would while in class. Being able to problem solve on a whim is a crucial trait that will be strengthened greatly throughout your time within the club because, well, theater doesn’t always go as planned! Fixing set pieces, rebuilding broken props, and troubleshooting problems you wouldn’t expect to become problems make Crew Club so applicable to real-world live theatre. It’s all about the experience, and you wouldn’t want to miss your opportunity to shine! Join Crew Club today.

* Requirements: Enrollment in a Technical Theatre Class (can include Costuming)

Thespians

Intrigued by the idea of strengthening your creative abilities and competing with your peers? Thespians is an honors society for individuals interested in showcasing their strengths in specified theatrically-related skills. Whether it be acting in a small group of your friends or showing off your marketing skills, Thespians encompasses it all. Commonly taking trips to other schools for the competition, students can partake in any of these pre-organized events:

Acting Events:
- Monologue
- Duo Performace
- Small Group Performance ( 3-7 Actors ) *
- Large Group Performance ( 8-16 Actors ) *
- Pantomime ( Up to 7 Actors )
- One-Act Play ( As many needed )

Tech Events:
- Playwriting ( 1-2 Per Script )
- Publicity
- Costume Design
- Make-Up Design
- Scene Design
- Student Choreography
- Student-Directed Acting Scene

All active ERHS Students are welcome to join Thespians, as long as at least one event is desired to partake in by the individual. Students are expected to follow all General Rules while at Thespians events.

* Group performances can also be musical performances

Improv Acting

Knights of Comedy strives to promote teamwork and adaptation through various scenes and games. We have a variety of activities, most of which require our performers to pull ideas off the top of their heads. Improv is not just making jokes, but coordinating a story from the seed of an idea.

Members of Knight of Comedy are expected to partake in our occasional audience-present shows, which are all performed in our Blackbox Theatre!