J. R. Arnold High School Theatre

J. R. Arnold High School Theatre is a full scale, community service centered, performing arts program at J. R. Arnold High School in Panama City Beach, Florida. We focus on learning through experience and provide our productions to our community to share the arts with everyone. Students may take one of each of the following each year OR choose to only take one class if they’d like. Unique courses are offered each year and may include: 

Dance

  • Dance Techniques: Focused on learning principles of musical theatre dance including tap and jazz. This class is for beginners AND experienced dancers to explore these styles and expand their technique in level 1 and delve deeper including choreography and more complex skills in level 2. These courses are taken in order and students can go up to level 4 which is an honors course. Students in this class will participate in recital.
  • Ballet: Focused on learning the core movements of all dance through ballet. Students will explore lyrical, contemporary, and ballet styles and techniques. These courses are taken in order and students can go up to level 4 which is an honors course. Students in this class will participate in recital.
  • Dance Celebration: A dance course specifically designed for Access Diploma students and those with mixed mobility needs to be able to work in a dance environment with peers of differing ability levels. Dance leadership students can take this course to support their mixed mobility peers! Students in this class will participate in recital.

Acting

  • Acting 1: Focused on acting basics such as pantomime, projection, characters, script writing and analysis, and foundations of improv. Students in this class will have the option to participate in recital.
  • Acting 2-4: Focused on intermediate to advanced acting skill sets and processes, building on the skills from prior acting class and more intense exploration into areas such as acting theory, script analysis, devised theatre, and stage combat. These courses are taken in order and students can go up to level 4 which is an honors course. Students in this class will participate in recital.
  • Improv:  Focused on teamwork and fostering creativity. These games not only encourage students to step outside their comfort zones but also help them develop quick thinking and problem-solving skills. By thinking on their feet, students become more confident in their ability to navigate unexpected situations, both on stage and in their daily lives.

Technical Theatre:

  • Costumes, Makeup, and Hair: Focused on designing as well as hands on work in theatrical character creation though costumes, makeup, and hair design, construction, and application. Beginners are welcome, and experienced students can grow this course into leadership roles. Students in this class will participate in recital by helping with costume, makeup, and hair elements.
  • Technical Theatre 1-4: Focused on maintaining and running our auditorium including lighting and sound equipment for school and community use. We also build sets, paint, organize and make props and costume items and more. Beginners are encouraged to join us and we’ll train you. Advanced students will take on leadership roles. Students in this class also support after school theatre activities such as theatre competition, shows, leadership and service projects. These courses are taken in order and students can go up to level 4 which is an honors course. Students in this class will participate in recital by running tech for the show.
  • Theatre Directing 1-2: Theatrical Direction and Stage Management student directors help support in level 1 classes and take on leadership roles related to directing and managing peers. This course is ONLY for those who have taken multiple theatre courses and shown leadership abilities. Applications are available at the end of each school year. Pre-req is at least two other theatre courses and teacher approval. Level 2 is an honors course.