Performing Arts
Lower School
Students get to showcase their skills at Veni Emmanuel, the annual Christmas concert.
Drama
The Lower School Drama program is strategically designed to promote the lifelong, fundamental skills of self-expression, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in each student. The curriculum for each grade level is grounded in the principles of the National Core Arts Standards, which are adjusted to reflect age and skill appropriate goals. Each grade level will explore physical and vocal storytelling, technical theatre, international theatre history, and the devised theatre process using developmentally scaffolded materials. These experiences prepare students to present original talent nights throughout the year with various different themes. Fourth graders will additionally perform in a fully produced musical at the end of the year, representing the culmination of their drama education at Stuart thus far. Throughout the scope of the lower school drama experience, students will celebrate both process and product, and develop the skills of teamwork, empathy, and leadership.
Music
The Lower School Music program is centered on musical exploration at an age appropriate level with increasing amounts of student directed learning experiences and cross curricular integration. The music curriculum adheres to the tenets of the National Core Arts Standards, which has four components: Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. Students begin their musical study with the exploration of singing collaboratively and individually, improvising vocally and instrumentally, and preparing for concerts and performances throughout the year. Students learn age and skill appropriate music theory including treble and bass clef notation as well as rhythmic and melodic composition. Each grade focuses on music literacy through learning an instrument. Kindergarten and Grade 1 use one octave xylophones, Grade 2 uses portable piano keyboards, and Grades 3 & 4 participate in formal chorus classes and ukulele study. The Lower School participates in the Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s Bravo! Program, which includes hosting instrumental assemblies at Stuart and attending an orchestra performance at Princeton University.
Dance
Stuart offers a variety of dance classes through our Extended Day Programs including after school classes and during Stuart's Vacation Camp. We offer Preschool, JK, and Kindergarten Creative Movement/Dance class as well as a Ballet and Jazz Combination Class for Grades 1-4. Tap Dancing workshops are offered during the Vacation Camps.
Middle School
Theater
Drama 5: Let’s begin to Understand Theatre
The goal of this course is to empower students to engage on a personal level with the artistic experience. The course will cover three primary units of study: communication and improvisation, research and study of theatre history, and implementation of acquired skills in a public performance. Beginning the trimester with a study of improvisation, students will practice effective communication through group activities and creative use of the voice and body. The focus will shift to the qualities and practice of theatre traditions as is evident in Greek Theatre. This allows students to further understand concepts of design, namely, properties and costumes. Finally, we will explore Greek Mythology by performing short written plays for the lower school. Also embedded within the curriculum is the use of professional theatre vocabulary, ranging from stage directions to professional roles within the theatre world.
Drama 6: How to Create a Production
Drama class continues to include theatre vocabulary, stage movement, memorization, theatre history, performance opportunities, collaboration and leadership and group and self critique. Students learn the skills necessary for writing in a dialogue format, understanding characterization and plot. The class will include a research project focused on theatre history within the Middle Ages and Early Renaissance. We expand our knowledge of plot, characterization and performance with improvised skits and the production of a short play. The class focuses on group collaboration, improved verbal skills, self-confidence in performance and finding one’s own voice and creative problem solving.
Drama 7: Let’s write a PLAY!
Drama class includes the skills of theatre vocabulary, plot creation using problem- solution training, dialogue and structure in playwriting, technical theatre (lighting design, props, costumes design, set design, dramaturg, stage management), stage movement, motivated characterization, memorization and blocking. The class collaborates to create an original play and designs,produces and performs the piece for the Lower and/or Middle School within class time.
Music/Drama 8: THE MUSICAL
Drama and Music are combined to create an appropriate musical. The entire grade learns the process of auditioning, theatre vocabulary, stage movement, theatrical dance, character development, singing techniques, memorization and rehearsal techniques. The final performances are at the end of a trimester. There is a performance for the Lower School and a performance for the general public. The performance is supported by an Upper School tech class, a choreographer and a small professional band. The show is fully staged. The cast has a group critique following the show. The class focuses on group collaboration, verbal skills, characterization, musicianship, dance movement, improved self-confidence, leadership skills and creative problem-solving.
Music
Music 5
This music course will be based on timbre and composition through the construction of an original instrument. We will first explore instrumental timbre through the study of wind, string, brass, and percussion instruments. Then the students will construct an instrument using Makey Makeys, a technology tool used for coding. The students will be asked to create an instrument out of conductive materials and the Makey Makey. Students will be asked also to consider aesthetic value when creating their instrument. The physical ‘instruments’ made by the students will vary greatly. Some may choose a more artistic line of thought with lead pencil, while others will create objects out of foil, tape, and other materials. Their instrument will be used in composition of a piece of music. The culminating project will be to play a short original composition on their Makey Makey instrument. If time allows, the students will compose and play an ensemble composition with other classmates and their instruments. Through these hands-on, STEM-integrated projects, students learn music theory and composition skills, sound quality and construction, and the value of teamwork.
Music 6
This course is designed to build interest in composition by using critical listening skills, conducting and finally using GarageBand to compose their own pieces. The students will first review the basics of melody and rhythm with a focus on ostinatos/loops. Students continue their rhythm studies by learning conducting patterns and expressive conducting techniques. Using various multimedia resources as a guide, students learn about composing techniques and experiment with GarageBand to put together pre-made loops. Finally, the sixth graders utilize their knowledge by spending the rest of the trimester composing pieces individually and in groups with the GarageBand app. This course should help students understand and implement Classical composing techniques that are applicable to current musical styles.
Music 7
This course reinforces music theory, music history and performance skills by focusing on basic guitar skills as the center of our music study. Students begin by learning the basics of tuning, resonance and pitch as related to the guitar. Students develop the skill of chord playing as they learn basic guitar chords. Appreciation and understanding of music history grows as students simultaneously learn to sing international and popular songs with the accompanying guitar chords. Students work on their own and in pairs to carefully play each chord and rhythm accurately while simultaneously singing the melody. The final project is to successfully play and sing a song of their choosing that is appropriate to their level and abilities.
Chorus/Instrumental Music
Students have the option to choose either choral or instrumental music at each grade level. In these classes students rehearse beginner to intermediate choral or instrumental pieces for possible performances at Evensong, Spring Concert, and Middle School Prize Day. The objective is to reinforce music and vocal/instrumental skills and to build community by rehearsing and performing to their highest potential.
Families are responsible for providing their own instrument and must take individual lessons on campus or with a private teacher. Advanced ensemble students will rehearse and perform with additional rehearsal times within the Stuart daily schedule. Students improve their note reading and notation skills throughout the year with play and rehearsal and through these practices, enhance their understanding of musical performance
Upper School
Upper School students have many opportunities to pursue their interests in outstanding Academic classes in the performing arts through Music, Theatre and Dance.
Co-Curricular opportunities include: Fall Play and Winter musical, Independent Studies in performances. Students can join the award-winning Tartantones choir and select Vox Unum choir.
Theater
Upper School theater courses are in Acting, Directing, Musical Theater, Pop Culture, Comedy and Stagecraft. All Theater Classes include script analysis, character development, theater vocabulary,design and analysis. Acting and Directing classes include performance and critique. Theater History and techniques from Adler, Stanislavsky, Guthrie, are also discussed. A class in Communication through Public Speaking is offered each trimester within the Leadership program.
Trimester Courses
STAGECRAFT AND DESIGN 1
Open to grades 9-12.
This class explores stage design; students will analyze and critique several specific plays. The class explores the design elements in set design, lighting and costume design. Area design professionals will be guest instructors. The class will create will design a production and a present a “ Shark Tank” scenario to theater professionals. The class will create stage/set designs and costumes designs. We will see an area play as well. This class creates theatre technical support for the eighth grade musical.
STAGECRAFT AND DESIGN 2
Open to grades 9-12. Prerequisite: Stagecraft and Design I.
This class will take on leadership roles for the 8th grade musical production. This course will fulfill a Leadership Endorsement class.
ACTING AND DIRECTING
Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite.
This class explores the skills required for authentic acting on stage and for film. The class will research and explore various director’s artistic vision and through-line. Each student will direct a short scene using the skills necessary for motivated stage movement and directorial choices. Students will critique area performances and create several short pieces for Lower School and Middle School.
POP CULTURE: THE ARTS
Open to Grade 9-12. No prerequisite
This class will explore the collaboration of music, video and theatre through the lens of pop culture from 1960-present day. From Bandstand to MTV to Tik-Tok, the advance of technology continues to inform and change the arts as entertainment. Students will understand the impetus and create their own pop culture forms.
THE ART OF COMEDY
Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite.
This class explores the genre of comedy in film, theatre and television. Skits, monologues, short scenes will be explored. Students will create, perform and direct comedies specific to each medium. The class will create their own Comedy program entitled SDL. (Stuart Day Live) as a podcast.
INDEPENDENT DRAMATIC STUDIES
Open to grade 12. Prerequisite: two or more theater classes.
This course is designed to give a student an opportunity to build a theatrical portfolio in design, acting, and directing. The student will develop an advanced understanding of dramatic literature or production techniques. The course will culminate in a student-driven production, handbook, and portfolio. Assessment will be a self-critique, analysis of work, and construction of a student portfolio.
MUSICAL THEATRE
Open to Grades 9-12. No prerequisite.
This class explores the History of American Musical theatre. The class will design an original musical based on a book. This will include costume, set design, directorial vision, lighting, and sound. The model will be 3D digital and a ground plan model. Students will draw and sketch with google CAD programs and create a financial understanding of production costs. They will “ Shark Tank” this to local professional producers and directors for critique. This class also supports the 8th Grade musical as stage crew. The class will take a field trip to see a musical.
ACTING FOR THEATRE AND FILM EXPLORATION
Open to Grade 9-12. No prerequisite
This class will combine exploration of acting and directing skills in film, theatre and television. This class will examine, direct, and perform in each of these media. Students will collaborate on devised theatre and create venues for each medium. Guest artists will critique and workshop in this class.
Music
In the Upper School Music department, we provide opportunities for students to refine their music theory, music history, and performance skills to the highest echelon of their choosing. The Choirs perform challenging choral music from Baroque to Contemporary styles. Music theory and appreciation electives are offered at basic and intermediate levels, and AP Music Theory is a full-year course offered for students interested in college-level theory.
Full Year Courses
TARTANTONES
Open to grades 9-12. Meets three times per cycle. One Performance Arts Credit
The emphasis of this group is rehearsal and performance of high quality choral music. Each student will develop personal musicianship, vocal skills, and a sense for working together as an ensemble. The director will choose classic and modern music for this group that is appropriate to its size and ability while also taking repertoire suggestions from students. This choir provides opportunities to perform for peers, parents, faculty, and the general public. The Tartantones perform at Evensong, Spring Concert, Prize Day, Graduation, and other venues on and off campus. The culmination of the Tartantones’ school year will be a trip to a choir competition or performance (location to be announced).
VOX UNUM
Prerequisite: Successful audition and membership in Tartantones, constant attendance at rehearsals. Meets one evening per week from 5:30-6:15pm and occasional lunches.
This group performs advanced choral selections for special occasions within Stuart and for the local community. Each student will develop advanced musicianship, vocal skills, and a sense for working together as an ensemble. The director will choose classical and modern music for this group that is appropriate to its size and ability while also taking repertoire suggestions from students. This choir provides opportunities to perform for peers, parents, faculty, and the general public. Vox Unum perform at Evensong, Spring Concert, Prize Day, Graduation, and other venues on and off campus. The culmination of the Vox Unum school year will be a trip to a choir competition or performance (location to be announced).
ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY
Open to Grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Demonstrated facility on an instrument and permission of instructor in the spring prior to enrollment in the course.
Full year course of college-level music theory. We will cover advanced music theory concepts, including rhythm and meter, major and minor scales, modes, intervals, triads, counterpoint, four part harmony, figured bass notation, modulations, cadences, and form. Analysis of major works, composition, and dictation are integral components of this course as well as ear training and sight-singing. It is the expectation that students enrolled in this course will take the Advanced Placement Examination in Music Theory in May. Students are expected to devote ample time to study and homework throughout the year and especially in the spring in order to be prepared for the AP Exam.
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE
Meets 3 times per cycle.
Open to Grades 9 – 12. One (1) Performance Arts Credit. Prerequisite: Private lessons and/or experience on an orchestra or band instrument.
The emphasis of this group is the rehearsal and performance of classic and modern music that is appropriate to the group’s size and ability. The girls will learn about different ensemble arrangements, performance styles, and the history of instruments, composers, symphonies and music culture. Each student will develop personal musicianship and a sense for working together as an ensemble. As a small and independent group, the members will have input into the music that they will study and perform, arranging pre-existing publications if necessary. They will also perform together in each class and depending on development may have opportunities to perform for the rest of the school. Each student must provide their own instrument. Private lessons can be provided onsite at Stuart. These lessons would take place during extra help, study halls, or after school for an extra free. The instructor can be contacted for scheduling and specific questions on lessons.
Trimester Courses
BASIC MUSIC THEORY
Open to grades 9 – 12. No prerequisite.
Learn how to read music! This course covers the basics of rhythm, pitch, notation, expression markings, articulations, sight-singing, ear training, and keyboard skills. This course is ideal for students who are interested in an introduction to reading music at a beginner’s level. In this course we will also analyze and sing examples of music notation from the standard repertoire and write original melodies.
INTERMEDIATE MUSIC THEORY
Open to Grades 9-12. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor and fluency on a musical instrument.
This course is intended for students who are experienced music readers and wish to deepen their music theory knowledge to include major and minor scales, intervals, counterpoint, and traditional melody and harmony. We will analyze these concepts via historical music examples and discuss their usage within the music history spectrum. This course will include composition, dictation, ear training, and sight singing.
AP MUSIC THEORY
Full-year course
Open to grades 10-12. Prerequisite: Demonstrated ability on an instrument and permission of instructor in the spring prior to enrollment in the course.
In this college-level music theory course, we will cover advanced concepts including rhythm and meter, major and minor scales, modes, intervals, triads, counterpoint, four part harmony, figured bass notation, modulations, cadences, and form. Analysis of major works, composition, and dictation are integral components of this course as well as ear training and sight-singing. It is the expectation that students enrolled in this course will take the Advanced Placement examination in Music Theory in May. Students are expected to devote ample time to study and homework throughout the year and especially in the spring in order to be prepared for the AP exam.
MUSIC INDUSTRY ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite. This course will be available in 2024-25.
This course will allow students to gain understanding of today’s music industry from a business-oriented perspective. Students will learn about the roles of producing, publishing, marketing, distribution, and live performance. They will also learn basic legal aspects and business models for generating financial success. The course will conclude with Q&A sessions led by a guest speaker(s) from the field.
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY LAB
Open to grades 9-12. No prerequisite.
This course develops students' fundamentals of digital music production through project-based learning. Throughout the course, students will study and implement various elements of songwriting in an electronic medium through the use of digital audio workstations such as GarageBand and Soundtrap. Units 1-6 will equip students with the tools needed to execute a final original song project in unit 7. No prior musical knowledge or training required.
Performance Arts
Upper School students may earn a Performance Arts credit in one or more of the following co-curricular activities. These credits will be included in overall graduation credits but WILL NOT fulfill the mandatory Fine Arts Academic credits needed for graduation. These activities will be graded PASS/FAIL based on specific criteria.
Stuart has two singing groups: the Tartantones, open to all, and Vox Unum, an auditioned vocal ensemble. In addition, Stuart offers an instrumental ensemble to provide opportunities for students to perform throughout the year. These are full year commitments.
Stuart also offers two dramatic productions that students can enroll as members of cast or crew. These productions are in the first and second trimester.
Full Year Courses
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE
Open to Grades 9-12. Prerequisite: Private lessons and/or experience on an orchestra or band instrument. Meets 3 times per cycle.
The emphasis of this group is the rehearsal and performance of classic and modern music that is appropriate to the group’s size and ability. The students will learn about different ensemble arrangements, performance styles, and the history of instruments, composers, symphonies and music culture. Each student will develop personal musicianship and a sense for working together as an ensemble. As a small and independent group, the members will have input into the music that they will study and perform, arranging pre-existing publications if necessary. They will also perform together in each class and depending on development may have opportunities to perform for the rest of the school. Each student must provide their own instrument. Private lessons can be provided onsite at Stuart, which take place during extra help, study halls, or after school for an extra fee. The instructor can be contacted for scheduling and specific questions on lessons.
TARTANTONES
Open to grades 9-12. Meets three times per cycle. No Prerequisites.
The emphasis of this group is rehearsal and performance of high quality choral music. Each student will develop personal musicianship, vocal skills, and a sense for working together as an ensemble. The director will choose classic and modern music for this group that is appropriate to its size and ability while also taking repertoire suggestions from students. This choir provides opportunities to perform for peers, parents, faculty, and the general public. The Tartantones perform at Evensong, Spring Concert, Prize Day, Graduation, and other venues on and off campus. The culmination of the Tartantones’ school year will be a trip to a choir competition or performance (location to be announced).
VOX UNUM
Prerequisite: Successful audition and membership in Tartantones, constant attendance at rehearsals. Meets one evening per week from 5:30-6:15pm and occasional lunches.
This group performs advanced choral selections for special occasions within Stuart and for the local community. Each student will develop advanced musicianship, vocal skills, and a sense for working together as an ensemble. The director will choose classical and modern music for this group that is appropriate to its size and ability while also taking repertoire suggestions from students. This choir provides opportunities to perform for peers, parents, faculty, and the general public. Vox Unum perform at Evensong, Spring Concert, Prize Day, Graduation, and other venues on and off campus. The culmination of the Vox Unum school year will be a trip to a choir competition or performance (location to be announced).
Trimester Courses
FALL PLAY
Offered first trimester
Open to grades 9 -12. No prerequisite. Rehearsals are after school and some weekends.
This production is a fully staged play or evening of One Act. It may be a comedy or drama and is tailored to the interests of the cast. Students actively participate in the creation of the production from costumes, stage design, acting, and publicity. All students who participate receive a role in the production either cast or crew based on students preference. Students actively learn collaboration, communication and creative problem solving while increasing their dramatic skills.
WINTER MUSICAL
Offered second trimester
Open to grades 9 -12. No prerequisite. Rehearsals are after school and some weekends.
This production is a fully staged musical complete with a Stage Director, Musical Director, Choreographer, Lighting and Sound Directors and supported by a professional pit band. Students may participate as cast or crew depending upon their preference. Students actively learn collaboration, communication and creative problem solving while increasing their musical theatre skills.
With the freedom to find my individuality in an environment that helped foster creativity on many levels, I was given the tools to find my voice and the freedom to follow my passion at Stuart. My journey as a recording artist and Broadway performer began at a young age and without the support of the faculty and staff, I would not have been able to fully dive into my craft authentically. Some of my most transformative memories happened on stage and in the arts programs at Stuart. I’m incredibly grateful. - Ashley Loren, Broadway actress
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