Our Philosophy
Our program is aligned with National Core Arts Standards for Theater where students are engaged in rigorous academic study learning advanced skills based on a college level curriculum. Many students continue to study theatre in secondary education. The fundamental education received at MHSA prepares our graduates, many of whom have gone on after graduation to major in theater, television and film studios across the country.
Multiple productions in our three performance spaces allow students to apply their classroom learning in a real world environment. The Theatre & Film Program at MHSA works directly with many local organizations such as the Skylight Music Theatre and The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, in addition to masterclasses with professionals.
Course Offerings
Level 1: Intro to Theatre/Pre-AP Theatre 
Storytelling. Ancient Greek Theatre. Improv and Comedy. Teen Writes.
Community, Empathy, Resilience.
Level 2: Theatre Arts Workshop
Scene Work and Script Analysis. Intro to technical stage design. Musical Theatre Residency with the Skylight Music Theatre Musical Residency.
Collaboration and Professionalism.
Level 3: Advanced Acting & Acting for the Camera, Stage Crew & Design
Professional Development for Stage and TV/Film Acting. Technical Design and Stage Crew.
Level 4: Directing, Technical Theater and Advanced Design
Directing for Film and Theater. Design of a project from start to finish. Senior Showcase.
Dedication and Leadership.
Visit the Course Offering page for in-depth class descriptions.
Performance Opportunities
- Level 1: Teen Writes Residency with the Skylight Music Theatre, Comedy Showcase
- Level 2: Musical Theatre Residency with the Skylight Music Theatre, Shakespeare
- Level 3: Musical Theatre Residency with the Skylight Music Theatre, Junior Showcase, Acting for the Camera
- Level 4: Musical Theatre Residency with the Skylight Music Theatre, Directing Scenes
ALL Theatre Department students can audition for the Fall Show, the Spring Musical and Senior Projects. MHSA’s Theatre students are also offered a variety of community theatre audition opportunities throughout the year and over the summer.
Current & Past Partnerships
- Skylight Music Theatre (Teen Writes, Kids Writes and the Musical Theatre Residency, Special Invitations/Discount Tickets to performances)
- The Milwaukee Repertory Theater (reading Residency, Special Invitations/Discount Tickets to performances)
- Next Act Theatre (workshops, touring performances, Special Invitations/Discount Tickets to performances)
- Renaissance Theaterworks (The Fran Bauer Young Critics Project)
- Milwaukee Film (Reel Talks, annual Film Festival)
- Marcus Center (ArtsConnect, Special Invitations/Discount Tickets to performances)
- UWM’s Peck School of the Arts (workshops, Special Invitations/Discount Tickets to performances)
