Elementary School
Elementary performing arts includes two main components: dance and drama. The program begins in kindergarten and focuses on creative exploration.
Drama instruction provides opportunities for students to mature and develop tools of the actor: the voice, the body, and the imagination. Older students focus on the fundamentals of theater, such as working on a stage, basic acting techniques and theater terminology. Students learn how to improve their focus, self-confidence, and social skills.
Dance instruction focuses on creative movement and promotes individual expression, imagination, and cooperation with the group. As students explore the power of moving, they find new ways to express themselves and interact with classmates in a positive and joyful environment. Older students experience choreography using the principles of Laban: Space, Shape, Effort and Time.
Students in grades K-5 perform in at least two productions a year in Sun Valley Community School's Theatre (Theater?), and also participate in other performances throughout the year, including Grandfriends' Day, Community Meetings, and Moving Up Ceremonies.
Middle School
The Middle School embraces the, "If you want to be in it, you’re in!” philosophy. Middle School performing arts is all about fun, creativity, and trying new things! In the fall and winter, the MS Drama Program offers introductory workshops for performance and backstage skills, culminating in a student-driven 12-Hour Drama Festival. The spring season features a musical theater production where all students can play as big or small a role as they dream, from solos in the spotlight to designing costumes, sets, and lighting.
Upper School
The Upper School theatre program mounts two productions a year, a drama and a musical. Our students are taught by teachers who are professionals within the areas of music, drama, dance and design.
All students are encouraged to participate in the productions. We develop the talents of students as actors, singers, dancers and stage designers in a small repertory company, in which students advance from supporting roles to leads in the course of their high school years. Our choice of repertoire is determined by the talent of this company, and by our desire to find material for our actors that they, as well as our audiences, will learn from and enjoy.