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Theater Arts

The Besant Hill School Theater program is dedicated to educating students of all levels in the art of theater through classes in acting, directing, design, voice, dance, musical theater, production, and technical theater. Education occurs not only in the classroom but also in production opportunities. Each year, Besant Hill invites professional artists for lectures and workshops, and to join the creative teams for the school’s main stage productions, sharing their knowledge of the art and business of theater and film. Students will work side by side with entertainment industry professionals, presenting plays for the school and the community.

Theater Arts

The Besant Hill School Theater program is dedicated to educating students of all levels in the art of theater through classes in acting, directing, design, voice, dance, musical theater, production, and technical theater. Education occurs not only in the classroom but also in production opportunities. Each year, Besant Hill invites professional artists for lectures and workshops, and to join the creative teams for the school’s main stage productions, sharing their knowledge of the art and business of theater and film. Students will work side by side with entertainment industry professionals, presenting plays for the school and the community.

Theater Arts

The Besant Hill School Theater program is dedicated to educating students of all levels in the art of theater through classes in acting, directing, design, voice, dance, musical theater, production, and technical theater. Education occurs not only in the classroom but also in production opportunities. Each year, Besant Hill invites professional artists for lectures and workshops, and to join the creative teams for the school’s main stage productions, sharing their knowledge of the art and business of theater and film. Students will work side by side with entertainment industry professionals, presenting plays for the school and the community.

In addition to classroom and production learning, theater students participate in a number of excursions to professional theaters, including the Actors Gang, South Coast Repertory Theatre, A Noise Within, Pasadena Playhouse, Fountain Theater, and many other theaters in the region. Through relationships built with several companies, students have the opportunity to talk with the actors and directors following the shows, gaining first-hand insight into the business and craft of acting. Students of the Besant Hill School theater program are also eligible as interns for the prestigious Ojai Playwrights Conference (OPC), held each year here on campus in the school’s modern facility, the Zalk Theater.

In addition to classroom and production learning, theater students participate in a number of excursions to professional theaters, including the Actors Gang, South Coast Repertory Theatre, A Noise Within, Pasadena Playhouse, Fountain Theater, and many other theaters in the region. Through relationships built with several companies, students have the opportunity to talk with the actors and directors following the shows, gaining first-hand insight into the business and craft of acting. Students of the Besant Hill School theater program are also eligible as interns for the prestigious Ojai Playwrights Conference (OPC), held each year here on campus in the school’s modern facility, the Zalk Theater.

Claire Lowndes

Director of Academics & Advanced Studio Arts Teacher

“The Besant Hill School community provides a collaborative, inspiring environment for students to embrace their passions and unlock unimaginable potential.”

Dan Call

Arts Chair & Performing Arts Teacher

“I love the fact that we actually live our motto; Aún Aprendo is in everything we do with our entire community. We encourage each other to try new things, and mistakes are never failures, because we are all still learning.”

Nicole Hawkins

Digital Arts Teacher

“I believe that learning fuels life and curiosity fuels learning. Besant Hill’s mission and environment encourage students and teachers of distinct backgrounds to learn, explore and create together.”

khawkins@besanthill.org

Edward Carr

Music Teacher

“I’ve always considered music an opportunity to check one’s troubles at the door, be immersed in the moment, then emerge refreshed, and with new perspective. It’s my goal as a teacher of music to provide students with the skills to avail themselves of the opportunity to reproduce this experience for a lifetime of artistic fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy.”

ecarr@besanthill.org

Sally Chung

Studio Arts Teacher

“Every one of us is a creative being and cultivating that discovery is at the heart of what I teach.”

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