No prerequisite

This course is designed to provide students with an introductory understanding of acting. This understanding will come from the knowledge and skills presented through in-class games, exercises, and rehearsal.  Students will practice plot and character creation through ideation and improvisation and will deepen their understanding of the collaborative and creative process. The culmination of knowledge and skills gained from this course will be represented through a working rehearsal process of a short play at the end of the trimeste

No Prerequisites

Act II explores more advanced skills and techniques for improvisational acting and storytelling for performance. These skills help students improve their listening skills and the ability to build scenes upon what is given to them. These same skills are applied to performing scripted material. Based on classical acting techniques, students will learn to build characters from the outside in based on the dialogue given by the writer. Students will perform improve scenes, scripted monologues, and scripted scenes. Act II is a one-trimester elective with open enrollment for any sophomore, junior, or senior. 

Prerequisite – Act I, II,  or instructor permission

Perform will focus on producing two performances: an improv show and a one-act play. The improv section will use advanced improv skills and techniques including listening skills, “yes, and”, A - C thinking, communicating with physicality, and gibberish. Each student will also perform in a 5-10 minute one-act play presented to the Academy. The actors will use classical acting techniques to build characters from the outside inward based on the dialogue given by the writer.

Prerequisite: Available only to seniors with application and instructor permission.

This full-year course allows students to pursue individual performance, technical, or compositional goals, and to develop the skills and repertoire necessary to gain acceptance to college music programs or achievements of similar standards.

Available only to seniors with application and instructor permission.

This year-long course allows students to pursue their individual performance, technical, or compositional goals, and to develop the skills and repertoire necessary to gain acceptance to college theater programs. 

Explore storytelling stories through dialogue and character interaction. Adapt a story into a play or create your own story and turn it into a play script. Watch your play performed. 

No prerequisite

Students musicians in the Vermont Academy Chamber Ensemble play music from classical, baroque, film, and contemporary music literature. The group welcomes musicians of all backgrounds and abilities and emphasizes music-making in a fun and exciting environment. The ensemble presents upwards of six concerts each year to enthusiastic audiences both on and off campus. 

No prerequisite 

Students in this course learn the basic principles of circuit theory and construct an original electronic instrument from fundamental components. Students learn and embrace the design process, prototyping and evaluating varying elements of their instrument before building the final product. This lab-based, hands-on course is an excellent offering for a student who is interested in music, electronics, building, or sound production

No prerequisites

Explore the fundamentals of short-form and long-form improvisational acting including improv comedy. Students will engage in character-driven storytelling and develop stories around characters created through improvisation. Throughout the course, students will have multiple opportunities to perform for the VA community.

No prerequisite

Students will discover a broad scope of concepts related to electronic music, sound recording, and music technology. Students in this course will work through a diverse set of music and technology-related activities, where they have the opportunity to learn about the audio sound systems on campus, learn how to record themselves or a student band, compose an original piece of music, repair a broken instrument or amplifier, or unlock the secrets of wireless transmission. This is an excellent course for a student interested in pursuing any field of music technology, electronics, or musical experimentation.

No prerequisite

Students musicians in the Vermont Academy Jazz Ensemble play music from jazz, funk, Latin, and contemporary literature. The group welcomes musicians of all backgrounds and abilities and emphasizes music-making in a fun and exciting environment. The ensemble presents upwards of six concerts each year to enthusiastic audiences both on and off campus. 

Vermont Academy’s music lesson program offers students with an interest in performance a chance to study their instrument as part of their academic regiment. This popular aspect of the music offerings allows students to take a lesson once a week, during the academic day with a private teacher. Lesson students earn academic credit for their lessons and earn the privilege of access to practice rooms, lockers, and listening resources. Lesson students benefit from the outstanding teaching and musicianship brought to Vermont Academy by our staff of adjunct lesson teachers.

Prerequisite: Any prior music-reading course or music performance experience, instructor permission

This course offers students the opportunity to learn and improve their understanding of the mechanical functions of music. Employing notation software, students will develop skills using the written staff, improve their aural ability, learn to recognize basic musical forms and demonstrate the fundamentals of composition through their own creative projects. 

No prerequisite

Music Workshop is a course that allows students to pursue individual and small-group self-designed musical goals. Topics include but are not limited to musical performance, music appreciation, music technology, and music composition. Students will research, practice, and share progress on their topics throughout the term, as well as participate in weekly large-group musical activities. 

Required for all Ninth-graders

All Ninth-graders select the artistic sub-discipline of their preference and pursue a four-week intensive project in a studio on campus.  Students should indicate their studio of preference on their course selection sheets by requesting one of the following: Theater, Fine Art, Pottery, Music, and Digital Art.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Electronic Music or instructor approval

No prerequisite

Students involved in the Theater Production Ensemble participate in dramatic, technical, directorial, and creative elements of theater. The group welcomes participants of all backgrounds and abilities and emphasizes theater-making in a fun and relaxed environment. The Theater Production team presents multiple performances throughout the year, including straight plays, musical theater, improvisational and devised theater, and original works.

No prerequisite

Students musicians in the Vermont Academy Vocal Ensemble sing music from jazz, pop, R&B, soul, classical, and folk traditions. The group emphasizes music-making in a fun and relaxed environment. Experimentation is encouraged, and singers of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome. The ensemble presents upwards of six concerts each year to enthusiastic audiences both on and off campus.