Drama I-IV

Theater Arts 1-4 offer a comprehensive exploration of acting techniques, encompassing improvisation, pantomime, and scene work to enhance both acting and public speaking skills. Topics include method acting, audition techniques, performing comedy, stage dialects, and various acting styles. Additionally, students will delve into advanced studies covering improvisation, theater history, and the creation of short productions for final exam performances. Students will culminate their learning with a final exam production showcasing acquired skills.

Introduction to Stage Crafts

The objective of this course is to introduce the student to the fundamental elements and principles of technical theatre through hands-on learning that makes use of the production facilities, operations, methods, and technologies used onsite, and to relate these practices to those used in professional, amateur, and educational theaters. This class provides a foundation in theater technology, examining the creation of a live theatrical production from conception to performance. Explores the realization of an artistic and structural vision for a play, taking into account all facets of technical theater: history of productions, types of plays, different technical roles, design, drafting, carpentry, costume, lighting, rigging, stage management, sound, and video.

Theatre/Play Productions

Join Productions, a comprehensive program focusing on three main stage productions annually along with competitions and festivals. Emphasizing character study and realistic stage personas, students learn all aspects of play production, including scenery, lighting, makeup, and costuming. After-school rehearsals, totaling 30–40 hours per semester, ensure hands-on experience and skill development.

Honors Advanced Theater

Advanced Theater Honors prepares students for future pursuits in theater, focusing on directing, playwriting, and dramaturgy. Students take leadership roles in projects alongside their peers and complete a rigorous writing component as part of a capstone project each semester. Building upon previous skills and experiences, students demonstrate advanced abilities as theater artists. Throughout the course, they engage in multiple theatrical production units to further develop their craft.

Make it stand out.

MEET THE STAFF!

CHRIS CONNOR

Mr. Connor has been at Monte Vista High School for 14 years and still loves it!

Connor grew up in Lafayette, graduated from UCSB (Go Gauchos!), and spent about 10 years in Hollywood acting in commercials, TV shows, and studying with amazing teachers.

Connor then returned to the Bay Area and received his teaching credential at CSU East Bay and went on to earn a Masters In Theatre Production and Design at Southern Oregon University.

He was named the SRVUSD Teacher of the Year in 2023!

Connor recently bought a house in Martinez, but still drives his 30 year old red Jeep that can be found in the MV Parking Lot at all hours!

“I believe in focusing on individual needs and involving students in the process of their learning. I believe that all students have strengths, and that it is the goal of education to assist students in identifying and building upon these. My goal is to create a program that can challenge and inspire my students. The worst phrase I have heard is, “typical high school theatre”. I believe that students can do amazing things with a production, onstage and behind. I love empowering my students to make independent choices, while still understanding the importance of collaboration and education.
I want to ‘wow’ our audiences with honest, layered acting and professional sets, lights, hair, and makeup. Ultimately, I want to create a home for the next generations of “drama nerds”.
I want the students to understand that life is a process. It isn’t measured by the milestones that we reach, but the path it takes to get there.”

— Chris Connor

Meet the Team