The mission of the Charter Arts Theatre Department is to expose young artists to the multitude of works, theories and practices essential to an understanding and appreciation for Theatre Arts, as well as to foster the inherent talents of our students and to encourage them to confidently share their creativity with the world at large.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Charter Arts Theatre Department offers a pre-professional training program for high school-aged performers. Our goal is to provide students with the skills they will need to move on to competitive college programs as well as professional theatre experiences. Classes are designed to encourage students to create imaginative and compelling characters, to regard their voices and bodies as creative instruments, to expose them to theatrical literature and to instill in them a sense of respect and professionalism for the art form that will stay with them throughout their lives. Review the full department curriculum in the COURSE CATALOG.
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
- Accomplished, award-winning faculty.
- Three fully produced plays, a Children’s Show and a New Plays Festival per academic year, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and professional support.
- Classical and contemporary acting styles derived from traditional and progressive techniques.
- Audition techniques for film, television, commercials and voice overs.
- Intensive scene study and monologue work in a variety of styles and genres.
- Design and stage management opportunities on our stages, as well as in the community.
- A safe, supportive, ensemble-oriented environment to explore and develop your unique voice.
DEPARTMENT NEWS
This year, the department is excited to present a series of original works written by accomplished playwrights as part of its 2024-2025 theatre season. Playing host to these premieres is an important and distinct honor for a high school theatre program. Artistic Director, Kelly Minner-Bickert shares: “We pride ourselves on offering something that is different from other high school theatre programs in the Lehigh Valley. In addition to the extensive training they receive here our students are given the rare opportunity to work with playwrights, composers and other artists at the forefront of the theatre movement in the creation of new works.”
The department will also engage alumni performers, directors and artists this year as part of its Alumni Artist-in-Residence program. “The creation of this program was to keep our alumni connected to Charter Arts and to reinforce with our current students that they will always have a home here with us. We demonstrate that we value artistry and we want to instill in our young artists that when they reach a certain skill level of mastery in their art they have a right to be celebrated and paid for their contributions as professional artists.”
Student earns prestigious Andrew Lloydd Webber Training Scholarship
Theatre students earn individual and team award at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
Senior theatre students perform their Children’s Show for local elementary students
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT
Please feel free to contact the Artistic Director of Theatre, Kelly Minner-Bickert at kbickert@charterarts.org.
The Charter Arts Theatre Department produces three main stage productions each school year. The senior theatre class produces an annual Children’s Show that tours throughout the Lehigh Valley.
