Fifth grade students learn the dynamics of functioning in a group in a creative environment, the fundamentals of storytelling, and develop a level of comfort when performing in front of a group. In sixth grade, students continue to study these areas while utilizing more complex storytelling skills. Students spend approximately one quarter in the visual art rotation. 

Seventh grade students learn the rules of improvisation, expand upon their storytelling skills, and learn theatrical terminology. In eighth grade, students continue to grow in these areas while also spending more time studying the text of plays, developing characters, and utilizing the elements of theater in order to create a variety of performance pieces. In the eighth grade, students perform a scripted theatrical production. 7th and 8th Grade Theater classes are full-year.

Students learn the basics of stagecraft as they work on creating the costumes, props, set pieces, make-up, and lighting/tech for the Theater class's spring production. After a general introduction to the history and techniques of stage work, students undertake a close read of the script for the play and decide in which area they individually wish to focus their effort and energy. They create a production plan, which guides their work for most of the class as they work to bring their visions to life on stage.

This class develops the basic tools of the actor: voice, body and imagination. Through exercises, monologues and scene study from modern, realistic plays, students explore a variety of approaches to the craft of acting. This is a performance class with some memorization work which must be completed outside of class.

Cannon Theater Company (CTC) gives Upper School students the opportunity to experience all aspects of theater; auditioning, rehearsing, acting, audio/visual tech, set building, and directing. Productions are open to the public. Please visit the Theater Productions webpage for additional information.

This hands-on course explores the technical elements of theater including lighting, sound, set and costume design, and stage management. Students taking this course develop vital creative problem-solving and collaboration skills while widening their aesthetic imaginations. Students also put their learning to immediate practical use by helping to design and assemble the technical aspects of Cannon Theater Company and student-directed productions (this does not require after-school participation.) Students in this class are given the opportunity, but are not required, to run tech for Cannon productions.

This hands-on course further explores the technical elements of theater including lighting, sound, set and costume design, and stage management. The curriculum for the course is in large part driven by the specific interests of each student within the field of theatrical design, technology, and management. Students also put their learning to immediate practical use by helping to design and assemble the technical aspects of Cannon Theater Company and student-directed productions (this does not require after-school participation.) Students in this class are given the opportunity, but are not required, to run tech for Cannon productions.