Southeast Raleigh High School's Theatre department stresses the diverse talents of the students who attend this institution. With the exception of the Technical theatre course, all classes perform in a production at the conclusion of the course. Graduates of the Southeast Raleigh High School's department of theatre have continued Theatre studies at the undergraduate level. Courses within the drama department include:
The course curriculum includes Theatre Arts I, which trains students in basic aspects of body movement and vocal expression. Class activities in this course include pantomime, improvisation, individual and group presentation of oral reading, and solo and ensemble acting. Theatre Arts II explores theatre as a comprehensive performing art. The technical aspects of production including scenic, lighting, sound, makeup, property, and costume design enhance the study of acting, directing, and basic theatre management within this course. Theatre Arts III provides intensive acting study for the advanced theatre student. Students refine character development, vocal expression, and improvisation skills. Theatre Arts III (Honors) is for students who have demonstrated exceptional skill in the dramatic arts. Success at the honors level requires rigorous study, excellence in performance, and extensive knowledge of all areas of theatre including production, directing and an in-depth study of variety of dramatic literature. Theatre Arts IV is tailored for those students who have extensive performance experience and are interested in developing their skills in producing a quality, aesthetic theatrical experience. This course will provide leadership opportunities for the advanced students in the theatre department and support a variety of productions including classical and contemporary works. Theatre Arts IV (Honors) is a course for those students who have demonstrated advanced skill levels in theatre. This course requires extensive knowledge of all areas of theatre including production, directing, and an in-depth study of variety of dramatic literature. Students will be encouraged to explore a variety of theatrical styles and work with others to produce experimental culturally significant works of art. All of the preceding courses include a final performance that is a requirement for each course.
Technical Theatre gives the Theatre arts student the opportunity to explore the various aspects of design and production for theatre. Areas of study may include scenery, lighting, sound, makeup, properties, costumes, and stage management.
Southeast Raleigh High School offers outstanding productions that showcase the talents of its students. Recent productions have included One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Pirates of Penzance, Antigone, Someone Should Have Taught Him, What My Parents Didn't Teach Me, The Diviners, Harvey, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, This is a Test, The Christmas Carol, Pippin, The Wiz, The Sound of Music, and The Female Odd Couple.
During the 2003-2004 Academic year, the department of theatre produced The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
