Musical Theatre is a tough business.  It takes years of dedication and disciplined practice to develop a versitile "triple threat" performer that can sing, act and dance.  Training in each of those disciplines must be comprehensive so that the performer can thrive in many different genres of music, theatre and dance.  And that is only the beginning.  Special skills such as tumbling and proficiently playing a musical instrument are now regularly a part of the working actor's resume.  In the BHS Musical Theatre program, we train artists.  Rather than copying the style and sound of another performer, our students work to find their own voice, literally and figuratively.  They ask questions of the world and themselves and rise to the challenge of discovering their art.  They graduate with a strong foundation in Musical Theatre technique and performance as well as a clear understanding of the purpose art and it's influence on history and culture.

In short...they DO THE WORK.

INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN SOCIETY TROUPE 5093 

Thespian Troupe 5093 - A Silver Level Honor Troupe - is the BHS chapter of the International Thespian Society, an honor society for drama students.  Students earn the designation of "thespian" and are inducted into the troupe after meeting the requirements as established by the ITS.  Any interested student should see Mr. Wahlers or Ms. Alexander.  Troupe 5093 holds open meetings every Wednesday in the West Dance Studio at 3pm. 

The New Jersey Thespians is the state chapter of the International Thespian Society, part of the Educational Theatre Association.  Its mission is to promote, strengthen and advocate for theatre arts education in New Jersey schools.  For more information go to  www.njthespians.org .

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Want to take Musical Theatre Class?  

Musical Theatre I

Musical Theatre I is a beginner course in acting, singing, and dancing that focuses on musical theatre history and repertoire from 1900-1960 as well as musical theatre technique and performance.  Students work on basic acting, music and movement skills. The focus of MT1 is on collaboration, problem solving, critical analysis and performance.

• Prerequisite:  None
• Grade Level: 9-11
• Course Length: Full Year

Musical Theatre II

Musical Theatre II is an intermediate course in acting, singing, and dancing that focuses on contemporary musical theatre styles from 1970- present.  Heavy emphasis is placed on character development, performance skills and dance technique. Students are required to audition for BHS Drama productions and work on the end of year dance concert.

• Prerequisite: Musical Theatre I
• Grade Level: 10-12
• Course Length: Full Year

Musical Theatre III

Musical Theatre III is an advanced course focusing primarily on the various dance styles in musicals. Students continue to build their repertoire of music and scenework related to contemporary themes in musicals but focus on dance styles commonly used in musicals as well as notable choreographers in the genre.  Heavy emphasis is placed on character development, performance skills and dance technique. Students are required to audition for school musical productions and work on the end of year dance concert. This course is repeatable for credit.

• Prerequisite: Musical Theatre II
• Grade Level: 11-12
• Course Length: Full Year

Musical Theatre IV

New this year! Musical Theatre IV is an advanced course for senior MT students focusing on the technical and practical aspects of musical theatre and it's current role in society.  Students continue to hone their performance skills but focus transitions from academic processes to real-life applications for career readiness such as theatre jobs behind the scenes (technical, artistic, front of house, etc.) and how to prepare for college and a career in the arts. 

• Prerequisite: Musical Theatre III
• Grade Level: 12
• Course Length: Full Year