Performing Arts

RHP's performing arts program supports our creative spirits pillar through the exploration of theatre and music.

Theatre

Through the theatre program, students are involved in producing high-quality plays and musicals. They enjoy building acting, playwriting, directing, and design skills in theatre and technical courses. Students expand and share those skills through productions guided by professional artists on and off campus. The program offers opportunities for participation in varied musical genres, providing high-quality instruction that brings out the best in students.

Drama classes begin in Middle School with improvisation games, story dramatizations, and the performance of plays and self-written skits. Students have performances on Grandparents’ and Friends’ Day, International Day, and other showcases throughout the year. Our 8th Grade students present a play at the conclusion of their trimester of study - either acting on stage or providing technical support as stage crew off stage. Upper school students may take Theatre I & II to develop acting, playwriting, and directing skills. Students build creative thinking, teamwork, and aesthetic analysis skills through theatre games and exercises, scene studies, reading and deconstructing plays, and viewing and discussing plays. The advanced level Theatre III and Advanced Acting Honors classes focus on expanding vocal and physical technique through an in-depth examination of different theatre styles and solo work creation. Upper School drama students also appeared in at least one evening presentation of their coursework, performed to great applause from family and friends. Technical Theatre 1 & II offers Upper School students design skills in lighting, sound, and stage management.

Music

Middle School general music allows students to learn, interact with, and make music. Students develop skills in Western music theory and explore musical knowledge from world cultures. Classes are sequenced to increase music literacy and develop instrumental proficiency. Students use their voices to sing, chant, and play instruments, including boom whackers, kalimbas, hand chimes, djembes, pianos, and guitars.

The curricula for Upper School music classes are developed with students to help them achieve their goals and follow their interests. Applied Music Lab is a class for composers and instrumental musicians to learn and create music; the course also focuses on learning about music across genres, time periods, and cultures. Voice is a class for singers, rappers, and other vocal artists to practice and perform music independently and collaboratively. Projects can range from folk music trios and classical quartets to K-pop solos and improvisation circles.