Upper School Performing Arts

Our Acting program is designed to inspire actors of all levels. Students will explore the world of improv, character development, script analysis, playwriting and performance. Students will strengthen the skill of public speaking and practice empathy with regard to their characters. They will open their hearts to stories that are not their own while reading plays, writing scenes and developing a lifelong appreciation for the art of acting.

Our dance program is designed to give students a strong technical base and nurture creativity through choreography and performance. We create vibrant dance concerts each semester that include choreography from faculty, students and guest artists. We have a master class series each fall, where students experience different styles and perspectives. Students also have the opportunity to see live professional performances  and participate in dance service projects out in the community.

Our program is jazz/contemporary based, but we do all styles ranging from ballet, tap, hip hop to musical theater, vogue, and Bollywood.

The vocal and orchestral ensembles of Brentwood School are focused on building the strong technical foundation necessary to perform in large group settings. Performance techniques studied include music fundamentals such as breath, posture, intonation, technique, stage presence, and ensemble. Classroom study also includes notation, aural skills, sight-reading/singing, compositional analysis, performance analysis, and historical study of Western classical style. Landmark moments in history, literature, art, and culture are also examined through the lens of historical performance practice. Repertoire is chosen according to state and national standards, drawing from every genre and time period, including but not limited to: classical, contemporary, film, jazz, pop, and world music from several countries and time periods. 

Each ensemble performs together for their school community once a semester. Additionally, the voices and the instruments are featured in separate concerts once a year. Being a part of the school ensembles makes students eligible to take part in local, regional, national, and international competitions made available to students in their school ensembles. Every two years, the ensembles travel together alternating between Anaheim and New York City to perform for and be evaluated by acclaimed judges for feedback. Students in the music ensembles are often asked to perform for school functions such as assemblies, home football games, and school ceremonies. 

Students in this program will be playing a variety of jazz-based compositions as well as arrangements of popular songs. This includes a wide range of musical styles from swing, be-bop, fusion, latin, motown, pop, and rock.

In Stagecraft, students learn proper procedures and methods of storytelling through the hands-on building/construction and painting of theatrical scenery. Mentorships are also available in lighting, sound, prop, and costume design as well as stage management.