Theater

As students are introduced to the world of the stage, they work largely as an ensemble on in-class projects and exercises that explore physical acting, monologue, dialogue and short scenes, radio drama, devised pieces, and elementary design for the stage. Performance opportunities large and small are made available for students to learn the dynamics and strategies of live theater. Students build on their skills, refining them as expressive and effective actors, while also becoming familiar with other aspects of the theater such as directing, music, and ordered movement. In later years, particular emphasis is placed on character analysis and the study of varying acting genres from devised stylization to naturalism, tragedy, and comedy. Advanced students might pursue more difficult acting challenges, directing, producing/stage management or some aspect of technical theater (set, costumes, props, lights, sound), giving them the opportunities to take their careers in theater in any direction they choose.
    • Ethan Mitchell

      Hickory Theater

Mr. Ethan Mitchell is from Philadelphia, PA and received his Bachelors in English Literature from Grove City College. He has worked as a writer, director, and actor throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region since 2015. In 2020, he received a Masters of Arts from Villanova University, where he was mentored by prominent Broadway directors James Ijames and Ed Sobel. An expert in the historical and social context of theatre, Mr. Mitchell’s recent work includes professional productions of Shakespeare, Chekhov, O’Neill, and David Mamet. His personal academic studies apply constructivist norms in order to better understand the intersection of arts and culture. Mr. Mitchell has guest-lectured at Christendom College, Grove City College, Susquehanna University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the United States Military Academy at West Point.

The Covenant School

Birdwood Campus | Lower School | Pre-K–Grade 5 |
1000 Birdwood Road Charlottesville, VA 22903 | 434.220.7309

Hickory Campus | Middle and Upper School | Grades 6–12 | 175 Hickory Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 | 434.220.7329
Located in Charlottesville, VA, The Covenant School is a non-denominational, private, Christian day school for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, visual and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.