The MHS Theater Ensemble puts on two productions each year. Auditions for the fall play are held in early September. Auditions for the winter musical are held in November. No prior experience is necessary, and auditions are open to all students. View more performance photos here.
This year-long course is designed to give students experience in the art and craft of acting on the stage and to deepen their knowledge and understanding of theater. Exercises, improvisations, and work on texts will help students free their imaginations, develop flexibility and expressiveness in both voice and movement, and explore the emotions necessary to bring life to a role. Students engage in intensive play and scene study, role analysis, character development and improvisation. Through extended study of plays from different periods, they gain knowledge of theater history and an awareness of various theater styles. The final exam consists of a presentation of scenes and monologues. Students may take this course for more than one year. Prerequisite: None Grade Level: 9-12 (1 credit; full year)
Two major productions are presented each year, usually a drama or comedy in November and a musical in late February. Auditions are open to all students interested in acting, regardless of prior acting experience. The plays emphasize commitment to a group project, especially the importance of ensemble theater, rather than the "star system." One-half academic credit is given for a full-year's commitment. Prerequisite: Audition Grade Level: 9-12 (1/2 credit for participation in both productions)
Technical Theater Students are given the opportunity to work in a variety of production capacities to learn by doing such activities as set and lighting design, painting. costume production and stage managing. Students learn the technique and craft necessary to realize the scenery of the two dramatic productions presented each school year plus a chance to learn lifetime skills. Technical Theater provides a great opportunity for women to acquire confidence and training in the use of power and hand tools. One-half academic credit is given for a full year's commitment. Prerequisite: None Grade Level: 9-12 (1/2 credit for participation in both productions)
Music Program
Student musicians have the opportunity to perform in Music Ensembles organized by the Music Department. With a full year's participation in an ensemble, students have the opportunity to earn one-half academic credit. Music Ensembles may be taken as a credit-bearing course only in addition to the normal student course load. View more performance photos.
This is a one-semester course, open to students in all grades, designed to teach students pitch and rhythm notation, meter, intervals, scales, and key signatures. Classroom instruction will be based on the software program Exploring Music Theory in Ars Nova Practica Music in a lab setting with midi keyboards. Towards the end of the semester, students will create an independent project, using the skills and tools learned. Grade Level: 9-12 (1/2 credit; first semester)
Student musicians have the opportunity to perform in Music Ensembles organized by the Music Department. These ensembles include Instrumental Ensembles, Vocal Ensemble, and Grace Notes. With a full year's participation in a Music Ensemble, students have the opportunity to earn one-half academic credit. Music Ensembles may be taken as a credit bearing course only in addition to the normal student course load. (1/2 credit for full year participation in any of the following)
The exact nature of the instrumental ensemble is determined by the temperaments, inclinations, and abilities of the various players plus the size and instrumentation of the group. The ensembles perform in the school's concert series and on other special occasions. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor Grade Level: 9-12
This ensemble is offered for all students who wish to participate in the experience of group singing. The group studies the principles of vocal music: breathing, tone production, fundamentals of articulation and diction. The group performs in the school's concert series, during the coordinate concerts with other schools, and on other special occasions. Prerequisite: None Grade Level: 9-12
The Grace Notes singing group is a student-led a cappella ensemble that is assisted by the School's vocal music director. Membership is selected by audition in the spring semester. In order to be eligible to audition a student must have attended at least one year at Miss Hall’s. The group performs in the School's concert series, during the co-ordinate concerts with other schools, and on other special occasions. The Grace Notes often function as ambassadors for the school. Prerequisite: Audition Grade Level: 10-12
Music students who have actively participated in music courses, ensembles, and/or the private music instruction program throughout their years at Miss Hall’s may choose to perform an individual or shared recital during their senior year. In order to qualify for this Hallmark event, a student must have achieved a certain level of advanced performance, so that they can share their passion and achievement with the community. Students must propose their intention by the spring of their junior year and, upon recommendation from the Music Department and their private music instructors, may begin the planning process. During the fall semester of senior year senior musicians who qualify, will work with the Director of Music and their supporting music teachers to prepare a wellconstructed program, schedule a performance date, and create supporting concert materials, i.e. promotional posters, concert programs, and personal artist’s statement. In order to present an event,demonstrating their best work, deadlines for all planning stages must be met. This is a significant event in a student’s senior year and should be the culmination for the student’s Miss Hall’s music experience and an opportunity for them to share their voice and creativity with the community in a joyful experience. Prerequisite: Recommendation by Music Department Grade Level: 12 (no credit)
Private instruction in voice, instruments, and music technology is available to students. The lesson fees vary with the instructor. A signed parental permission slip is required for all students taking lessons. The student has the option of taking the lesson as a credit course. Private music instruction for credit must be taken in addition to the normal student course load. Prerequisite: None Grade Level: 9-12 (1/4 credit; one semester participation) (1/2 credit; year-long participation)
The Massachusetts State Thespians is an honor society for high school and middle school theatre students. It is a division of the Educational Theatre Association. The MA State Thespians strive to promote and strengthen educational theatre through theatrical experiences that encourage, advocate, and celebrate theatre in our schools. MHS is currently in the process of registering to become a Thespian Troupe.
492 Holmes Road Pittsfield, MA 01201 Phone: (413) 443-6401
About us
Located in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, Miss Hall's School is a private, college preparatory, boarding and day high school for girls grades 9-12.