Cascade High School

Cascade Theatre Department

Cascade Theatre Department is excited to bring our 2025-2026 season to our school and local communities! Our theatre houses many different events for local schools and the community, including plays, band and choir concerts, club and class meetings of all variety, nearly all student award ceremonies, and much, much more. The theatre is a community space, and we strive to make it a space where all will feel welcome. Please, take a moment to get to know a little bit about us.

Frequently Asked Questions

You do NOT have to be in club or a class to compete at Thespian events OR attend fieldtrips (while we have a place to prepare Regional Acting Competition pieces in Acting 2, where students will have built-in time to practice and multiple opportunities for feedback, the class is not a requirement to be able to compete). In addtion, just because students in Acting 2 (Winter tri) will prepare pieces that fit competition parameters, this does not mean students in Acting 2 (Winter tri) will be required to compete.
You do NOT have to be in club or a class to audition for shows. In case you're interested, Drama Club meetings are on late start Wednesdays at lunch in the auditorium shop.
While students can attend State Acting Competition without competing, this is not the case with Instafest or Regional Acting Competition (where if you're not competing, you don't go).
YES, YOU CAN LETTER IN THEATRE!

EARN 100 THEATRE HOURS TO RECEIVE YOUR LETTER IN THEATRE AT CASCADE! You do not have to be a Thespian to letter in theatre, though; some opportunities are much more accessible through enrolling in the International Thespian Society. Thespian and lettering requirements are aligned, so if you log 100 hours of dedicated work in the theatre, then you letter (with some restrictions), AND you can also become a Thespian. Students cannot receive all hours from a single production. Please see the Thespians page for more information on how to earn hours to letter and/or become a Thespian (under the "Join Troupe #823" section). You may also be interested in visiting Schooltheatre and Oregon's Thespian page to learn more about the benefits of paying for a membership to the International Thespian Society.

Events and Important Dates

View Full Calendar

Classes

Acting 1

Students learn the fundamentals of acting and cover the basics of voice, body, and imagination as they create modern takes on historical acting traditions up through modern acting. Students will explore performance through improvisational acting, as well as through scripted and memorized scenes. Prerequisite: None, Repeatable
Acting 2

Improvisational acting, scripted and memorized scenes; however, the coursework for this class is dynamic, ever-changing. This course has rotating curriculum that can include dialects, directing, children’s theater, comedy sports, improvisation, Commedia D’ell Arte, and other in-depth studies of historical forms, scriptwriting, musical theater, as well as providing a space for students to prepare pieces for Regional or State Acting. Prerequisite: Acting 1 or teacher permission, Repeatable
Technical Theatre 1

Learn the basics of marketing, properties, costumes, makeup, sound, lights, projection, rigging, set construction and how to put these elements together to complete a production. The world of technical theatre is where the visual and audio effects, or the “magic” happens: the side of theater that is not acting. This class will prepare students for Technical Theatre 2 and working on future productions. Prerequisite: None, Repeatable
Technical Theatre 2

Students continue to learn the ins and outs of technical theater through more in-depth, show-based projects. Students will help plan and build the look of high school productions and many may lead groups in technical projects. Approved students will also be able to work auditorium events for lettering hours and/or other small compensation. Prerequisite: Technical Theater 1 or teacher permission, Repeatable
Script Writing

This class is being offered as a writing elective. Write your own scripts for the stage. Learn about elements of comedy, tragedy, and satire; create characters; explore multiple ways to structure plot and dialogue. Students will have the opportunity to write monologues (individual speeches), short scenes, and a 10-minute play or a one-act. Students may (but are not required to) submit their work to Thespians for competition. Prerequisite: None, Repeatable
Musical Theatre

Explore and perform the vocal techniques and movement of musical theatre. This is an acting-based class that will involve singing and dancing to tell stories. Some class activities will include preparing musical theatre songs (solos or duets), performing in group dance numbers, going through a mock musical theatre audition, or even creating your own musical theatre number! Actors may also choose to use specified pieces in the Regional Acting Competition. Prerequisite: None, Repeatable
JH Voice Acting

This is a beginner’s course for voice acting, which has exploded in the world of animated film, video games, advertising, and radio. Even sportscasters develop personas for announcing games with their own sense of style and flare. Come explore the world of creating voices for characters in this unique theatre-based elective. Students will explore performance through improvisational acting, as well as through scripted and memorized scenes. Prerequisite: None, Repeatable

Drama Club

Meetings: Please join us in the auditorium when meetings are announced to get updates on important theatre happenings & activities!

Troupe Director: Allyson Arndt

Thespian Officers 2025-26

President: Tanner Liddell

Officers: Ciy McPherson, Oli Sanders, Mia Fast

Thespians

Why Become a Thespian?

Membership with the International Thespian Society is a significant accomplishment. It demonstrates to colleges and employers your leadership, service, and extracurricular achievements. Other benefits of membership include:

A membership certificate.
A personalized membership card.
A one-year subscription to Dramatics magazine.
Leadership opportunities at the troupe, chapter, and international levels.
Discounted prices for Regionals and State Events.
Free or discounted admission to Thespian School theatre performances (Free to Cascade performances)
Eligibility for scholarships through EdTA chapters and the home office.
Eligibility to apply for student grants, including the Doug Finney Festival Grants (juniors and seniors), which are need-based grants to help Thespians attend the ITS Festival.
Eligibility to audition at the International Thespian Festival for admission to college theatre programs.
Eligibility to submit original plays to the Thespian Playworks program.
Eligibility to audition for chapter Individual Events programs and qualify for the National Individual Events Showcase (THESPYS) at the International Thespian Festival.
Eligibility to receive Thespian graduation and honor items (honor cords, point stars, pins, etc.).
Eligibility to advance to Thespian ranks of Honor, National Honor, or International Honor Thespian.
Eligibility to receive the Thespian Scholar distinction for academic achievement.

How to Become a Thespian

To become an active card-holding member of the International Thespian Society, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

1) Document ten (10) thespian points = 100 hours (These 10 points cannot be earned in one production, so production hours are capped).

2) Attend a majority of the drama club meetings throughout the year (Attended meetings must be documented at the time of the meeting).

3) Record your own hours and points accurately throughout the year with instructor check-ins.

Thespian Point System

Record your hours spent working in the theatre (this does not include class time or events for band or choir).

10 hours= 1 Thespian Point.

Please note that some categories have specific value assignments or caps. See the "Points Sheet Breakdown and Log" link at the bottom of the page for an itemized list of qualifying options.

Thespian Points Sheet

1. Keep accurate records and log your hours throughout the school year. Stay organized. Keep your log in a notebook or in a spreadsheet on your computer. If they prefer, students can keep their logs in a file folder in the auditorium shop.

2. Students can print and fill out this form to log hours. You only need to fill out the identifying information once, but if you have multiple log pages, then staple them together before submitting them. Transfer your hours into points, abiding by the maximum points above. You must turn in this sheet by May 20th to earn Thespian points for the school year.

Useful Links:

Oregon Thespians Homepage

International Thespian Society Homepage

Thespians

Useful Links:

Oregon Thespians Homepage

International Thespian Society Homepage

A membership certificate.
A personalized membership card.
A one-year subscription to Dramatics magazine.
Leadership opportunities at the troupe, chapter, and international levels.
Discounted prices for Regionals and State Events.
Free or discounted admission to Thespian School theatre performances (Free to Cascade performances)
Eligibility for scholarships through EdTA chapters and the home office.
Eligibility to apply for student grants, including the Doug Finney Festival Grants (juniors and seniors), which are need-based grants to help Thespians attend the ITS Festival.
Eligibility to audition at the International Thespian Festival for admission to college theatre programs.
Eligibility to submit original plays to the Thespian Playworks program.
Eligibility to audition for chapter Individual Events programs and qualify for the National Individual Events Showcase (THESPYS) at the International Thespian Festival.
Eligibility to receive Thespian graduation and honor items (honor cords, point stars, pins, etc.).
Eligibility to advance to Thespian ranks of Honor, National Honor, or International Honor Thespian.
Eligibility to receive the Thespian Scholar distinction for academic achievement.

To become an active card-holding member of the International Thespian Society, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

1) Document ten (10) thespian points = 100 hours (These 10 points cannot be earned in one production, so production hours are capped).

2) Attend a majority of the drama club meetings throughout the year (Attended meetings must be documented at the time of the meeting).

3) Record your own hours and points accurately throughout the year with instructor check-ins.

Record your hours spent working in the theatre (this does not include class time or events for band or choir).

10 hours= 1 Thespian Point.

Please note that some categories have specific value assignments or caps. See the "Points Sheet Breakdown and Log" link at the bottom of the page for an itemized list of qualifying options.

Membership with the International Thespian Society is a significant accomplishment. It demonstrates to colleges and employers your leadership, service, and extracurricular achievements. Other benefits of membership include:
- A membership certificate.
- A personalized membership card.
- A one-year subscription to Dramatics magazine.
- Leadership opportunities at the troupe, chapter, and international levels.
- Discounted prices for Regionals and State Events.
- Free or discounted admission to Thespian School theatre performances (Free to Cascade performances)
- Eligibility for scholarships through EdTA chapters and the home office.
- Eligibility to apply for student grants, including the Doug Finney Festival Grants (juniors and seniors), which are need-based grants to help Thespians attend the ITS Festival.
- Eligibility to audition at the International Thespian Festival for admission to college theatre programs.
- Eligibility to submit original plays to the Thespian Playworks program.
- Eligibility to audition for chapter Individual Events programs and qualify for the National Individual Events Showcase (THESPYS) at the International Thespian Festival.
- Eligibility to receive Thespian graduation and honor items (honor cords, point stars, pins, etc.).
- Eligibility to advance to Thespian ranks of Honor, National Honor, or International Honor Thespian.
- Eligibility to receive the Thespian Scholar distinction for academic achievement.
To become an active card-holding member of the International Thespian Society, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

1) Document ten (10) thespian points = 100 hours (These 10 points cannot be earned in one production, so production hours are capped).

2) Attend a majority of the drama club meetings throughout the year (Attended meetings must be documented at the time of the meeting).

3) Record your own hours and points accurately throughout the year with instructor check-ins.
Record your hours spent working in the theatre (this does not include class time or events for band or choir).

10 hours= 1 Thespian Point.

Please note that some categories have specific value assignments or caps. See the "Points Sheet Breakdown and Log" link at the bottom of the page for an itemized list of qualifying options.
1. Keep accurate records and log your hours throughout the school year. Stay organized. Keep your log in a notebook or in a spreadsheet on your computer. If they prefer, students can keep their logs in a file folder in the auditorium shop.

2. Students can print and fill out this form to log hours. You only need to fill out the identifying information once, but if you have multiple log pages, then staple them together before submitting them. Transfer your hours into points, abiding by the maximum points above. You must turn in this sheet by May 20th to earn Thespian points for the school year.

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Cascade Theatre Department

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be in Theatre club or a class to participate in events?

Do I have to be a part of theatre club or in a class to audition for the plays?

Can I attend Instafest or Regional Acting without competing?

Can I Letter in Theatre?

Events and Important Dates

Classes

Drama Club

Thespians

Why Become a Thespian?

How to Become a Thespian

Thespian Point System

Thespian Point Sheet