Technical Theater (spring)

If you sign up for this activity, you will get to explore all kinds of creative projects in technical theater! Instead of working on a single production, you’ll build skills and try them out on real events, which could include the US Musical, the 8th grade theater class projects, and the 9th grade 10 Minute Playfest. We might be building and painting scenery, crafting props, setting up lighting, sound, and projection equipment, or learning how everything works behind the scenes. Basically, you’ll be making magic in lots of different ways.

Each day, you can choose from a variety of activities, like painting, building, or participating in lighting and sound workshops, so you can explore what interests you most. This is a great way to try technical theater in a flexible, low-pressure environment. There are no late rehearsals for this activity.

MS Spring Athletics

A strong athletics program begins in the Middle School. At this level, we focus on skill development, teamwork, and the dedication and commitment needed to be a successful athlete. We want our MS athletes to understand what it means to work together towards a common goal and support their teammates. Students are encouraged to try a new sport or activity, and our coaches share their knowledge in a supportive and engaging environment. Certain MS sports have “A” and “B” teams. Placement on these teams is based on skill, and while equal playing time is not guaranteed, every MS student will receive playing time and will participate.

• Baseball
• Lacrosse
• Softball
• Tennis
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Upper School Sailing (with director approval)

MS Winter Athletics

A strong athletics program begins in the Middle School. At this level, we focus on skill development, teamwork, and the dedication and commitment needed to be a successful athlete. We want our MS athletes to understand what it means to work together towards a common goal and support their teammates. Students are encouraged to try a new sport or activity, and our coaches share their knowledge in a supportive and engaging environment. Certain MS sports have “A” and “B” teams. Placement on these teams is based on skill, and while equal playing time is not guaranteed, every MS student will receive playing time and will participate.

• Basketball
• Fencing
• Wrestling
• Upper School Squash (with director approval)

Fall Play: Technical Theater

If you sign up for Afternoon Tech Theater in the fall, you will get to create the world of the fall play! In the days leading up to the performances, we might be building and painting scenery, finding sound effects, solving problems, making props, adjusting lights—basically making magic. In the two weeks leading up to the performances, you will learn how to run a show backstage. You might be in the booth watching the show while running lighting, sound, or projection cues, or backstage setting up scenery, solving problems, and saving the day. Both are exciting and fun! There are late rehearsals until 5 p.m. for the last two weeks leading up to the performances.

Fall Play: Acting

Students interested in theater can participate in the Middle School Fall Play as an afternoon activity. Working together as a cast and crew, students rehearse, develop characters, and help bring the production to life. The experience builds confidence, creativity, and collaboration, culminating in performances for the Beaver community.

Rehearsals are during the regular afternoon activity time. There are late rehearsals until 5 p.m. for the last two weeks leading up to the performances.

Instrumental Ensemble

Open to all instruments, including instruments offered in our music program as well as amplified instruments and piano, this ensemble gives students a chance to make music in a small ensemble setting. There will be a performance for the middle school at the end of the term.

Afternoon Dance

This is a safe space for movers of all abilities to explore and work on their dance skills and learn fun choreography. The aim of this activity is to help students find confidence in their movement abilities, and challenge themselves to try different styles and to push past what they think they are capable while building a  sense of community.  Students can expect to work coordinating movement, improvisation, learning technique and choreography in a relaxed and fun environment.

Musical: Technical Theater

If you sign up for Afternoon Tech Theater in the winter, you will get to create the world of the musical! In the days leading up to the performances, we might be building and painting scenery, finding sound effects, solving problems, making props, adjusting lights—basically making magic. In the two weeks leading up to the performances, you will learn how to run a show backstage. You might be in the booth watching the show while running lighting, sound, or projection cues, or backstage setting up scenery, solving problems, and saving the day. Both are exciting and fun! There are late rehearsals until 5 p.m. for the last two weeks leading up to the performances.

Visual Arts Workshop

For lovers of drawing, painting, printmaking, and more! This Afternoon Class is structured as a student-driven workspace for artists to learn skills, experiment with new materials, and try new processes. Each week features daily sketchbook prompts, special projects, demonstrations, presentations, five-minute field-trips, and even independent work time for YOUR personal projects and ideas. Expect a full studio culture, from keeping a daily sketchbook to washing paint brushes. We will create in, care for, and have fun with our studio space.

Musical: Acting, Singing, Dancing

If you sign up for the musical, you will rehearse and perform a fully produced musical with a live band! Everyone who wants to be in the show has a role, regardless of your experience with singing, dancing, acting, or musicals! Singing: You will sing a few songs as a full cast, and may have solos depending on what we feel is the best fit for you and the show. Dancing: Everyone will learn choreography for the full-cast dance numbers, and there may be some small-group choreography as well. Acting: All actors play one (or more!) characters. You will learn lines and develop your role so that you feel ready for performance. Rehearsals are during the regular afternoon activity time. There are late rehearsals until 5 p.m. for the last two weeks leading up to the performances.

Innovation Lab

Innovation Lab is a hands-on afternoon experience where middle school students bring ideas to life through the design process. Students ideate, prototype, and leverage feedback to iterate on and refine their products. They use tools and resources from the Design Level—ranging from laser cutting and 3D printing to jewelry-making, painting, podcasting, textiles, coding, circuits, and more. It’s a student-driven space for curiosity, creativity, and building confidence through making.

Athletics

A strong athletics program begins in the Middle School. At this level, we focus on skill development, teamwork, and the dedication and commitment needed to be a successful athlete. We want our MS athletes to understand what it means to work together towards a common goal and support their teammates. Students are encouraged to try a new sport or activity, and our coaches share their knowledge in a supportive and engaging environment. Certain MS sports have “A” and “B” teams. Placement on these teams is based on skill, and while equal playing time is not guaranteed, every MS student will receive playing time and will participate.