Performing Arts
The performing arts program at Eagle Hill School encourages the growth of well-rounded performance artists, empowered to discover their own unique artistic voices.
Students study technique, develop skills in collaboration, learn to think creatively through exploration, and form deep understandings of themselves, their peers, and their cultural surroundings. The performing arts at Eagle Hill engage the whole person and connect students to the world around them.
“I learned not to be afraid. The faculty encouraged me to take risks and to put myself out there.”
Isa C., class of 2008
Theater Arts
Students interested in the theater arts have a rare opportunity at Eagle Hill School—the chance to perform in a world-class theater to an audience of regular patrons of The Center at Eagle Hill. The 468-seat Abby Theatre is home to both international music and dance ensembles and EHS student productions.
Three student productions (including one musical) are performed annually. Our students develop their acting skills through classes ranging from Acting Shakespeare to Stage Combat. For those students who are more interested in being behind the scenes rather than in front of an audience, stagecraft courses offer an introduction to lighting, sound, and set design.
Dance and Movement
Dance and movement at Eagle Hill School encourages the development of creative and well-rounded movement and performance artists. Students gain a deep understanding of movement through an exploration of technique, improvisation, choreography, and performance.
A studio-based academic course is offered, allowing students of all dance backgrounds to:
- Build a movement vocabulary
- Enhance dance technique
- Develop compositional and collaborative skills
- Cultivate an authentic creative voice
- Discuss and critique dance works with a trained eye
The Open Mic Series
One Friday a month, an energetic group of people gathers in a community space around campus to share in the talents of Eagle Hill. The Open Mic Series is committed to bringing together the entire Eagle Hill community through the fine arts—music, theater, dance, creative writing, spoken word, poetry, and visual arts—by providing a welcoming space for artists to share their polished works or in process practice with an audience.
At the Open Mic Series at Eagle Hill, students and performers have taken great pride in learning to plan, prepare, set up, and run a community performance each month.
Sound and lighting, hosting, and set up is organized by students. All members of the Eagle Hill community are welcome and encouraged to perform.
Music Program
The music program at Eagle Hill offers a unique variety of courses and experiences. Students interested in music have many opportunities for learning diverse musical concepts and sharing their talents with the wider community.
EHS Chorale, Jam Band, Introduction to Performing Arts, and IB Music share class creations and performances throughout the year. Music Theory, Music Appreciation, Introduction to Guitar, and original topic classes teach students about music from around the world.
Other musical opportunities at Eagle Hill include private music lessons, musical theater, and pick up jam sessions in the Music Shed after school. With a variety of musical experience, the music teachers are available to guide and teach student-led initiatives like the Open Mic Series, Ukulele Club, a cappella ensembles, and individual musical exploration throughout the year.
The Open Mic Series provides a space, each month, for music students to perform pieces that they are practicing and analyzing in their classes.
Jam Band Performs Renegades
The Jam Band class builds a band, chooses and writes music, and creates a track list for an album, culminating in a professional studio recording experience and a release party concert at the end of each year.
Jam Band Hot Mess created their own CD after an all-day recording session at a professional studio, .
Listen to Hot Mess perform Renegades.