ArtSMART
Art SMART is a theatre program at Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School for students in Grade 11 and above. It runs in the afternoons (11:30am – 2:05pm) Semester 1 and Semester 2. Our goal is to stage a full Broadway show at the end of May for a variety of audiences. Art SMART students participate on stage as performers or support behind the scenes (set / costumes / props / lighting / sound) based on their interests in various aspects of theatre. Students can earn credits in Co-Op, Drama, Musical Theatre, Production Design, Construction Technology and more! It is important to check with your guidance counsellor to ensure your credits satisfy Ontario Secondary Diploma requirements.
Art SMART is open to students from any school.
It is recommended that students complete Grade 9 and 10 before applying so that there is more flexibility in timetables for their Art SMART classes. You can choose to join for just one semester or for up to two years.
Art SMART uses several unique learning spaces at Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School:
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Woodshop & Manufacturing Shop – learn set construction and installation techniques using a variety of tools and machinery.
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Cosmetology/Hair Salon- design makeup and hair for the show in the functional salon space run by our certified Cosmetology teaching staff.
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Rehearsal Studio – dance and rehearse in this bright, beautiful space, featuring a professional dance floor, ballet barres, and mirror wall.
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Fashion Design Studio – devise and construct costumes in this newly renovated space, outfitted with sewing machines, sergers, and all the tools needed to fabricate designs.
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Art & Photography Studio – set and prop designs come to life in the art studio and photography lab.
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Theatre – the 600-seat auditorium gives performers a professional theatre experience, while students interested in lighting & sound design use industry-standard technology. Recent upgrades include a new 32-channel digital sound mixer and wireless backstage communication system.
Semester 1: focuses on pre-production, design and skill building. Students learn how Broadway musicals are staged through hands-on workshops and field trips (Theatre Aquarius, The Stratford Festival, Mirvish Toronto, and more.) They participate in performance tasks to build acting, singing, and dancing skills. Auditions for the show take place before the winter break in December, along with a Winter Showcase performance. Students who are not performing will design and create costumes, props, and sets. These designers create mock-ups and design presentations, jumping into the creation of sets, props, costumes, and more.
Semester 2: Rehearsals begin! Performers rehearse the show, while Designers continue their production work. The show will run during the first 3 weeks of May (exact dates TBA).
Interested students should reach out to [email protected] to discuss next steps. Our team is happy to discuss the program in more detail, learn about a student’s unique goals, and offer a chance to ask any questions about the program.