J-Hawk Theatre is an extension of the Urbandale High School Drama Department. J-Hawk Theatre classes explore theatrical concepts in a safe and inclusive environment for students grades K-12.

Reality Theatre

Put on your game face for four days of theatre-based challenges. Participate as a team to see who can survive the intense activity without Wiping Out. Keep Up with the other contestants through filmed interviews throughout the week. On the final day of class, we’ll see who has the X Factor to be the Biggest…Winner. Final results will be announced in front of a live family audience along with interview highlights from the week. Open to grades 6 – 12.

Class Objectives: Compete in theatre activities based on reality show themes. Develop a better understanding of documentary-style filming. Explore theatrical concepts in a safe and inclusive environment.

Spotlight Stars

Ever wanted to star in your very own show? Wondering what the secrets are behind theatre magic? Here’s your chance! Learn about technical elements of theatre, audition, and rehearse for a show. All in one week! Performance Friday at 3:30.  Open to grades 3 – 5.

Class Objectives: Introduce concepts of performance and technical theatre. Offer a better understanding of elements of theatre. Explore theatrical concepts in a safe and inclusive environment.

The Challenge: Create a Play in One Week

Develop an idea, write a script, build a set, create props and costumes, audition for a role, rehearse the script, perform the play – all in one week! Join the ultimate challenge to create a play in only five days! The result of our creativity will be performed for an audience on Friday at 3:30 PM. Open to grades 9 – 12.

Class Objectives: Promote collaboration and creativity.

Develop a better understanding of team-building and time-management skills. Explore theatrical concepts in a safe and inclusive environment.

Improv II

Actors and comedians often get their start in improv. Learn the tricks of the trade: play improv games, develop comedy sketches, and create scenes based on characters and situations. Concepts and skills will build on Spring Break camp, but is open for all students grades 6-12. We’ll share our favorite scenes with family and friends on Wednesday at 3:30 PM.

Class Objectives: Introduce basic concepts of improv. Develop critical thinking and adaptability.

Explore theatrical concepts in a safe and inclusive environment.

Mythology and Folk Tales

Dive into your favorite myths, legends, and folk tales from across the world. Recreate a story of your choice – and invent your own myth or legend. We’ll present our final works to family and friends on Friday at 3:30 PM. Open to grades 6 – 8.

Class Objectives: Promote literacy skills of interpretation and critical thinking. Develop a better understanding of how to create a story. Explore theatrical concepts in a safe and inclusive environment.

Performance Camp

Be in charge of your own production! This is your chance to try out different aspects of technical theatre. Based on the script rehearsed during the afternoon Performance Camp, participants will have an opportunity to design and create costumes, sets, props, lights, and sound. Friends and family can share in our success during our performances on Friday July 26 and Saturday July 27 at 4:00 PM. Open to grades 6 – 12.

Class Objectives: Introduce concepts of technical theatre. Develop critical thinking and planning skills.

Explore theatrical concepts in a safe and inclusive environment.

Performance Camp II

Star your own production! This is your chance to learn the skills and techniques an actor needs onstage. We will audition, rehearse, and perform a full play using the technical elements produced during the morning Performance Camp.  Friends and family can share in our success during our performances on Friday August 2 at 4:00pm and 7:00pm. Open to grades 6 – 12.

Class Objectives: Introduce concepts of performance.

Develop critical thinking and interpretation skills. Explore theatrical concepts in a safe and inclusive environment.

*Morning and afternoon tuition: $410

Dr. Seuss

Join your favorite Dr. Seuss characters in a romp through his magical lands. Meet Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, the Lorax, and many more! We’ll create our very own Seuss-land and share it with our audience on Friday at 11:30 AM. Open to grades K – 2.

Class Objectives: Explore the characters and situations depicted in books by Dr. Seuss. Use theatre-based activities to recreate characters and situations. Explore theatrical concepts in a safe and inclusive environment.

Theatre ABCs

Learn what theatre is all about! We’ll explore everything from construction to performance, structured around key age-appropriate theatre concepts from A to Z. On Friday at 3:30, we’ll share with our families our new knowledge. Open to grades K-2.

Class Objectives: Introduce a variety of age-appropriate theatrical concepts. Develop a better understanding of how to communicate theatrical concepts effectively. Explore theatrical concepts in a safe and inclusive environment.