The theatre program at Trenton Central High School has three major components: the CTE theatre program, the International Thespian Society, and the After School program. Further details of each component can be found below.

CTE Theatre

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program for general theatre at Trenton Central High School is designed to prepare students for professional theatre. Being one of the younger CTE programs at TCHS, we have been developing this program over the last few years with guidance from our advisory committee, the Association of Career and Technical Education, and other CTE programs across the country.  Over the course of three years, the students learn acting techniques, theatre history, design, technical production skills, stage and house management, and arts administrative business.

To be clear, a CTE program is beyond a regular academic course and far beyond an elective. A CTE program has to meet the following requirements:
  1. Follow a coherent sequence of not fewer than three identifiable CTE courses
  2. Have classroom instruction combined and coordinated with field, shop, or laboratory experiences, structured learning experiences, or other instruction/experiences
  3. Have academic content that is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for secondary programs
  4. Include career and technical content that meets New Jersey Student Learning Standard 9.3 Career and Technical Education and industry-recognized skill standards and/or an employer-verified industry-based skill standards lists
  5. Incorporate industry-approved or state or nationally-recognized skill standards, catalogs of performance objectives; text books, and/or other curricular materials appropriate to the CTE program or program of study;
  6. Have an appropriate third-party end-of-program technical skills assessment, when available [USITT BACKstage Exam]
  7. Receive industry-recognized credential when applicable and available [OSHA-10 general industry card and certificate from USITT for passing the BACKstage Exam];
  8. Include opportunities to participate in Structured Learning Experiences (SLEs);
  9. Included opportunities to participate in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) [for theatre, this is still being worked out across the nation, so for now our students participate in the NJ Thespian Festival with a chance to move on to the International Thespian Festival]; and
  10. Have a district/agency career and technical education safety and health plan.
Classes at Trenton Central High School
Theatre I--This course is the first level for the Career & Technical Education theatre program. It is designed for students to learn innovative thinking, career options, and the basics of professional theatrical performance (acting). Students will begin their Conover Workplace Readiness training by working on their “Job Readiness” certificate.

Theatre II--Theatre II helps students experience and develop design and technical skills. The course includes an overview of design elements and color theory as well as safety, set construction, lighting, audio, costuming, makeup, and hair. Students will be exposed to different types of theatrical styles, genres, and traditions, and increase their participation in public productions. Students will go through Conover Workplace Readiness Job Seeking training. Hands-on OSHA training for general industry with a focus on entertainment will be done every other year and will include Theatre II and III students.

Theatre III--Theatre III helps students experience and develop advanced skill(s) in theatrical production. This course of theatrical elements includes advanced acting, stage management, producing, playwriting, and production. Students will engage in hands-on application to gain further experience and develop skills in one or more aspects of theatrical production as well as performance. Students will be exposed to different types of theatrical craft and traditions from varied social and historical contexts. They will increase their participation in public productions. Students will continue their Conover Workplace Readiness training by working on their “Job Keeping” certificate. Hands-on OSHA training for general industry with a focus on entertainment will be done every other year and will include Theatre II and III students.

Advanced American Drama (not always available)--Advanced American Drama is a one-semester high school course designed to explore major movements in American theatre, examining both canonical and underrepresented voices. Students will read, analyze, and discuss plays that reflect the evolution of American drama while connecting themes to social, political, and cultural issues of their time. Through text analysis, performance exercises, and critical reflection, students will gain a deeper understanding of dramatic structure, theatre movements, and the power of storytelling as a vehicle for change. The course culminates in a final project where students create a performance or written work that reimagines American drama in conversation with a contemporary social issue.

International Thespian Society Troupe 8266

After School Theatre
Established by the Educational Theatre Association, the International Thespian Society is the honor society for any high school student involved in theatre. Troupe 8266 was established at Trenton Central High School in 2016. Students earn their induction by attaining at least ten points of excellence in at least two different areas of theatre. Each point is worth ten hours of work. For more information, click here.
The after school program allows students who are not a part of the CTE to still express themselves through theatre. Students learn through workshops on acting, audition preparation, management crew, lighting and sound, and stage combat. They have the opportunity to participate in the Winter Festival, Spring Musical, and other activities. Students from the CTE program can reinforce what they learn and take on responsibilities within this program.