About the Program

Courses of Study

TheatreCHS offers four focused study paths that build strong foundations in performance, acting, musical ensemble, and technical production.

Theatre I

Overview: The essential foundation for everything we do.

Requirement: This is the core course and a mandatory prerequisite for all upper-level theater classes.

Get Involved: Theatre I students are highly encouraged to jump right in and audition for our productions throughout the year!

Musical Theater Ensemble

Focus: An intensive, performance-driven course dedicated to sharpening your singing, dance, and ensemble skills.

Eligibility: Offered to students in years 2–4 who have successfully completed Theatre I.

Cville Players

Focus: Deepen your craft with a rigorous focus on straight acting techniques and advanced ensemble collaboration.

Eligibility: Offered to students in years 2–4 who have successfully completed Theatre I.

Technical Theatre

Focus: An award-winning program providing hands-on training in stage management, set design, lighting, sound, costumes, and makeup.

Legacy: Graduates of this program routinely go on to pursue elite tech and design programs at top universities all over the country.

Program Leadership

Meet our Director, David Becker

David Becker is the drama teacher at Charlottesville High School and has taught there for the past 16 years, guiding TheatreCHS with a student-centered approach and directing numerous productions throughout his tenure.

He holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah University and an M.F.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University. As a performer, he has appeared in musical theatre productions around the country, including recent roles as Man 3 in Putting It Together, Amiens in Shakespeare at the Ruins’ production of As You Like It, and Buddy Plummer in Follies at Live Arts.

Becker has also served on the board of the Virginia Theatre Association and as Virginia’s state representative for the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC).

Our creative community

Collaborators Who Help Every Show Come to Life

From local professionals and dedicated educators to supportive families, our collaborators strengthen TheatreCHS and help students grow with every production.

Calvin Herst, Accompanist
Orchestra/Pit Director
Choreographer

LEADERSHIP & EXCELLENCE

Student Leaders & Volunteers

Our program is powered by student volunteers and leaders, including the Thespian Society of America, Thespian Officers, Archives & Historian, and Social Media & Communications, whose service keeps TheatreCHS welcoming, organized, and community-driven.

Thespian Society of America

Students connect their work to a broader theatre community through service, recognition, and shared traditions.

Thespian Officers

Student leaders help guide culture, communication, and community across the program.

Archives & Historian

Students document productions, preserve memories, and help tell the story of each season.

Social Media & Communications

Student volunteers share updates, celebrate milestones, and keep families and supporters informed.