About the Program

Courses of Study

TheatreCHS gives students a place to grow as artists and creators, whether they want to pursue technical theater, costuming, design, acting, musical theater, or choreography.

Intro to Theater: The core course and prerequisite for all upper-level theater courses.

Musical Theater Ensemble: A course focused on singing, dance, and ensemble skills, offered in years 2-4 to those who have completed Intro to Theater.

Cville Players: A course that studies straight acting technique and ensemble, offered in years 2-4 to those who have completed Intro to Theater.

We welcome students at every experience level—from first-time performers to returning theater leaders.

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.

VOLUNTEER spotlight

TheatreCHS Boosters

Our Boosters include all current TheatreCHS families and other community members who volunteer and fundraise to help support our productions. To get involved, contact: [email protected]

Fundraising: Pays for set building materials, licensing, rehearsal snacks/meals, and other ad hoc program needs.
Volunteer support: Organizing sign-ups for special events, show-day logistics, and community outreach.
Community advocacy: Championing arts education across our school and local community.