Drama

"The Good Doctor"

Drama seeks to develop and reinforce skills needed not only for the stage, but also for everyday life. Through the use of theater games and activities, play-acting, and improvisation, Lower School students gain confidence in performing before an audience.

A variety of movement is encouraged so that students develop control over their bodies and realize how movement alone can convey the essence of a character, setting or emotion. Observation and listening skills are stressed, as well as cooperation in groups. Interaction with others to successfully portray an idea is the goal.

Every Lower School student participates in the Lower School Musical, which features each fourth grade class in three mini productions that all tie together. Kindergarten through third grade perform in production numbers throughout the musical. Time is dedicated during the school day to rehearsing for the musical. Fourth grade students also rehearse after school.

All the world’s a stage. And all the men and women merely players.

  — William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, Act II, Scene 7

Through the use of pantomime, improvisation, and theater games and skits, fifth-grade students work on developing story lines and characters during drama class. Clarity of voice, stage presence, movement and development of plot are stressed.Older students use theater exercises, improvisations, and developed scripts to refine the skills of communication needed for everyday life as well as the stage (volume, diction, vocal and facial expression, poise and characterization). Each year 60-100 students dedicate time after school rehearsing for the Middle School musical.

 

High School students have the opportunity to participate in drama through the Fall Musical and the Winter Play. Students may also choose from two elective courses, Theatre and Advanced Theatre. The focus of these courses are to develop acting technique through improvisations, stage movement and scene study. Modern dramatic literature is introduced, as well as theater criticism. Students perform individually and in small groups. In the advanced theater course students explore directing, monologues and one-act plays. Individual attention is given to advanced theater techniques such as stage lighting, movement, costuming and timing.