Creative Drama and Theatre

"We must all do theatre, to find out who we are, and to discover who we could become." Augusto Boal

The 21st Century skills based curriculum in creative drama and theatre prepares students for a rapidly changing world in which collaborative problem solving, creative thinking, effective communication, and empathy will propel them into leadership roles in the world. Theatre classrooms and rehearsal halls are joyful learning environments and a place for taking creative risks, developing original content, performing for peers, and learning to be informed consumers. Creative projects encourage students to tell their stories, develop their own artistic voice, and examine the human condition with increasing complexity and insight.

LOWER SCHOOL

Creative drama classes in Early Childhood and Lower School invite students to expand their imaginations and maximize creative expression through dramatic play, storytelling, and exploration. These classes provide the vehicle for a deeper understanding of the world around them as well as their place within it. Students develop the ability to effectively communicate ideas and solve problems collaboratively through a range of creative exercises and age-appropriate activities.

Performances for peers are a regular feature of the curriculum. Each spring all Lower School students take the stage in a spring musical that combines visual art, music, dance, and theatre. Stage presence, blocking, ensemble singing, dancing, and music composition are introduced as students advance through grades K-4. Grade four students take on leading roles with the new demands of memorization and character development.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Grade 5 students are enrolled in Theatre for one quarter. They stretch their creative muscles in improvisations, scenes, and theatre games, learning the importance of collaboration and problem-solving. Performances for classmates ensure that Canterbury students are confident public speakers and expressive artists.

The Elective Theatre course for students in grades seven and eight is a thorough introduction to important elements of performance and production. Monologues, scenes, and the expectation of creating original work is the foundation of this class. Student artists develop generosity and empathy through a carefully sequenced curriculum.

An extra-curricular Middle School Musical is a highlight for our theatre, visual art, music, and dance students. This all-inclusive production affords all students the opportunity to shine as singers, dancers, actors, and technicians in a production that involves 60 - 100 students each year. Previous productions include: Shrek Jr.; Mary Poppins, Jr.; Matilda Jr.; and Seussical, Jr.

HIGH SCHOOL

The theatre program at Canterbury High School is where talent meets opportunity. Rigorous courses and experiences in acting, movement, and production team ensure that students are challenged and supported while developing their individual talents and artistic voices. The development of independence, leadership, collaboration, and serious inquiry are written into the curriculum and are pursued by students and faculty alike.

The acting systems of Stanislavski, Strasberg, Adler, Meisner, and Grotowski are studied and implemented in scenes and monologues from diverse classical and contemporary plays. Students with a love for theatre production are the set designers, builders, costumers, and technicians for all productions. Our goal is to give our students the freedom and opportunity to dream big, fail gloriously, and discover authentic successes of their own making.

Three productions are scheduled each year and include a musical, a play, and a Shakespeare production which is produced and directed by artists in the senior class. All productions feature design and leadership opportunities for students who partner with faculty to bring a script to life.

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CANTERBURY SCHOOL
Artist. Athlete. Scholar.

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