In this quarter-long course, students learn the fun and basic skills of drama. From discovering the expressive elements of dramatic activity to learning theatre terminology, students will explore all of the work that goes into a play, both onstage and behind the scenes! Through story-telling techniques and introductory improvisational games, students develop a greater sense of confidence, self-awareness, and self-expression. We’ll strengthen creative thinking and public speaking skills as we present our work to one another within group settings. The skills from this class integrate across the curriculum spectrum as students are able to apply their learned dramatic techniques to other class assignments, such as oral presentations, creative thinking, and problem-solving. The course culminates with a Creative Arts Assembly where the students showcase highlights from their semester.

In this semester-long course, we dive in for a deeper understanding of all the work it takes to put a piece of theater on the stage. Students will learn the basics of theatrical design and tech areas, and, of course, practice acting using monologues and scenes. The class is designed to support the students’ pursuit of co-creating characters, sets, costumes, etc. with a script. Together we’ll work on the designs for the mainstage drama productions and build our own performance for a Creative Arts assembly at the end of the semester to feature our successes for an audience.

Theater explores the question: What is the best way to tell stories? In this class, we will explore the history of telling stories through styles such as puppetry, improvisation, playwriting, and watching & reading different styles of plays. Students will practice autobiographical storytelling, public speaking, and creative writing. Together we’ll build a performance for a Creative Arts assembly at the end of the semester to feature our stories for an audience.