Drama and Theatre
The SCS drama and theatre program prepares students to be effective communicators and presenters. Through drama classes, theatre productions and additional performance opportunities, students develop the skills necessary to comfortably and confidently present to an audience.
Theatre Productions
Each year students have the opportunity to participate in the 7th and 8th grade fall play or 5th and 6th grade winter play. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, every role is vital and student-led. Students gain experience in acting, assistant directing, stage management, set design, props, lighting, sound, costumes, hair and makeup, house management and scenic art.
Drama Classes
In 4th grade, students study Creative Dramatics and Movement to learn basic acting tools and gain an appreciation for the collaborative nature of theatre. Beginning in 5th grade, students study various aspects of drama and theatre including movement, puppetry, voice, acting and theatre history until 8th grade, when the curriculum switches to public speaking. Upon completion of each course, students perform in an evening cabaret as a culmination of their work.
4th Grade Theatre Production
Course Descriptions
Meet Our Faculty
Deborah Girasek-Chudzynski
Drama/Theatre (Grades 4-7)
Public Speaking (Grade 8)
Fine Arts Department Chair
B.A. in Theatre, Pennsylvania State University
M.A. in Theatre, Purdue University
Ms. Chudzynski is the originator of the ShakeScenes program at Notre Dame and was the Coordinating Director for eight years. She acted and directed at The South Bend Civic Theatre and at the Acting Ensemble Stage Company.
Speech Team
Each fall the SCS Speech Team competes in speech meets throughout Indiana in 13 different categories, ranging from discussion and drama to poetry and prose. Nearly 50-60 students in grades 6-8 typically participate in this award-winning (and often undefeated) team each year.
Facilities & Resources
- The construction of the Laura and Jack Boyd Smith, Jr. Performing Arts Center was recently completed in early 2023. This 372 seat venue features a proscenium stage with full lighting and sound to support curriculum and programming for all students.
- 851 square foot designated theatre classroom
- More than 1,000 piece costume and prop collection
- Versatile set-piece collection
- Puppet theatre
- Atrium: Shakespearian-inspired acting space for cabaret performances