Drama and Theatre

In 5^th grade, students learn movement for actors. The acting exercises help them interpret the world around them and communicate their ideas and feelings to the audience. Basic acting tools are reinforced, and the elements of drama are introduced. These elements are then applied to a myth or story and students write dialogue for their own puppet play. They then design and construct their own puppet and rehearse and perform their original plays. Students experience theatre from the written word to production and performance.

In 6^th grade, students study voice for the actor and oral interpretation. Acting tools and movement for actors are reinforced while elements of voice and actions are introduced. Students practice these skills through a variety of projects, including poetry, storytelling, and readers’ theatre.

In 7^th grade, acting and theatre history are introduced. Students study acting in depth using the Stanislavski Method, and theatre history is presented through acting exercises and lectures. Students combine the Method and skills of movement and voice learned in 5^th and 6^th grade to produce a final scene using the scene study process.

In 8^th grade, students in public speaking learn how to research, organize preparation and speaking outlines, and deliver effective impromptu, informative, and persuasive speeches. Critical thinking and listening skills are developed as the students listen to their fellow speakers and provide them with constructive criticism.