Classroom Expectations

This program follows the SC Theatre Standards.

Playmaking/Playwriting, Acting, Designing and Technical Theatre, Directing, Researching, Making Connections, Valuing and Responding, and Relating to History and Culture 

Ok...but what will we really study?

Monologues, Scenes, Pantomime, Improvisational Theatre, Creative Dramatics, Storytelling, Theatre History, Masks, Makeup Design, Movement (including stage combat), Musical theatre, Readers Theatre, Prose Interpretation, Poetry Interpretation, Public Speaking (Informative and Impromptu), Rhetoric, Playwrighting, Technical Theatre, Set Design, Costume Design, Light Design, Shadow Theatre, Theatre around the world, Theatre Genres, and more.

https://ed.sc.gov/instruction/standards/visual-and-performing-arts/standards/theatre-design-and-media-arts-standards/

This program enriches literacy skills.

 This program enriches your student's literacy by integrating the following five essential elements of literacy instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

 Students that study Theatre improve their reading comprehension and both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. 

This program integrates a STEAM focus.

  Here are a few ways theatre class can teach STEAM:

 Science/Technology: Theatre involves the use of technical elements like lighting, sound, and special effects.  Students will learn the scientific principles behind these technologies, such as exploring the properties of light or understanding sound waves and amplification.

Arts/Mathematics: Theatre involves creativity and aesthetics, which can be linked to mathematical concepts like symmetry, patterns, geometry, proportion, and spatial relationships.  For example, set design may require mathematical calculations and problem-solving using engineering principles to ensure accurate dimensions and balance.

Engineering: In theatre, students can be involved in designing and constructing both model-size and real-life sets, which requires understanding structural stability, materials, and the engineering principles necessary to bring designs to life.

Collaboration and Design Thinking: Theatre fosters collaboration and teamwork, encouraging students to work together, brainstorm ideas, problem-solve, and innovate.  These are important skills that are also emphasized in STEAM education.

Integration of Technology: Theatre classes can incorporate the use of digital tools and software for set design, sound editing, or video projection.  Students can learn to use technology effectively while exploring creative expressions.

Data Analysis and Research: Theatre involves analyzing scripts, researching historical contexts, and understanding the motivations and backgrounds of characters.  These processes can introduce students to research methodologies and critical thinking, which are valuable skills in scientific exploration and data analysis.

Performance and Communication: Theatre teaches effective communication, listening skills, and public speaking, which are vital in conveying scientific concepts to broader audiences.  Students can apply these skills to present finding or engage in science-related discussions.

An interdisciplinary approach encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, and prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities.  Participating in Theatre Education can provide students with skills that translate to many career paths:

 acting, directing, designing, movement, technical theatre, education, management, advertising, writing, teaching, administrator, management, media arts, public speaking, corporate training, sales, event planning, customer service, human resources, museum curator, non-profit work, etc.

 This program embeds the 21st Century Skills framework into all units of instruction. 

Character, Citizenship, Collaboration, Communication, 

Creativity, and Critical Thinking 

Do I have to audition to be in DFMS Drama?

 Honors Drama requires an audition as this is a Gifted and Talented course.

Drama I has no audition requirement.

Is this class fun?

YES!  This class is a class that embraces all the silliness, the joy, and the energy that the middle schooler brings to school every day!  The first thing you will notice when you enter the room is that it doesn't look like a traditional classroom--we will sit on the carpet, move around, every week will have us working on something completely different (you will NOT get bored!), and students will be empowered to have ownership over the projects!  This is a class for both the shy and the not-shy students.  This is a class about building an ensemble (that is just fancy "theatre-talk" for team)!!    

YOU HAVE SOMETHING SPECIAL TO SHARE WITH THIS WORLD!  DRAMA IS A GREAT PLACE TO DISCOVER THAT AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!  DRAMA IS ABOUT WORKING HARD AND HAVING FUN ALONG THE WAY!

What performance opportunities will I have this year?

 STATE THEATRE FESTIVAL: All drama students will have the opportunity to audition at the school level to represent DFMS at the SCSTA (South Carolina Speech and Theatre Association) Middle School level competition in March 2025.  The categories of competition can be found at this website:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Vqaz5s9EwAkdDkHjDWpGIiNVfeJK5y06xGETXbTu6Ow/edit

STEAM PERFORMANCE NIGHT AT DFMS: As those details emerge, this website will be updated.

 SEMESTER SHOWCASES for Drama i Students:   Drama I (non-audition course) at DFMS will create a semester showcase.  This performance will occur in the theatre classroom (we will convert it into a performing arts space), and the community is invited to attend during your student's scheduled class time.  Some students may be responsible for the program, serving as house ushers, lights, acting, costume designer, etc.  This will be entirely STUDENT PRODUCT and every class member must contribute in some way.   

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES: Students who are interested in individual coaching to prepare for auditions to the Theatre Discovery Summer program at the SC Governor's School for the Arts, TRIDAC, or local community theatre auditions, please speak with Ms. Larson.   

FALL AND SPRING PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR 8th GRADE HONORS STUDENTS:

November 14, 15: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, JUNIOR (6:30 p.m. on the DFMS cafeteria stage).

May 1, 2: SPRING PLAY (6:00 p.m. on the DFMS cafeteria stage).

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“Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.”

- Abraham Maslow 

"Theatre education research shows the power of the art form to transform students’ experiences of themselves as well as their relationships with peers and the larger world. The process and product of theatre learning incorporates creative and technical skills across many learning disciplines." 

 - Arts Education Partnership

Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.

 -Vince Lombardi

"Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is."

-Yoda