DRAMA
Embedded Files
WHAT WE study IN DRAMA
WHAT WE study IN DRAMA
Students in the Drama Program work to develop communication skills, leadership and an increased understanding of themselves. In the first two years of the program, the focus is on working on projects communally. In the senior years, the program is designed to allow students to begin to take ownership of their artistic accomplishments such as Children's Theater, Director Scenes and Grad Show.
Acting Skills – Throughout the program, students work on aspects of acting technique including voice and speech, movement and body awareness, self-exploration, improvisation, guided visualization, and theatre games.
Performance – For four years, students are involved in a variety of performance experiences in Drama including scene work, improvisation, movement, voice work, and mime. These opportunities give students experience in developing character and working with the fundamental elements of theatre. The program culminates in a large-scale main-stage production put on by senior students.
Mask Work and Physical Theatre – Students use masks as a tool to enhance their understanding of the art of acting; exercises are designed to promote authentic and honest physical expression, as well as character development and exploration. Both neutral mask and character mask are explored.
Theatre Tech and Theatre Production – Stage and set design, lighting, sound, maquette-building, costumes, hair and makeup, stage management, marketing, business proposals, theatre organization and other aspects of the production process allow students to learn about backstage operations and career opportunities.
Children’s Theatre – Students will produce, direct, design, and act in a variety of children’s theatre plays which are written by former and current Canterbury students. These plays will be performed as part of a Children’s Theatre Festival which the students produce for children and families in the community. The students will also travel to local elementary schools to showcase these children’s plays.
Playwriting – Students will try their hand at writing an original short script. They will learn basic story structures and types, as well as how to format scripts for the stage using both dialogue and stage directions.
Scene Study/Script Analysis – Through the study of plays, scene analysis and watching and reviewing live productions, students learn the structures of plays. Opportunities are provided to write original plays and produce them.
Theatre History, World Theatre, and Theatre Styles – Students research and do assignments on the history of theatre throughout the ages and around the world; students also learn about the many different theatrical styles and major playwrights throughout history.
Acting for Camera – Through careful observation and repeated practice, students learn the art of acting for the camera and how that acting style differs drastically from the techniques involved in acting on stage.
Directing – In their senior year, students learn about the art of directing in Director's Scenes. During this unit, each senior student will be responsible for producing and directing a short play.
Acting Shakespeare - Students will learn the architecture of Shakespeare’s text and how to perform it masterfully.
Clown – Through workshops, lessons, and the expertise of guest artists, students will learn the basics of the ancient art of clowning.
Stage Combat – Students will learn from a professional fight director how to perform and choreograph their own fight routines. Both hand-to-hand and sword combat will be taught.
Original Creation – Students are welcome to explore their creativity by creating an original piece of film or theatre.
DRAMA Audition DATES, REQUIREMENTS and INFORMATION
DRAMA Audition DATES, REQUIREMENTS and INFORMATION
Students from Grades 8 - 11 are welcome to apply for the Drama Program! Applications are due between November 10 - December 1, 2025. Please follow the application instructions on the Apply! page to complete your Arts Canterbury application. Below, you will find information specific to Drama applicants.
* * * * * * *
Students currently in Grade 8:
Students currently in Grade 8:
ARTS OPEN HOUSE for Drama, Dance and Music (Strings, Winds/Percussion and Vocals)
When: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Where: Canterbury High School Auditorium
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
(Note: You can visit 2 out of 3 arts information sessions during this open house. For example: Drama and Dance -or- Vocals and Drama.You can also attend the Literary Art and Visual Art Open House on Nov 6th)
In-Person Group Audition:
When: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
**In the case of inclement weather, the alternate date will be Wednesday, January 14**
Where: Ottawa Masonic Centre - 2140 Walkley Rd, Ottawa, ON K1G 3V3
Time: *Please see your Audition Confirmation Letter for your exact time.*
(If you applied to Arts Canterbury, but did not receive an Audition Confirmation Letter, please contact arts.canterbury@ocdsb.ca.)
Virtual Solo Monologue Audition:
When: January 21, 22, 23, 24, or 26, 2026
Where: Virtual (via Google Meet)
Time: *Please see your Audition Confirmation Letter for your exact date and time.*
(If you applied to Arts Canterbury, but did not receive an Audition Confirmation Letter, please contact arts.canterbury@ocdsb.ca.)
You will receive the exact dates/times and links and all details in your Audition Confirmation Letter via email which you will receive within 10 business days after submitting your application.
Students currently in Grade 9, 10, or 11:
Students currently in Grade 9, 10, or 11:
ARTS OPEN HOUSE for Drama, Dance and Music (Strings, Winds/Percussion and Vocals)
When: November 4, 2025
Where: Canterbury High School Auditorium
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
(Note: You can visit 2 out of 3 arts information sessions during this open house. For example: Drama and Dance -or- Vocals and Drama.You can also attend the Literary Art and Visual Art Open House on Nov 6th)
In-Person Group and Solo Monologue Audition:
When: Thursday, January 8, 2026
**In the case of inclement weather, the alternate date will be Friday, January 9**
Where: Ottawa Masonic Centre - 2140 Walkley Rd, Ottawa, ON K1G 3V3
Time: *Please see your Audition Confirmation Letter for your exact time.*
(If you applied to Arts Canterbury, but did not receive an Audition Confirmation Letter within 10 business days of applying, please contact arts.canterbury@ocdsb.ca.)
MORE ABOUT DRAMA AUDITIONS
Availability: Please plan to be available for any and all of the dates indicated for your art form. These dates can not be altered for appointments or vacations so please plan accordingly. Inclement weather is accounted for and you will be notified the night before or morning of in this case.
Final Exams: Students who are currently in Grade 9, 10 or 11 should email arts.canterbury@ocdsb.ca as soon as possible if they realize that there will be a conflict between the audition date/time given in their Audition Confirmation Letter and a school exam. In this case we will move the audition time during the dates provided below. We will also try to schedule auditions for the afternoons - after exams.
* * * * * * *
Group Audition Details:
All applicants will work in groups and will be led through drama warm-ups, games, movement and improvisation activities. Group auditions are about showing your ability to work with others, take direction and be open to trying new things! (in-person for all grades)
Solo Audition Details:
All applicants will have a performance audition and an interview with the audition panel which will last approximately 10 minutes. During the interview, each applicant will perform their two monologues individually. (For students in Grade 8 only, the solo monologue will take place remotely via Google Meet.)
Give yourself plenty of time before the audition to relax and get mentally prepared.
Be sure to charge your laptop or tablet and be sure to test your video and microphone by practicing in advance!
Monologues:
Each candidate will perform two (2) monologues chosen from the provided list. All candidates are free to choose their monologues from either the Male or Female list. Both of the selected monologues are to be studied and completely memorized prior to the audition. During the performance of the monologues, the audition panel will be looking for the following:
the ability to create and sustain a believable character
believing in yourself as this character
use of imagination
physical communication (establishing character using the body, face, and voice)
Monologue Tips:
avoid fidgeting or other forms of nervous energy (unless specific to your character)
suit your delivery to the character (not every character needs to be big or over the top)
don't worry if you make a mistake; keep your composure and continue where you left off
Choose only two monologues from the links below:
Audition Monologue LINK: Male* Characters
Audition Monologue LINK: Female* Characters
*Students can choose from either list.
BEST OF LUCK TO ALL THE CANDIDATES!
Report abuse