Drama: History & Craft

Drama is a dynamic course where students research the global impact and influences of drama and dramatic literature, engage with myriad styles of dramatic literature, study the main components of a theatrical production, learn and practice the art of improvisation, and apply learned knowledge and skills by participating and performing in class. The course explores the development of drama through history using a thematic approach. Students examine representative plays from several major eras in theater history. Students are exposed to aspects of theatrical production including acting, directing, set design, playwriting, masks, and puppetry. They also explore and study the universality and timelessness of theater by investigating the way theater influences politics and culture, as it has for over two thousand years. Performance-based assessment is a component of this course, so students will be required to perform periodically in class. This class is designed for students who have never acted before as well as students who have already had stage experience. Open to students grade 9-12. Course can be taken or repeated in grade 12.