Short answer: Yes. Carlmont's drama classes are functionally separate from our three extracurricular productions. You can take the class without being in shows, or you can act in shows without taking the class. There are many different ways to participate in the drama program, and all students are welcome!
That said: A large number of students do both, and if you are very serious about theatre, you will learn and grow the most by participating both classes and shows.
The classes and productions are both educational but have different focuses. Benefits of taking a Carlmont drama class include:
experience performing scenes & monologues from a wide range of styles & genres
explicit instruction in audition technique, script analysis, foundational acting theory, movement, voice, characterization, classical language, theatre history, and a range of acting methods (including Stanislavski, Laban, Hagen, Viewpoints, and more)
the opportunity to set personal acting goals and then select scenes and roles that will work toward those goals
practice directing peers and giving constructive feedback
opportunities to dive into playwriting and theatrical design
exposure to plays from a range of time periods
and more!
If you are new to Carlmont Drama, particularly if you are a freshman, we recommend that you take Drama Foundations (Drama 1). This is true even if you have prior theatre experience.
Drama 1 provides students with a full year of foundational training at the high school level. The curriculum is designed to be accessible for students without experience and valuable for those who are more seasoned. While there may be some review, this year-long course will provide you with plenty of new skills and techniques, and it is the best way to prepare for success in higher-level drama classes and after-school productions.
That said: there are sometimes freshmen who are experienced enough to go directly into Advanced Drama. If you think you may be a good fit, you should email Ms. Berg (eberg@seq.org) to discuss your experience. Below are the suggested pre-requisites for Advanced Drama:
For students new to Carlmont Drama:
Significant prior experience, including:
Acting roles in at least five theatre productions, AND
Drama classes (middle school classes, summer camps, workshops, etc.)
Excellent understanding of basic theatre vocabulary & norms
Strong grasp of script analysis, character analysis, and related concepts
You should have experience studying and performing scenes & monologues in a classroom or workshop setting.
This is because preparing a scene in a classroom setting is different from acting in a production. Play & musical rehearsals are led by the director. Classroom scene rehearsals are facilitated by the teacher, but students serve as their own directors.
Drama 1 will teach you exactly how to score a script, develop a character, plan out blocking, self-assess, and more. In order to skip Drama 1, you should be confident in these skills and ready to try more advanced techniques.
Good classroom habits: mature, self-directed, and able to work independently
(For freshmen): Comfort working with older students and potentially being the youngest person in the class
For students who have acted in Carlmont Drama productions but have not taken Drama 1: The requirements above are still recommended, but they can be more flexible, particularly if you are entering 11th or 12th grade. This is because you are already familiar with Carlmont Drama's norms and standards, and Ms. Berg is familiar with your skills and your readiness level.
For transfer students who took drama class at another high school: Please contact Ms. Berg. You may be able to audition directly into Advanced Drama.
Yes! Plenty of students who are shy or nervous about performing can still go on to great success in drama! In fact, taking Drama 1 can be a great way to work through stage fright and get more comfortable onstage. We work hard to build a supportive environment where all students are comfortable, and we start with small, low-stakes performance opportunities so that students can build their confidence.
That said, students should know that this is a performance-based class, and you will need to perform onstage, in front of your peers, in order to pass.
If you are nervous about performing but are willing to give it a try, we can promise you an encouraging environment with lots of support. If you are reluctant to perform at all, then the class may not be the best fit.