Drama

Drama Courses offered in our Regional Arts Program

* Please note that all Drama students accepted into the program are required to purchase a plain, black t-shirt with no logos for performances purposes in class.

ADA1OR   Drama - Preliminary (Semester 1)

This course emphasizes the active exploration of dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a wide range of authors, genres, and cultures. Students will begin their study of drama with the basics of acting technique, choral work, improvisation and character work. Student learning will include identifying and using the principles of space, time, voice and movement in creating, sustaining and communicating authentically within the drama. Students will begin an overview of theatre history from Greek and Roman to Contemporary theatre. Students will discuss, perform, and analyze drama, and then reflect on the experiences to develop an understanding of themselves, the art form, and the world around them. Students are expected to take advantage of extra curricular opportunities for performance.

ADD1OR   Dramatic Arts - Production (Semester 2)

This course will continue to emphasize and build on the skills acquired in semester 1. There will be a focus on the active exploration through various performance opportunities of various dramatic forms and techniques. Students will begin to work on subtext through scene study, blocking and staging. Students will be introduced to a variety of theatre terms, such as prompt books, process drama. Students will be expected to become familiar with a variety of genres and they will be expected to critique a play. Students will have the opportunity to work with a number of guest artists and participate in workshops in areas of theatre ranging from stage combat to Commedia Dell’arte. This course offers further exploration of topics covered in ADA1OR with an emphasis on rehearsal and performance techniques.

ADA2OR   Drama - Intermediate (Semester 1)

This course requires students to actively explore dramatic forms and techniques, using some of their own ideas, as well as, sources selected from a wide range of authors, genres and cultures. This course is a continuation of the skills acquired in drama so far. Students will work at a higher level of script analysis for different intentions. Students will have the opportunity to engage in an extensive study of classical scenes with a focus on early Greek theatre. The progression for scene study moves from smaller to larger scenes that include a chorus. Students will continue the overview of Western Theatre History with emphasis on early Drama. Students are expected to make artistic decisions in their creation and presentation of the drama, and be prepared to discuss, reflect upon and analyze their experiences. Students are expected to take advantage of the extra-curricular opportunities offered by the school.

ADA3OR   Drama Production II (Semester 2)

This course is a continuation of ADA2OR. Students are expected to continue their active exploration of dramatic forms and techniques and develop their own ideas using information taught in class. In addition, the study of a wide variety of sources selected from a range of authors, genres and cultures will be stressed. Areas of concentration in this course include: characterization, intentions the director’s workshop, which includes the study of movement, composition, picturization, rhythm;. Students will have an opportunity to direct and perform in a variety of scenes. Their final performance will explore children’s theatre. This course will be used as the link course for the Arts and Culture SHSM Coop component.

ADA3MR   Drama (Semester 1)

Students will continue to build on skills previously acquired in the program. The study of Shakespeare will move students from performance in small scenes to larger more complex scenes with a larger cast. A major focus area in this year of study will consist of exposure to and the acquisition of basic skills in areas of performance that include acting, singing and dancing (the Triple Threat). This course requires students to work with forms and conventions in drama and to create/adapt and present dramatic work. Students will do research on dramatic forms, conventions, themes and theories of acting as they pertain to realism and naturalism. Students are also expected to be involved in the extra-curricular dramatic opportunities offered by the school, not only on stage but backstage as well.

ADD3MR   Dramatic Arts (Semester 2)

Dramatic Arts - Play Production- Students will participate in all aspects of play production. 

ADA4MR   Dramatic Arts (Semester 1)

This course requires students to experiment with forms and conventions in dramatic literature, and to create/adapt and present dramatic works. Students will do research on dramatic forms, conventions, themes, and theories of acting and directing from different historical periods, and apply their knowledge of these in analyzing and interpreting dramatic literature, including Canadian works and works from various cultures in the late twentieth century. Students will continue their study of acting technique and will become more familiar with Stanislavsky and will explore various dramatists. In terms of theatre history, students will study modern theatre such as the Theatre of the Absurd. This course also engages students in active learning. They apply their theory and knowledge in genuine theatrical contexts by working as actors, playwrights, and discerning audience members. The intent of the course is to make learning experiential to the greatest extent possible, while meeting the academic demands presented by the expectations. Students are also expected to be involved in the extra-curricular dramatic opportunities offered by the school, not only on stage but backstage as well.

ADV4MR   Dramatic Arts - Film/Video

This course is designed to enable the actor to study and perform film sides, scenes and monologues for film. Students will begin with a study of cinematograph and continue with film history and the “auteur” theory and break down film and television scenes to discover the humour, emotional moments, pacing and beats. The class will also explore the fundamentals of film auditioning, including roles appropriate for the actor, within the film industry. The class will focus on strengthening performances and working with confidence in front of the camera by creating a short film for an audience. Students may also assume leadership roles in the community by teaching drama to elementary students. This course is designed to challenge the student to go beyond their frame of reference and explore, read and ultimately perform in a variety of works and media. Further the student is expected to continue to take opportunities to be involved in theatre both within the school community and beyond.