Teaching Assistants for Beginning Drama

Teaching Assistants in Beginning Drama are junior and senior students who have completed at least one year of Drama.  Typically, they are also enrolled in Advanced Drama at the same time.  TAs are part of a leadership program that teaches students to be mentors and leaders of their peers.  They lead games, critique performances, coach improvisation, lead small group discussions, correct papers, help keep the Black Box clean and organized, and in the second semester, TAs plan and direct the Students on Stage performances by the Beginning Drama students.  This is an opportunity for serious, Advanced students to apply their Drama skills in a different way.

Beginning Drama is a course for anyone who is interested in building self-esteem, making friends, developing teamwork skills, and enhancing reflective practices.  Theatre is truly a collaborative process, and it is important to develop self esteem in order to be part of a team.  The first semester focuses on activities that build trust, confidence, and collaboration.  We also watch a variety of videos and live performances of plays and musicals and learn to develop an appreciation for live theatre.  The second semester focuses more on acting styles and methods and the confidence to be on stage.  Throughout the year, several papers are written evaluating performances and reflecting on historical perspectives of the development of theatre.  Self-reflection (in written form) is a major part of the evaluation process, and active participation (with a positive and supportive attitude) makes up most of the rest of the grading.

Advanced Drama is for students who wish to continue learning more about specifics in theatre.  It may include anything from acting styles to directing to playwrighting.  There are usually performances that require some after school preparation.  The curriculum changes each year to allow students to take the course for three years if they so choose.  Beginning Drama is a prerequisite for Advanced Drama.

Advanced Drama Honors

Honors Drama students will complete the entire Advanced Drama curriculum. 
In addition, students complete a special, pre-approved research or production project.  The project will involve an outside class presentation for the school population and/or public.  Projects may include, but are not limited to, directing a one act or full length play, writing and producing an original script, designing scenery and lighting for an independent student production, directing and producing a film, researching a theatre/film related topic and/or performing a lead role in an approved project.