Theatre Arts

Overview

The "Theatrical Arts" program at Saint Ann has been evolving since the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year. Below you will find a general overview of the program. Please visit this page again for additional information as the year progresses.

Introduction

The information provided below has been adapted to include content areas inspired by the Evergreen Drama Curriculum (http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/).

A variety of dramatic strategies are used to challenge students to:

• Explore themes, social situations, and issues
• Stretch their thinking
• Solve problems
• Extend their use of language
• Deepen their understanding of human behavior
• Develop abilities to express ideas and feelings through dramatic art form

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Dramatic Art

Most elementary students possess the natural capacity for acting “as if”. From an early age, much of their naturally occurring play involves the development of their imagination and of imaginative roles, or “play”. Dramatic situations invite students to act “as if” they are someone else; that is, to experiment with what it feels like to stand in someone else’s shoes.

Focus Points

1. Learning to Create
2. Ideas and Inspirations
3. Making Sense of Things
4. The World of Drama

Areas of Dramatic Expression

• Imaginative play
• Role-playing
• Puppets
• Emotions/expressions
• Monologue
• Short story
• Improvisation
• Movement and Dance

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Upper School

Students in the upper grades will continue to develop their dramatic skills through the continuation of the above activities, while adding a general knowledge of Theatre Arts, including, but not limited to the following:

• Acting
• Dance/Movement
• Script Writing
• Audition Process
• Production Needs (stage crew, make-up, sound, lighting, publicity, etc.)
• Famous Playwrights
• Types of Theatrical Works (Shakespeare, Musicals, Greek Tragedy and Comedy, etc.)

Students will learn about the various aspects of theatrical production. Dramatic expression will focus on individual and class improvisations and monologue performance and writing.

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Frequency

The schedule involves three 6-week rotating cycles. Each class will have two drama cycles, within the school year, which will meet for the following:

K - 4 students meet for drama for 40 minutes, three times per week.

Grades 5 - 8 students meet for two 50-minute drama classes, twice a week.

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Theatre Arts Rules

All students are asked to follow six basic class rules in the music and drama classrooms. These rules provide a guideline to help students recognize and exhibit appropriate and helpful behavior in the classroom to help promote a comfortable environment for themselves, their classmates, and their teacher.

CLASS RULES

1. Listen when others are talking.
2. Follow directions.
3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
4. Work quietly and do not disturb others.
5. Show respect for school and personal property.
6. Work and play in a safe manner.

In addition to the class rules, students in third through eighth grade have a Classroom Code of Conduct. This code of conduct is an extension of the rules and the Eagle Initiatives. It is my hope that each student will follow this code to actively help their classmates and teacher in creating a safe and comfortable learning environment for everyone.

CLASSROOM CODE OF CONDUCT

1. We will be polite at all times.
2. We will work quietly and not disturb others.
3. We will listen courteously when others are talking.
4. We will be friendly to fellow classmates.
5. We will be truthful and honest.
6. We will respect our teacher and other adults.
7. We will be prepared for class every day.
8. We will arrive at class on time.
9. We will cooperate with others.
10. We will always do our best.

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Questions, Comments, Concerns?

Contact:

Mr. Gonzalez
615.277.9658
rgonzalez@StAnnNash.org

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