Drama & Musical Theatre

Drama

Drama is both an art form and a medium for learning and teaching. It can develop the whole person – emotionally, physically, intellectually, imaginatively, aesthetically and socially, by giving form and meaning to experience through “acting out”. It fosters positive group interaction as students learn to make accommodations in order to pursue shared goals. The overall goal of drama is to foster a positive self-concept in students, while focusing on the areas of orientation, speech, movement, improvisation, acting, directing technical theatre and design

Drama 10 (3 credits) *Course fee

In Drama 10, students will begin by getting to know one another while creating a safe learning environment through play. We then move into Spontaneous Improvisation where students take risks and learn self-control and teamwork. Drama 10 also experiments with Stage Combat and Airbands. Completion of Drama 10 will foster self-confidence in our students while remaining focused and experiencing some fun! This is a prerequisite for Musical Theatre, which is available to grade 11 and 12 students only.

Drama 20 (5 credits) *Course fee

Prerequisite: 50% in Drama 10 – As students enter their second year in the program, we will review and reinforce the disciplines of orientation and improvisation. Students in Drama 20 will again participate in Airbands, which is always a highlight. The Drama 20 students will also be introduced to playwriting through Collective Creation, a process where students write, direct and perform a piece of their collective work. This learning process cannot be replicated and is truly a one of a kind experience for each participant!

Drama 30 (5 credits) *Course fee

Prerequisite: 50% in Drama 20 – In the student’s final year of drama, we will again reinforce all the disciplines to round out their senior high school drama experience and can more directly prepare them for a possible career in the Theatre Arts.  The opportunity for participation in creating a school wide television show has recently been introduced, as an added experience for this level of “mastery”. The Drama 30 student will also direct and perform in a play of their choosing. Students play an active role in the production and direction of the piece.

Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre – Cast & Crew (10 credits) Open to Grade 11 & 12 students only  *Course fee

Recommended prerequisite: Drama 10

Students who participate in Musical Theatre will receive credits for Drama and also for either Musical Theatre (Cast) or Technical Theatre (Crew) and all participants will also receive Drama credits and will earn 10 credits upon completion. Musical Theatre builds upon the artist’s natural abilities and encourages new talent in the area of singing, dancing and acting. Our ambition is to deliver outstanding, relevant, creative and rigorous training for those with a passion for musical theatre. The Musical Theatre program is specifically designed to meet the needs of students who wish to combine acting, voice, and dance and to develop confidence and ownership in all three areas. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, voice training and a foundation of dance skill. Students develop performance skills in a challenging, creative and caring environment with a great importance on ensemble building and community. This Course is run during the first semester (September to December). It is a Block 5 class that is held after regular school hours and on selected weekends. After approximately 250 hours in class and in rehearsals for acting, singing and dancing with professionals in vocal coaching, improvisation, costume, technical theatre, and musical direction, the culminating production will be performed at the Maclab Center for the Performing Arts in Leduc AB, in mid-November.  Students are reminded that this is an elite program and attendance is mandatory. Schedule will be released to registrants in June.

Musical Theatre – Set Design (up to 10 credits) Open to Grade 11 & 12 students only   *Course fee

Recommended prerequisite: Drama 10

Students have the potential to earn 10 credits upon completion as a combination of Technical Theatre and Musical Theatre credits.  Set Design is offered in conjunction with Musical Theatre and classes are held after regular school hours and on selected weekends. Block 5 Set Design students work behind the scenes and backstage to facilitate the production in a variety of ways. We need students interested in being a sound technician, lighting technician, stage management, costume, set and props. Students are reminded that this is an elite program and attendance is mandatory.