Drama - The Human Element
Students choose to study drama for different reasons. Some look at the courses as a serious training ground for future theatre work in college or as a career. Others want to explore the world of the stage to add to their life experience. Still other students want to learn the technical aspects of theatre, including set design, lighting, sound, and costuming. Whatever the reason may be, one thing is certain: drama classes build self-confidence and teach life skills. Role playing helps students walk in other people's shoes, and performing teaches them the importance of team work. Drama, like any team sport, requires the effort and enthusiasm of each member of the group.
Curriculum
Drama I
This course includes the history of theatre, puppetry, pantomime, improvisation, script analysis, oral interpretation, and characterization. Aspects of comedy and tragedy are also studied along with scene work. The great dramatists' plays are included in class work.
Drama II
This course continues from Drama I. Creativity is expanded with several types of activities like monologues, movement, and music. This course includes critiquing certain acting sequences in movies. Scene work is done in class, and a one-act play is performed. Stagecraft is also taught, and members of the class crew the stage productions during the year and learn all aspects of play production including box office and advertising.
Drama III and IV
These courses offer advanced acting training and participation in rally. The work is challenging and designed to prepare the actor for competition and college auditions. Members of this class make up the core casts of the major productions that are mounted annually.
Holy Cross Center Stage
Holy Cross Center Stage is the drama club, and all drama class students earn automatic membership, but membership is open to any school student interested in auditioning for a play or doing back stage work.
Productions
Two major productions are mounted each year in the autumn and spring.
Arts Night
Will be offered in the 2009-10 school year and will include scene work by actors, visual arts, and music.
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