Drama 8 

An introductory course which encourages students to trust themselves and others; reflect on thoughts, feelings and beliefs; take risks within dramatic context, and actively express themselves in body and voice. Drama 8 is an introductory course in creative dramatics with an emphasis on personal and social development, concentration, trust and cooperation. This course will familiarize students with the fundamentals of theatre, the basic elements of acting and how to prepare for roles through simple character development. Some limited exposure to script work and film will be introduced, while group and/or ensemble work is emphasized throughout.

Drama 9 

This course develops and extends students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes through diverse experiences. Students learn to further apply drama and theatre elements in an effective manner. Students are exposed to greater script work, theatre sports, musical theatre, and film, and will examine various simple technical aspects of theatre (such as costume and simple set design). Personal awareness and self-discipline will continue to play an important role via group and/or ensemble work.  

Drama 10 

This course continues to extend and develop skills and attitudes necessary to explore ideas in a dramatic context at an intermediate level. Students will continue to build upon previous skills in Drama 8 and Drama 9, and are presented with increasingly challenging projects in script work, musical theatre, theatre sports and film. Students will continue to explore fundamental aspects of technical theatre and are provided with performance and basic production management opportunities. 

Theatre Performance 11 – Acting 

Emphasis is placed on developing a deeper understanding of the elements of theatre at an advanced level. Students are presented with increasingly challenging projects in script work, theatre sports, musical theatre and role play; study the art of acting through interpretation, analysis and advanced characterization; and are presented with performance, technical and/or productional management opportunities.   

Theatre Performance 12 – Acting 

This course develops students’ understanding of theatre elements at an advanced level. Students are expected to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes in theatre, which will enhance their personal, educational and career development. Students will explore acting through modes such as script work, musical theatre, role play and film. Acting 12 is a highly specialized course in the art of acting for both stage and film. Students are expected to perform at a superior level in any facet of acting, production management and/or technical theatre. 

Theatre Performance 11/12 – Directing & Scriptwriting 

This course emphasizes the basics of interpreting text and the role of the director. Students are presented with an opportunity to develop their production, directorial, and scriptwriting skills through taking a leadership role with younger acting students. Students will be immersed in the casting, direction, production and creative challenge of mounting smaller theatrical productions and performances. Specific levels of responsibility will be assigned for these senior leadership roles.  

Theatre Company 8 – 12 

The performance of a theatre work requires the collaborative efforts of the entire theatre company. Students learn about the nature of a theatre company and the interconnected roles and responsibilities of people who work within it. They examine the requirements for leadership, teamwork, commitment, and backstage and front-of-house communication protocol. They learn the synthesis of content and context in the theatre environment. Through participation in the rehearsal and performance process, as actors and technicians, students learn the skills and attitudes necessary to perform within a theatre company, including valuable personal and interpersonal skills that students can apply in a broader social and career context. Theatre Company is ultimately responsible for performing a show at the end of the semester. 

(Prerequisites: None, but audition is required) 

Musical Theatre 9 – 12 

The performance of a musical theatre work requires the collaborative efforts of the entire musical theatre cast. Students learn about the nature of musical theatre and the interconnected roles and responsibilities that theatre, music and dance play within a show. They examine the requirements for leadership, teamwork, commitment and backstage and front-of-house communication protocol. They learn the synthesis of content and context from multiple visual and performing arts disciplines by connecting dance, music and theatre skills. Through participation and in the rehearsal and performance process, students learn the skills and attitudes necessary to perform a musical theatre production, including valuable personal and interpersonal skills that students can apply in a broader social and career context. Musical Theatre students are ultimately responsible for performing a show at the end of the semester.  

(Prerequisites: None, but audition is required)