The Actor is an athlete of the heart;
To grasp the full significance of life is the actor’s duty,
to interpret it is his problem, and to express it is his dedication.
Marlon Brando
In Drama we learn to explore the way other people think, feel and communicate, helping us understand others and ourselves on a higher level. Drama assists with presentation, voice production, team building, networking and marketing skills helping us with business, employment and schooling.
One of the reasons Drama works so well is that there is no “correct” answer, so participants can safely explore options without the fear of being wrong. This makes them equal in the Drama class and empowers them to have a voice They soon come to realize that all opinions are valid even if they are not acted upon. Thus it builds confidence and makes ‘can’t do’ into ‘can do'.
Improvisation is a key point in drama. By introducing improvisation games, participants learn team building, communication, how to express their feelings and emotions, learn to think for themselves and build confidence and wit whilst having FUN!
A drama class is a safe environment for students to explore issues to make sense of the world they live in. If at the end of the day we have helped deal with a self conscious matter, bullying issue or even assisted a participant with their career, then we have reached fulfillment. There is nothing more rewarding than watching someone become stronger, more positive and emotionally healthy.
Drama is a course that can make this happen. '
Courses
DRAMATIC ARTS
ADA 1O1 GRADE 9 -OPEN
How could having this much fun earn you a credit? Welcome to the Introduction to Drama course! ADA1OI is open to all grade 9 students who have an interest in performing on stage. This fun-filled, energetic course is a magical experience. You will warm up daily to funky music, followed by group activities in tableaux, mime, voice, and a combination of all three. Each student is fully engaged in brainstorming, rehearsing and performing with peers daily. In five months, you have only one solo, so wipe away the sweat from your brow and sail into the wonderful world of comedy, tragedy, melodrama, and more!
ADA 2O1 GRADE 10 -OPEN
Reach for the stars! Whether you are new to the department or not, your life will be forever changed in this class. You will warm up to theatre games and fun voice exercises followed by group activities in tableaux, choral speaking and improvisation. Each student is fully engaged in brainstorming, scriptwriting, stage fighting and acting with peers throughout the semester. Explore the world of plays and prepare for a showcase to share your work with others.
ADA 3M1 GRADE 11 UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE
PREREQUISITE ADA 1O/2O
Welcome back to drama! Scene work, Docudrama, One Act plays, and Monologues are in store for those of you who love to act and wish to hone your skills. Commitment (to classes, rehearsals outside of class, and performances) is of primary importance to your success in this course. There will be a multitude of opportunities to act and to direct, to create a range of believable and insightful characters, and to perform for various audiences. Comic and tragic One Act plays are produced and performed. Come and act! It’s a blast!
ADA3OI GRADE 11 OPEN
Theatre lovers! The objective of this senior Dramatic Arts course is to create quality dramatic productions for public showcasing. Now how much fun is that?! Clearly, commitment to in-class and after-school rehearsals is essential, as are whole hearted participation, the ability to accept constructive criticism, and the desire to grow as an actor, technician or designer. A wide range of Canadian plays are explored for production.
ADA 4MI GRADE 12 UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE
PREREQUISITE ADA3M
Directors and Playwrights, this is ADA4MI – and more! Beyond the preparation of quality dramatic productions for public showcasing, University level Drama students must conduct research on dramatic forms, conventions, themes, theories of acting, and directing from different historical periods. Commitment to in-class and after-school rehearsals is essential, as are whole hearted participation, the ability to accept constructive criticism, and the desire to grow as an actor. Comedies, Tragedies, Melodramas, and Theatre of the Absurd and Oppressed, will be explored in this packed course!
DANCE
ATC2O GRADE 10 OPEN
So you think you can dance! This foundation course is open to students of all ability levels who love to dance! High energy warm –ups and techniques are explored every day with funky music and choreography. Students will develop at their own pace and create dance pieces that relate to their understanding of the world and others around them. They are responsible for personal reflection about their learning and will apply technologies and techniques throughout the process of creation to develop their artistic scope in Contemporary, Modern, Jazz and Hip Hop dances.
Prerequisite: None
ATC 3M Grade 11 University/College Preparation
Dancing with the stars! This senior level course emphasizes the development of students’ artistry, improvisational and compositional skills, and technical proficiency in dance genres from around the world. Students will apply dance elements, techniques, and tools in a variety of ways, including performance situations; describe and model responsible practices related to the dance environment; and reflect on how the study of dance affects personal and artistic development.
Prerequisite: Dance, Grade 9 or 10, Open
ATC4M Grade 12 University/College Preparation
The X Factor! This highly specialized course emphasizes the development of students’ technical proficiency, fluency in the language of movement in dance genres from around the world, and understanding of dance science. Students will explain the social, cultural, and historical contexts of dance; apply the creative process through the art of dance in a variety of ways; and exhibit an understanding of the purpose and possibilities of continuing engagement in the arts as a lifelong learner.
Prerequisite: Dance, Grade 11, University/College Preparation