Drama and Theatre Arts

Educational drama is not only about performance. It is also about learning to work with others, to compromise, to argue for ideas, to study why people do things so as to better understand them, and to build confidence. Some students run to drama, equipped and ready to be open, vocal and extroverted. And some come quietly, nervously wishing to keep out of the spotlight. Whatever the starting point, every student can grow and benefit from the drama programme.

Middle School Drama

In the Middle School, all students take part in Drama classes for one trimester each year. These courses are built around improvisation. They include imaginative exercises in team-building, trust and a variety of improvised situations. Working as individuals, in groups and as a whole class, students develop their awareness of how to build plot and how to work with and support each other, in appreciation of their joint efforts.

Upper School Drama

Upper School Drama is year-long elective course. In Grades 9-10, the two years preceding the start of the IB Diploma, the programme is based on units of study that last from four to six weeks, culminating with a small performance of some kind. In Grade 9, the emphasis is upon acting and learning to build a character. Units of study include characterization, Victorian melodrama, mask work and ‘from page to stage' – a unit that concludes the year with small groups presenting plays on adolescent themes. In Grade 10, students begin to combine their acting talents with a study of technical aspects of theatre. Units of study include sound effects, lighting, make-up, set construction and decoration, and puppetry. Once again, each unit concludes with a performance. During these two years, students also begin to practice the style of written work and reflection that will be required for those who move on to study Theatre Arts for their IB diploma.

IB Theatre Arts

The theatre course emphasises the importance of working individually and as a member of an ensemble. Students are encouraged to develop the organisational and technical skills to express themselves creatively in theatre. A further challenge for students following this course is for them to become aware of their own perspectives and biases and to learn to respect those of others. (© IBO, 2007)

Each year a growing number of students pursue the two-year IB Theatre Arts programme as the elective component of their IB Diploma. The programme aims to help students understand the nature of theatre, both by ‘making' theatre and by studying it. Over the two years students participate in school theatrical productions, both onstage and behind the scenes.

Theatrical Performances across the School

For the last several years, the Upper School has produced a winter play and a spring musical. Students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to take part both in acting as well as various aspects of production. Past performances include:

Arts, Athletics & Activities

• Performing Arts
• After School Activities
• Special Events
• Mérite Jeunesse
• Global Issues Network
• Zimbabwe Group
• Summer Recreation Programme
• Parent Teacher Organisation