Yr. 7 Drama
This is the first year that the students are really introduced to Drama as a subject. It is therefore really important to give them a strong foundation of general Drama skills and knowledge. There is a big focus on cooperation and communication in all the work we do.
In the video below the students are performing a series of still images to represent three critical moments in a story. Things they had to consider as group:
1. Analyze the story and choose three critical moments
2. Analyze the character and consider their emotions, actions and expressions in each scene
3. Consider stage and character use for each scene to optimize the audience's understanding
In the video below the students are performing a series of still images to represent three critical moments in a story. Things they had to consider as group:
1. Analyze the story and choose three critical moments
2. Analyze the character and consider their emotions, actions and expressions in each scene
3. Consider stage and character use for each scene to optimize the audience's understanding
Yr. 8 Drama
In Yr. 8 we continue to build on the student's skills to understand and interpret characters. We do so through exploring different forms of comedy and researching the principals of what makes us laugh.
In the video below, the students had to create a Pantomime of the fairy tale assigned to them. They had to consider the following:
1. Understanding the original story
2. Finding ways to adapt and change the story
3. Incorporating the humour techniques often found in Pantomime
4. Incorporate music, singing or dancing
5.Understand and be able to apply the expressive actions and bold characters of these types of plays.
In the video below, the students had to create a Pantomime of the fairy tale assigned to them. They had to consider the following:
1. Understanding the original story
2. Finding ways to adapt and change the story
3. Incorporating the humour techniques often found in Pantomime
4. Incorporate music, singing or dancing
5.Understand and be able to apply the expressive actions and bold characters of these types of plays.
Yr. 9 Drama
In Yr.9 the students start exploring their role as the performer more. We use a well known event to study and consider the characters and emotions surrounding the event. Through research, documentaries and analysis, we establish a character profile for the major role player. The students then write a monologue for their chosen character, that represents their motives, emotions or thoughts about the event. It is a challenging but rewarding unit.
We also a did a unit on Commedia dell 'Arte and the video below is an example of the student's work. They had to consider:
1. Conventions used in Commedia
2. Comedic techniques used in cCmmedia
3. Unique stock characteristics
4. Common themes and relationships
We also a did a unit on Commedia dell 'Arte and the video below is an example of the student's work. They had to consider:
1. Conventions used in Commedia
2. Comedic techniques used in cCmmedia
3. Unique stock characteristics
4. Common themes and relationships
DP Theater
In my time teaching Drama at Renaissance College I was fortunate to be able to collaborate with one of my DP colleagues on the DP curriculum. There were not enough students for me to have my own class, but it was still important to me to be involved and continue to gain experience of the DP Theater curriculum. I completed an online Category 1 workshop, which I found very valuable in familiarizing me with the framework and expectations of the curriculum. I attend the Yr.12 DP class once a cycle which is a great opportunity for me to see the students in action and to collaborate with my colleague in curriculum planning.
Below is a sample of a Creative Dance lesson that I lead with the students. This is in preparation for their collaborative project, where some of the theater forms they might choose to explore, are physical theater companies. This workshop was an easy introduction to help activate their abstract thinking and how they can use a stimulus to create a more physical performance.
Below is a sample of a Creative Dance lesson that I lead with the students. This is in preparation for their collaborative project, where some of the theater forms they might choose to explore, are physical theater companies. This workshop was an easy introduction to help activate their abstract thinking and how they can use a stimulus to create a more physical performance.