DRAMA 8 (FINE ARTS ROTATION ELECTIVE OPTION)
Students will learn all about the imaginative world of drama! Students in this one term class will experience a number of short units including tableaux and movement-based work, such as mime, improvisation, and short skits. Students will have the opportunity to perform for their peers and for the public in either a series of shorts scenes, or a one-act play.
***NEW*** DRAMA 8 DEBUT: INTRODUCTION TO PERFORMANCE (FULL YEAR COURSE)
Drama 8 Full Year is a full-year course that builds confidence, creativity, and collaboration through diverse theatrical experiences, no prior acting experience required. Students develop skills in ensemble work, movement, voice, and character development while exploring performance modes such as mime, tableau, clowning, improvisation, silent film, modern adaptations and more. Emphasizing storytelling and acting for stage and camera, the course aims to set students up for success as they continue on in drama. Drama 8 fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and self-expression, offering an engaging, hands-on approach that enriches our school's theatre community and culture.
DRAMA 9
Drama 9 is a course for students who wish to take an introductory drama course. In this course, students will engage in activities and performances that will enhance their self-esteem, concentration, communication, imagination, creative expression and ability to cooperate in a safe, supportive atmosphere with their peers. Students will create dramatic works both collaboratively and as an individual, using ideas inspired by imagination, inquiry, and purposeful play. Drama 9 emphasizes acting techniques, character development, improvisation, concentration, teamwork, speech, movement, mime, role-play and script work. Students prepare work to perform in class and in public, and a few assignments will require independent/group work outside school hours. Theatre discipline will be expected, and a mature approach to work in the theatre space is required for success in this course.
DRAMA 10
Drama 10 is a course for Grade 10 students who wish to continue exploring their study in drama. Drama 10 is built upon the pillars of artistic perception, creative expression, aesthetic valuing, and historical and cultural content. Coursework emphasizes acting techniques, improvisation, concentration, teamwork, speech and enunciation, mime, role-play and script work. Students work to develop their skills in focus, self-discipline, and responsibility in a safe, supportive atmosphere with their peers. Students prepare work to perform in class and in public, and a few assignments will require independent/group work outside school hours. Theatre discipline will be expected, and a mature approach to work in the theatre space is required for success in this course.
DRAMA 11
Drama 11 expands the essential components of acting techniques, improvisation, concentration, teamwork, speech and enunciation, role-play and script work. Students work to advance their skills in self-discipline, responsibility, focus and motivation through preparing and performing theatrical works in class and for public performance. Assignments and performances will require independent/group work outside school hours. A professional approach to work in the theatre space is required with a high level of maturity being the expectation. Grade 10 students wishing to enroll in this course must take Drama 10 as a pre-requisite.
DRAMA 12
Drama 12 polishes the essential components of acting techniques, improvisation, concentration, teamwork, speech and enunciation, role-play and script work. Students polish their skills in self-discipline, responsibility, focus and motivation through preparing and performing theatrical works in class and for public performance. This is the senior acting course and prepares students for post-secondary theatre programs and film studies. Students should expect to complete a number of assignments which require independent work outside of school hours. Students wishing to take this level must be aware they are required to assist with school productions to receive credit. These students are expected to provide leadership to less experienced members of the class. Occasionally, field trips will be available to students to give them the opportunity to see live theatre but will not be obligatory.
DIRECTING & SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT 11
Students in this course will be providing leadership and guidance to junior students in their theatre class. Student directors work under the guidance of the teacher, analyzing scripts and running rehearsals in class with groups they are directing. The senior student will have control over the artistic aspects of the production and will guide the junior students, sharing their knowledge from their own experiences in theatre. Strong inter-personal communication and/or writing skills are recommended for this course. This class will require the student to work outside of the timetable in order to prepare for their production and be present on the nights of the show. Previous experience in Drama 11 is required; otherwise, an interview with the instructor will be mandatory for enrollment.
DIRECTING & SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT 12
Students in this course will be providing leadership and guidance to junior students in their theatre class. Student directors work under the guidance of the teacher, analyzing scripts and running rehearsals in class with groups they are directing. The senior student will have control over the artistic aspects of the production and will guide the junior students, sharing their knowledge from their own experiences in theatre. Strong inter-personal communication and/or writing skills are recommended for this course. This class will require the student to work outside of the timetable in order to prepare for their production and be present on the nights of the show. Previous experience in Directing & Scriptwriting 11 or Drama 11 is required; otherwise, an interview with the instructor will be mandatory for enrollment.
THEATRE COMPANY 8–12
An after-school performance-focused course for students interested in acting, musical theatre, and ensemble work. Students rehearse for and perform in Argyle Drama’s annual productions for the school and community while developing skills in acting, voice, movement, and (where applicable) music and choreography. The course runs outside the regular timetable with scheduled afternoon and evening rehearsals that vary each year. Students enrolled in Drama 9–12 courses receive preferential consideration for leading and supporting roles. Senior students take on increasing levels of responsibility and leadership within the ensemble.
THEATRE PRODUCTION 8–12
An after-school course for students interested in the technical and behind-the-scenes aspects of theatre. Students gain hands-on experience in designing, building, and running sets, props, lighting, sound, costumes, and makeup while supporting all school productions in roles such as crew, stage management, and front-of-house. This course runs outside the regular timetable with scheduled afternoon and evening rehearsals, and students must commit to additional rehearsals and performances. Senior students take on greater leadership roles; previous experience is recommended for Grade 11 and required for Grade 12.
