Drama at ISG Jubail is a hands on, action-packed, group oriented study of ensemble skills, physical, and vocal communication and performance skills, disguised as fun. All grade levels begin with an orientation unit, where class expectations are established, and a positive atmosphere of mutual respect, and creative security is established. Only then can we begin to explore specific units in any degree of depth. Therefore, course outlines are flexible to reflect the capabilities and interests of a class. The more co-operative, positive and hardworking a group is, the more in depth and advanced their drama program can become.
Drama 6 – Introduction to Drama – Full Year
Students in Grade 6 will develop or extend understanding of the following concepts through participation in various drama experiences:
ELEMENTS OF DRAMA
• Role/Character: considering in depth the inner and outer life in developing a character; differentiating between authentic characters and stereotypes; using gestures and movement to convey character
• Relationship: analyzing and portraying how relationships influence character development/change
• Time and Place: establishing a clear setting; sustaining belief in the fictional setting
• Tension: using sound, light, technology, and stage effects to heighten tension/suspense
• Focus and Emphasis: using drama conventions to reveal or communicate key emotions, motivations, perspectives, and ideas to the audience.
Assessment will be based on: journals/written work, audience skills, rehearsal skills, performance and special research/projects as required.
Possible units include: movement, group drama, dance, mime, choral speech, storytelling and puppetry.
Drama 7 – Drama and Storytelling – Full Year
Students in Grade 7 will develop or extend understanding of the following concepts through participation in various drama experiences:
ELEMENTS OF DRAMA
• Role/Character: considering motivations of historical and fictional characters; considering various facets of multidimensional characters; revealing character through the use of props and movement/blocking; maintaining commitment to role
• Relationship: developing and analysing multidimensional relationships in the drama
• Time and Place: improvising with/adapting available materials to establish setting; using blocking (e.g., when and where to move) and stage areas (e.g., upstage right, downstage centre) in planning and performance
• Tension: using sound, lighting, technology, and stage effects to heighten tension; using foreshadowing to create suspense
• Focus and Emphasis: using a range of devices and effects to highlight specific aspects of the performance for the audience.
Assessment will be based on: journals/written work, audience skills, rehearsal skills, performance and special research/projects as required.
Possible units include: movement and tableau, vocalization, characterization, theatre studies and terminology, improvisation and final project.
Drama 8 – Acting, Improvisation and Scripts – 1 Term
Students in Grade 8 will develop or extend understanding of the following concepts through participation in various drama experiences:
ELEMENTS OF DRAMA
• Role/Character: analysing the background, motivation, speech, and actions of characters to build roles; using voice, stance, gesture, and facial expression to portray character
• Relationship: analysing relationships to develop the interplay between characters
• Time and Place: using props, costumes, and furniture to establish setting; modifying production elements to suit different audiences
• Tension: using various stage effects to produce specific audience reactions
• Focus and Emphasis: using a wide range of devices to highlight the central theme for the audience; making deliberate artistic choices to sharpen focus.
Assessment will be based on: journals/written work, audience skills, rehearsal skills, performance and special research/projects as required.
Possible units include: drama skill development, characterization, theatre history, TBA (a project of the class’s choice), scene study and final project.
Drama 9/10 – Drama and Theatre Studies I: Performance and Production – Full Year
Students in the Grades 9/10 class will develop or extend understanding of the following concepts through participation in various drama experiences:
THE CREATIVE PROCESS: use the creative process and a variety of sources and forms, both individually and collaboratively, to design and develop drama works;
ELEMENTS AND CONVENTIONS: use the elements and conventions of drama effectively in creating individual and ensemble drama works, including works based on a variety of sources;
PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGIES: use a variety of presentation techniques and technological tools to enhance the impact of drama works and communicate for specific audiences and purposes.
Assessment will be based on: journals/written work, audience skills, rehearsal skills, performance and special research/projects as required.
Possible units include: movement, characterisation, acting and improvisation, speech and monologues, scene study, TBA (a project of the class’s choice), technical theatre and final project.
Drama 11/12 – Drama and Theatre Studies II: Performance, Production and Directing – Full Year
Students in the Grades 11/12 class will develop or extend understanding of the following concepts through participation in various drama experiences:
THE CREATIVE PROCESS: use the creative process and a variety of sources and forms, both individually and collaboratively, to design and develop drama works;
ELEMENTS AND CONVENTIONS: use the elements and conventions of drama effectively in creating individual and ensemble drama works, including works based on a variety of sources;
PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGIES: use a variety of presentation techniques and technological tools to enhance the impact of drama works and communicate for specific audiences and purposes.
Assessment will be based on: journals/written work, audience skills, rehearsal skills, performance and special research/projects as required.
Possible units include: movement, voice, acting in improvisations (including theatre sports), theatre studies (including directing workshops, play reading and analysis, design for chosen play, etc.), technical theatre and design, acting incl. monologues/scenes/play production, directing and acting in workshops for younger students, theatre history and film production mini unit.