Drama I- Introduction to Theatre Arts
Students will explore drama and build their acting skills in a variety of styles such as: improvisation and theatre games, contemporary plays, monologues, scene construction and character development. They will be taught theatrical terminology, be introduced to theatre history, Greek drama, playwriting, Meisner acting technique, Shakespeare, musical theatre, and audition technique, while growing in their understanding of the collaborative nature of theatre.
DRAMA II-1: Acting Workshop II, III, IV
Students will continue to develop in and focus on their acting skills through monologue work and scene study from contemporary plays. This course will focus on three acting teachers and their techniques; Eric Morris, Sanford Meisner, and Uta Hagen. Students will learn to bring their own authenticity to their work. Drama III/IV will also delve deeper into the direction of scene work for class and DTASC fall festival.
DRAMA II-2: Musical Theatre Workshop II, III, IV
Through song interpretation, scene study, vocal technique, acting exercises and coaching, students will have an opportunity to craft multi-layered performances. Time will be devoted to developing skills on acting while working on scenes and songs from musical theatre, singing in duets and trios, as well as audition techniques, including self-taping. Throughout this process, students will be building a repertoire of musical theatre songs. The course will culminate in a required performance before a panel of invited guests, selected by the instructor to provide feedback within a master class setting.
DRAMA II-3: Acting on Camera II, III, IV
This course will introduce students to foundational practices, acting technique and set etiquette necessary to perform on camera. The course will include scene study from theatre, television, film, and commercial copy to refine their understanding of the similarities and differences between acting on stage and on camera. Students will also explore improvisation, text analysis, creating truthful characterizations while hitting marks, close-ups and maintaining continuity. Students will also focus on self-taping for auditions as they learn to develop on-camera acting skills growing in their confidence and enabling them toward further success in their craft.
This extracurricular drama program is guided by real world industry professionals and made up of actors and technical crew members. The Players present two mainstage productions each year; one in fall and one in spring, DTASC Fall and Spring Showcases, 48 Hours of Madness, and an occasional Drama Under the Stars production.
All Chaminade students are eligible to audition for the productions and may sign up to work on technical crews.
Technical Crews
The student centered technical crews include: producers, stage managers, technical directors, carpentry, rigging, scenic, electrics, props, sound, wardrobe, hair/makeup, box office, and media. The student leaders on these crews also serve as the Tutor Center Crew providing technical support for all events that take place in the Tutor Family Center for the Performing Arts.