DRAMA

All Grades (Tara)

This month, in honor of Black History Month, all grades are diving deeper into understanding the impact of stereotypes and bias in storytelling. We’re examining how harmful practices like blackface and racial caricatures were historically used to silence authentic voices, and how Black artists and movements have countered these practices with joy, resilience, and collaboration. This learning will inform students as they develop protocols and performance guidelines to ensure their work is thoughtful and respectful of all identities.

While these discussions come up in drama frequently in all grades, I’m excited to take this opportunity to explore these topics more deeply and reinforce students’ understanding of how thoughtful storytelling can create inclusive and empowering spaces—not just in theater, but in all areas of life. These insights will shape their projects and ensure this learning has a lasting impact on their creative work.

6th Grade

Our 6th graders have been shining! They recently performed Elephant and Piggie for preschool students at a local community school, earning glowing praise from the young audience and their teachers. This experience taught our students about the joy of connecting with others through humor and playfulness. Afterward, they chose to celebrate with improv scenes, using randomly selected props and costumes to spark creativity and teamwork. Their incredible support for one another during these activities has been inspiring.

Next, we’ll begin our devising project, where the class will collaboratively create an original performance piece. The focus will be on inclusiveness, ensuring every voice is heard and valued, and creating a play that excites and invests everyone.

7th Grade

Our 7th graders are finalizing their one-act play scripts, which they’ll perform in just a few weeks! These budding playwrights are honing their storytelling, dialogue, and stagecraft skills as they prepare to bring their ideas to life.

Along the way, we collaborated with Lisa and Michelle Burce in Language Arts to introduce Twelfth Night, setting the stage for our next big project. Students explored the historical context and laws surrounding gender, sexuality, and dress during Shakespeare’s time and examined how Twelfth Night challenges these norms. By analyzing clips from various adaptations, they reflected on how modern performances of the play can either reinforce or subvert those stereotypes and norms. These meaningful discussions have deepened their understanding of theater’s ability to engage with complex themes, enriching their current work and inspiring thoughtful choices in future projects.

8th Grade

Our 8th graders are enthusiastically embracing the responsibilities of our production unit! After participating in staged readings of several plays, both self-selected and peer-nominated, as well as reviewing additional scripts, students evaluated and nominated their top five favorites for our upcoming play festival. They are now diving into mini-units on directing and design, exploring how to bring their creative visions to life on stage.

As part of this work, we’ve engaged in meaningful discussions about how acting and directing choices can unintentionally reinforce ableist or other harmful stereotypes and what responsibilities we hold as storytellers to ensure our work is thoughtful and inclusive. Students have demonstrated that their preparation and prior learning have equipped them to engage deeply and meaningfully in these discussions, ensuring these insights will shape their work moving forward.

Soon, they’ll finalize play selections and assign roles, with directors and production managers taking the lead (directors will not helm their own plays to maintain objectivity). Once roles are set, rehearsals will kick off in full force. This process fosters collaboration, leadership, and artistic growth, culminating in a festival that promises to showcase their incredible talent, creativity, and dedication. Prepare to be amazed!