Drama

5th Grade Drama lays the foundations of theater for the beginner performer. Over the course of the trimester, students engage their voices, bodies and imaginations as they express themselves with confidence and authenticity. Students also learn the basics of dramatic story structure as they apply this knowledge in an original collaborative theater creation for which they will memorize their lines and blocking for a final shared performance before an audience of 5th and 4th Graders.

Students in 6th Grade build upon the foundational work of 5th Grade Drama by expanding their early acting skills, working as an ensemble and individually to develop character- and world-building skills. Students also begin to explore directing, set design, costume design, and how all of the elements come together to create an experience for the audience. In the spring, students participate in a cross-disciplinary study of Shakespeare in Drama and ELA, culminating in a Shakespeare Festival for their families and the school community. 

In 7th and 8th Grade, students who wish to continue their Drama studies may do so as part of their Performing Arts Classes (PAC) rotation. They explore the ancient art of storytelling through a modern-day lens as they work with and perform theatrical texts. They practice breaking down scenes and monologues into beats, actions, and intentions and work with partners and small groups to stage and rehearse their scenes and monologues.

All Upper School students have the opportunity to participate in two productions annually: a fall play and a spring musical. Student performers will experience the full production process from auditions to rehearsals to tech to showtime. This gives our students the chance to safely and bravely step out of their comfort zones while creating art in a collaborative and fun way. For students who are more interested in behind-the-scenes work, we offer a robust Design and Production program in which student artists help create the aesthetic for each production, working together to bring their ideas to life. Each production is student run offering hands-on experience with stage management, lights and sound tech, direction, and choreography. These beloved VCS traditions are truly exciting times in the school year that embody the spirit of our full community working together to create something new and exciting to share with each other.