The Drama program at James Fowler is designed to provide learning opportunities for students to participate and develop theatre skills vital to performance, rehearsal and critique. Drama is an art form and a way in which people learn, perform and grow. Students will participate in activities that will engage and enhance personal growth fostered in an environment that is cooperative, supportive and challenging. Students will become performers with a focus on respect for others, self-control and commitment.

Drama 10

5 credits
Prerequisite: none

The Drama 10, 20 and 30 courses build upon each other and the work studied in this class prepares students for further work in Drama. After completing an Orientation Unit, students will be introduced to the dramatic areas of: Movement, Story Telling, Improvisation, Speech, Characterization and Acting. Drama students must see one live theatre performance during the semester.

Drama 20

5 credits
Prerequisite: Drama 10 (mark of 65% recommended)

Drama 20 builds on the work studied in Drama 10 with more performance opportunities for students and a narrowing of focus towards the knowledge, skills and attitudes of a gifted performer. The primary focus of the class work will be Improvisational skills, Acting, Playwriting, Children’s Theatre and the study of one genre of theatre. Technical Theatre will also be studied as a element considered under Theatre Design. Students must see two live theatre performances during the semester, one may be the James Fowler Drama Department show.

Technical Theatre 15, 25, 35

3 or 5 credits at each level
Prerequisite: Interview with teacher/director

Technical Theatre provides a continuum of theatre experiences that moves well beyond the introductory or exploratory activities outlined in Drama 10,20,30. This course provides students with both theoretical and practical training in the technical areas of lighting, sound, stage management, props, costumes, sets, and make-up as well as a greater emphasis on personal qualities and safety. Students are encouraged to take Technical Theatre 15,25,35 in conjunction with Drama 10,20,30. Enrollment is restricted to those students involved in a teacher directed co-curricular production. These courses are taken outside of the regular timetable.