Advanced Acting

This year, 32 Advanced Acting students rehearsed and work shopped an original stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s award-winning novel, Life of Pi.   Students took part in editing the script, acting, designing make-up and costumes and organizing an effective back stage crew to run the full-length play for six, evening performances. With the assistance of Calgary set designer, Brad Leavitt, a moving, replica of the life boat from the film was built and a versatile set was erected that could tell the story spanning land and sea.  Yann Martel himself was enthused by the quality of the production and script and sent congratulations to the cast and crew on Opening night.  The Nelson Mandela Drama Department continues to look for stories that challenge our student actors and designers to truly see what their imagination and commitment can produce.

Calgary High School Drama Festival

At this year’s 2019 Calgary High School Drama Festival, Nelson Mandela High School took the original student written and directed play, If PJ’s Could Kill, to the Drama Festival Studio Stage.  Thirteen students were involved in the production that ignited laughter with its quirky brand of parody and humor.  Each spring, students are given the opportunity to put forth their original scripts and creative ideas and develop their play-writing and directing skills.

High School Drama Festival

Nelson Mandela High School is a participant in the Calgary High School Drama Festival. This is a three-day festival where students get to participate in workshops, watch performance and perform their work for all the other high schools around the city. This is one of the most fun, interesting, and exciting events of the year!