An introductory course which encourages students to trust themselves and others; reflect on thoughts, feelings and beliefs; take risks within dramatic context, and actively express themselves in body and voice. Drama 8 is an introductory course in creative dramatics with an emphasis on personal and social development, concentration, trust and cooperation. This course will familiarize students with the fundamentals of theatre, the basic elements of acting and how to prepare for roles through simple character development. Some limited exposure to script work and film will be introduced, while group and/or ensemble work is emphasized throughout.

This course develops and extends students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes through diverse experiences. Students learn to further apply drama and theatre elements in an effective manner. Students are exposed to greater script work, theatre sports, musical theatre, and film, and will examine various simple technical aspects of theatre (such as costume and simple set design). Personal awareness and self-discipline will continue to play an important role via group and/or ensemble work.

Drama 10 continues to extend and develop skills and attitudes necessary to explore ideas in a dramatic context at an intermediate level. Students will continue to build upon previous skills in Drama 8 and Drama 9 and are presented with increasingly challenging projects in script work, musical theatre, theatre sports and film. Students will continue to explore fundamental aspects of technical theatre and are provided with performance and basic production management opportunities.

Emphasis is placed on developing a deeper understanding of the elements of theatre at an advanced level. Students are presented with increasingly challenging projects in script work, theatre sports, musical theatre and role play; study the art of acting through interpretation, analysis and advanced characterization; and are presented with performance, technical and/or productional management opportunities.

This course develops students’ understanding of theatre elements at an advanced level. Students are expected to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes in theatre, which will enhance their personal, educational and career development. Students will explore acting through modes such as script work, musical theatre, role play and film. Drama 12 is a highly specialized course in the art of acting for both stage and film. Students are expected to perform at a superior level in any facet of acting, production management and/or technical theatre.

This course emphasizes the basics of interpreting text and the role of the director. Students are presented with an opportunity to develop their production, directorial, and scriptwriting skills through taking a leadership role with younger acting students. Students will be immersed in the casting, direction, production and creative challenge of mounting smaller theatrical productions and performances. Specific levels of responsibility will be assigned for these senior leadership roles.

Taught in conjunction with senior drama courses, Directing & Script Development will be offered to a limited number of students, who are expected to be leaders in the Byrne Drama Program and are able to work independently as well as with others.

*This course is offered outside of the timetable.

The performance of a theatre work requires the collaborative efforts of the entire theatre company. Students learn about the nature of a theatre company and the interconnected roles and responsibilities of people who work within it. They examine the requirements for leadership, teamwork, commitment, and backstage and front-of -house communication protocol. They learn the synthesis of content and context in the theatre

*This course is by audition only.

*This course is offered outside of the timetable.

A collaborative course focused on the nature of building a show from a technical perspective. Students are given the opportunity to explore theatre by designing costumes, building sets and cueing sound and lighting effects.