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LET'S CLARIFY A FEW POINTS
Dramatic Arts is a recognised university entrance subject that develops the full potential of the pupil who studies it, not just portions of her brain.
It incorporates Biology in the Speech component which deals with posture, breathing, speech therapy, and the various techniques of communication.
It teaches pupils History, beginning with the origins of man, through the Greeks, Medieval period, Renaissance, Elizabethan, right up until the turbulent 21st century. The coverage of South African history is also comprehensive. For each period, a relevant play text is studied, so knowledge is never learnt in isolation.
Pupils learn to express themselves better in English. The study of attributes of speech assists pupils in poetry interpretation, while the detailed study of play texts assists pupils in literary analysis and essay construction.
In practical lessons, we explore the theory, so most learning is experiential, therefore relevant and well assimilated. In addition, we develop body awareness and acceptance through movement, dance and mime. We perform poetry and play extracts, and create our own scripts through improvisation. It goes without saying that in Dramatic Arts, learning is fun.
It is also a lot of work and should not be seen as an easy option. Only the most accomplished and hard working pupils will be capable of an A symbol in Grade 12. But, due to the fact that people usually do well in a subject they enjoy, most pupils score excellent results and failures are rare.
WHY STUDY DRAMATIC ARTS?
Very few pupils who study Dramatic Arts at school go on to become professional actresses. However, for those who go on to study Drama at university, having studied the subject at school gives them an outstanding advantage. Dramatic Arts is a very useful subject for any profession in which one intends working with people, but is particularly recommended for the following careers:
LAW
PUBLIC RELATIONS
TEACHING
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT |
ADVERTISING
TELEVISION AND/RADIO
CLOTHING DESIGN
INTERIOR DESIGN
JOURNALISM |
In addition it fosters entrepreneurial skills which enable pupils to sell themselves, or their product in any chosen field.
The structure of the subject is such that the teacher is merely a facilitator, and pupils are forced to take the initiative. Group work fosters tolerance for the ideas and idiosyncrasies of others, as well as developing leadership qualities. Thus the subject tends to encourage the more inhibited, at the same time toning down the more extrovert pupils.
In conclusion, I can only encourage those who are undecided to "try it, you'll love it!"
Although dramatic arts is more popular nowadays, not many schools offer the subject, so take what opportunities are given to you! (At the very least, it will give you a longer job interview explaining to a prospective employer what you studied in the subject!) But most Dramatic Arts students will tell you it changed their lives and gave them the confidence to be themselves and express their opinions in situations where, before, they might have kept silent.
BECOME ALL YOU CAN BE ; TAKE DRAMATIC ARTS
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE …
AND YOU TOO CAN BE AN EXCITING & DYNAMIC PLAYER! |
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| The Drama department
is vital and overwhelmingly popular. The annual High
School production is always a significant event in the school
calendar. Both serious drama and musicals are performed
and, in addition, productions by Grade 12 students and House
plays contribute to a vibrant drama programme. This is
enhanced by visits from threatre groups and to local
theatres. Our school
hall, with its
traditional proscenium arch stage, now enjoys the addition of an
exciting purpose built drama complex. It consists of a versatile
experimental theatre space, sprung floor, a 450 seat open-air amphitheatre and two fully
equipped classrooms/change rooms. |
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Not only does Drama provide sheer enjoyment
and exhilaration, but it also develops personality and prepares pupils for the challenges
of life: physical, intellectual and emotional.
The Speech and Drama syllabus offers a broad spectrum of educational experiences,
which extend beyond those which are performance-based:
acting, dancing, directing and choreography. |
| It includes the history of drama,
world theatre forms, performance studies and a variety of play scripts. |
| In the past St. Mary's has staged large musicals as well as more
intimate, smaller-scale theatre productions. The Drama Studio also hosts music
recitals, visiting performers and performances. The school hall is used
for larger productions. |
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