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Page Last Updated Feb 16, 2012
Number of Visits: 997
J. Wallace James Arts and “Academic Excellence Through, With, and In the Arts and Technology” Drama Class Philosophy:
Never be afraid to use your imagination!
Hello there, I would like to welcome both students and parents to the J. Wallace James Drama program. I am so excited about the 2011-2012 school year. Participation in the Drama program requires a measure of commitment and focus. Fourth and fifth grade drama students will also take on a leadership role at J. W. James since we perform in front of such large audiences. Cooperation of parents and students is essential to make this class a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Drama is a wonderful opportunity for your child to explore his or her talents. Some of the many skills learned in Drama include: creativity in problem solving, critical thinking, communication, public speaking/ performing, self-control, discipline, teamwork and collaboration. Drama provides young people with a means of purposeful recreation that can aid in building a positive self image. On January 27, J. Wallace James opened our doors to artists from across our community. Some of the artists included actors, comedians, the Lafayette High School Choir and Orchestra, visual artists, jewelry makers, photographers, and even a crew of square dancers! This year’s Art Walk proved to be an enormous success according to all of the students who attended. I would like to thank Anja Hector for donating multiple items from our“wish list” on the right side of this page. Your support is always greatly appreciated! Drama details can be obtained by visiting http://new.schoolnotes.com/briggs/. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at hkbriggs@lpssonline.com.
Sincerely, Hannah Briggs K through 2nd Exploratory Drama: These students are currently studying the four drama focus words:imagination, transformation, imitation, and concentration. Students learn how to work individually, with a partner, and in larger groups using the three drama tools: body, mind, and voice. Parts of the story including characters and types of characters are included in the K-2nd drama curriculum as well. Teamwork and cooperation are also skills that second graders master while in Drama. Furthermore, drama skills are used to reinforce what is taught by their classroom teachers. 3rd Grade Exploratory Drama: Third grade Drama students have been introduced to the three dramatools: body, mind, and voice. They will be using the drama skills learnedin this class to present Lapin Plays Possum on Wednesday, March 14 at 1:20 PM. Hopeyou will join us in the cafetorium!
Recently, fourth grade Drama students studiedimprovisation, a form of theatre (often comedic) in which actors follow noprepared script but rather create story lines “on the spot.” The class was privileged to have aprofessional comedian introduce the skill to them. The guest artist, Ricky Briggs, localstand-up comedian encouraged the young actors to “take risks” and be creativewhile onstage. Fourthgrade drama students are currently working on a reader’s theatre project inwhich they will be evaluated on their vocal skills including projection,expression, articulation, and tempo. Please continue to reinforce these skills when you are reading andpracticing together at home. Thisreader’s theatre project is entitled A Collection of African American Poetryin honor of Black History Month in February. Students will be performing selectionswritten by a variety of classic andcontemporary African American poets. Parents will be invited to this performance which will occur in lateFebruary. Please encourage your childrento rehearse these poems at home everyday because ‘practice makes perfect’!
5th Grade Drama Elective: This quarter has already been quite busy as fifth grade drama students havebeen exposed to auditioning techniques and pieces. Students polished a sixty second monologuehighlighting their physical and vocal drama skills in preparation for LJA Alleman auditions in February. Students also used the monologues to audition for our spring musical TheMagical Land of Oz. The art facultyis very excited about this production of such a classic tale. Rehearsals have already begun! Please encourage students to practice linesat home every day for our performance on Thursday, May 10, 2012. |
