Drama at Laurence School is taught three distinct ways. Through skills based work, integrated work with core subject material, and through character education, students are able to explore a variety of topics and themes in a creative and dynamic atmosphere.

1. Skills Based Curriculum
Theater experiences help students develop basic physical skills in self-control, while gaining an understanding of the relationship between their bodies and voices and the space around them. Students learn to use their minds, bodies, voices, emotions, and imaginations to create characters. This is done both through the interpretation of dramatic literature and the creation of their own works. Performances for the school community, friends, and family demonstrate the various skills covered in class.

Students develop theater literacy by learning vocabulary that is unique to the theater. Students gain an appreciation of how theater plays a role in our society by examining themes and situations in texts and connecting these to personal and/or current events.

Students develop a connection to theater that allows them to value theater throughout their lives. By acquiring audience skills, they learn to watch performances and respond analytically, through observing, discussing, and responding to live theater.

Students learn basic play production elements such as staging, set design, and prop and costume design.

2. Integrated Curriculum
Drama is also used as the vehicle for exploring ideas covered in core content subjects, such as language arts and social studies. Collaboration with classroom teachers enhances content knowledge in these subjects, allowing students a more holistic view of curriculum.

3. Character Curriculum
Students engage in dramas that help them develop their social skills through listening, responding, taking turns, and working cooperatively in a group. Structured theater activities provide a safe environment in which learning occurs. Activities such as role-playing allows students to explore real-life situations and conflicts. The school year’s theme is also explored through literature and improvisations.