PINGRY DRAMA | SHORT HILLS CAMPUS
Kindergarten actors work to bring their imagination to the stage. Through a series of games and exercises, we work on focus, physical awareness and control. From our first round of "Pass the Flea" to the finale treasure hunt, kindergarten actors are constantly in motion. Kindergarten drama meets once per week for one trimester.
1st grade actors begin to add voice and sound to their work. Students work together to interpret action into language and to use their language and physical acting skills to tell stories. Emphasis is placed on collaboration in both planning and performance. 1st grade students attend drama class with their PE squad. Each squad has drama once every other week over the course of all three trimesters.
2nd grade actors explore the many ways to invent and represent a character in the theatre. In addition to physical and vocal choices, students explore the art of puppetry. Students develop material independently, with partners, and in groups. 2nd grade students attend drama class with their PE squad. Each squad has drama once every other week over the course of all three trimesters.
3rd grade actors explore the structure of a story and work to transform narrative accounts into action and dialogue. Students connect to their study of the United States through classic American tall tales, working collaboratively to develop an understanding of these characters and plot features, and finally to update the genre for the 21st century. 3rd grade drama meets once per week for one trimester.
4th grade actors begin to explore how space is used in theatre, making connections to their work in social studies. Students will learn correct vocabulary for stage geography and blocking. They will also explore character development through the use of historical documents and traditional maps. Students connect to their social studies unit on colonial New Jersey through process drama activities, and begin to explore playwriting and formal performance technique through monologue. 4th grade drama meets once per week for two trimesters.
5th graders learn how to read a script like an actor, performing short scenes from published plays. An actor's process is explored step-by-step. After discussion of a play script's unique formatting, students are led through a variety of playwrighting activities, culminating in staged readings of their work in the classroom. 5th grade drama meets once per week for two trimesters.