Drama & Speech
Drama & Speech
Drama and Speech play an important role for our MS and HS students. They learn to speak in front of peers at a young grade through various presentations and small Readers’ Theater groups. This gears them up for our annual school play productions where they have an opportunity to perform in front of a larger audience in a full-scale cast from many well known plays. In addition to performance-based classes, students interested in “behind the scenes” work can also join the drama department through AV and Crew Member classes.
MS Speech
The 7th grade year focuses on public speaking: composing and delivering their own speeches. Students give speeches of introduction, demonstration, and persuasion (a devotional message), but they also learn the basics of communicating with an audience (poise, eye contact, good posture, clear articulation, etc.), organizing ideas, using visual aids, and gaining and keeping attention. The ultimate goal of Speech is that our students are “ready always to give an answer to every man that asks [them] a reason . . . [for their] faith boldy, and yet with a meek spirit” (I Peter 3:15).
The 8th grade year focuses on interpretive speech or dramatic interpretation. Students learn to use their voices, facial expressions, and even their bodies to create characters (pantomime). They learn to use the stage to create dramatic situations, and they practice on actual audiences by reading Dr. Seuss to daycare classes or performing skits for chapel. 8th Grade Speech students learn how to prepare scripts for speech performances and are encouraged to prepare a piece for performance at the KCEA Fine Arts competition.
Drama Class
The drama department develops students communication and on-stage presence. It prepares them to effectively communicate clearly with different styles and emotions. Each year, the drama department prepares the school play, generally held in May. Students prepare for the play during the 2nd semester of school. Along with the on-stage actors, students also help with make-up, lighting, and stage set-up.
