Grade Three is the first year students study theater. We begin the year with an introduction to early theatre history, a basic theatre vocabulary, a study of the stages used by ancient actors. We act during every class using pantomime and creative movement to tell stories independently and in small groups. In December the students present an “Open Class” and in February they perform a short play for the Lower School and their parents.
At the beginning of the 3rd tri-mester the third graders memorize and act out poems and nursery rhymes. Later they are introduced to the folk tales and theatre of a particular culture. They create masks in class and retell the stories to the Pre-School children.
Grade Four performs two plays one in the fall and one in the late winter. This concentration on performance offers them opportunities to develop different characters as well as giving them real experience in memorizing lines, interacting with cast mates and following stage directions. In fourth grade the girls begin to critique their performances.
Grade Five begins the year by preparing a short play. They develop more intricate characters, learn more lines and tell a more involved story than in fouth grade. They are encouraged to be responsible for creating their own costumes. They begin to give positive constructive critiques of their peers performances.
The Fifth Grade Musical is the culmination of the Lower School Music and Drama curriculum. Preparation begins in January with auditions, rehearsals run from February through April with the performances in early May.