The drama academy encourages discovery through experimentation, risk-taking and the presentation of ideas. The drama academy encourages students to actively engage in theatre as creators, designers, directors and performers. It emphasizes working both individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. The teacher’s role is to create opportunities that allow students to explore, learn, discover and collaborate to become self-directed, knowledgeable, and skilled theatre-makers. Through researching, creating, preparing, presenting and critically reflecting on theatre, students gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community and the world. Students will develop an understanding of the importance of making theatre with integrity, and the impact that theatre can have on the world. Students are encouraged to discover and build an appreciation for the diversity of theatre.
LCI offers students the opportunity to graduate with an Arts Certificate, indicating they have completed 35 credits in The Arts, including the Leadership in the Arts course. Students who choose this route will:
- Engage with drama at a deeper, more personal level as they explore and develop their artistic voice
- Understand and engage in the processes of transforming ideas into action (theatre processes)
- Develop and apply theatre production, presentation and performance skills, working both independently and collaboratively (presenting theatre)
- Develop a deeper understanding of drama as a social, political, and cultural form of discourse in the community
- Develop reflective practice to help shape a personal creative process
- Contribute regularly in on-line drama discussion forum
- Engage directly with audiences as a form of reflection on their art
- Evaluate possibilities for careers and life-long involvement in the arts
- Develop their leadership skills and be a role-model to others at LCI
- Develop a portfolio showcasing their skills and work as an emerging artist
- Design a cultural plan for arts in the community
- Present a showcase performance at the completion of their grade 12 year
Requirements to receive LCI Arts Academy Certificate
For students to graduate with an Arts Certificate, they need to meet the following requirements of the program:
- A completion of 35 credits in Arts courses, including at least 5 credits at the
30/35 level including and the Leadership in the Arts course
- A completed portfolio showcasing their work and skills
- A showcase project which demonstrates the student’s skill in their discipline
Suggested drama activities at each grade level for certificate completion
Grade 9
- Drama 9 class
- Fall Production
- Spring work (SHED the Mask, Alberta High School Drama Festival, Drama Showcase)
Grade 10
- Drama 10 class (5 credits)
- Fall Production - Advanced Acting or Musical Theatre (5 Credits)
- Technical theatre stream – Tech Theatre 15 class (5 credits)
- Spring work (SHED the Mask, Alberta High School Drama Festival, Drama Showcase)
- Acting stream - Prepared monologue for auditioning for spring work (list provided by teacher).
- Tech Stream – Preliminary design concept in one discipline for spring work (instructor will provide outline)
- Preliminary work on Leadership in the Arts requirements – Independent
- On-line readings and discussion posts
Grade 11
- Drama 20 class (5 credits)
- Fall Production - Advanced Acting or Musical Theatre (5 Credits)
- Technical theatre stream – Tech Theatre 25 class (5 credits)
- Spring work (SHED the Mask, Alberta High School Drama Festival, Drama Showcase)
- Acting stream - Two prepared monologues for auditioning for spring work (list provided by teacher).
- Tech Stream – Advanced design concept in one discipline for spring work (instructor will provide outline)
- Directing stream – Introductory directing of a spring show
- Continued work on Leadership in the Arts requirements – Independent
- On-line readings and discussion posts
Grade 12
- Drama 30 class (5 credits)
- Fall Production - Advanced Acting or Musical Theatre (5 Credits)
- Technical theatre stream – Tech Theatre 35 class (5 credits)
- Spring work (SHED the Mask, Alberta High School Drama Festival, Drama Showcase)
- Acting stream - Two prepared monologues for auditioning for spring work (Student picked).
- Tech Stream – Detailed design concept for full spring work show (instructor will provide outline)
- Directing stream – Advanced directing of a spring show
- Completion of Leadership in the Arts course – Independent work (5 credits)
- On-line readings and discussion posts
Recommended enrichment activities for drama academy students
- Field trips to theatre performances (Cost of tickets and transportation)
- SHED the Mask Drama Festival ($50.00)
- Regional Alberta High School Drama Festival (No cost)
- Provincial Alberta High School Drama Festival ($300)