The Adventures of Drama Education

       The following article was written by Karen Hyatt, who has taken on the Drama Administrator position for next year.  We so appreciate Karen stepping up and taking on this responsibility!  Below is her review of the drama performances from last weekend, as well as some general information about our drama program for those new families who may be interested in drama next year!  ARC

              GHPAC had our Drama performances this past weekend. The performances helped remind us why all the hard work and effort we put in each year is worth it!  First, the Creative Movement had their puppet show telling the story of “The Little Red Hen” as well as performing a skit.  The students in Creative Movements are ages 3-6, and they did a fantastic job!  Next, the Junior Drama group, ages 6-13, presented “A Modern Day Prodigal Son”. They worked on this play for 2 semesters and their hard work definitely paid off!  Then last, but certainly not least, was the Senior Drama.  These actors presented “Looking Glass Land”.  What a funny production!  The time, practice, and effort these students and teachers put in was evident to all!  Great job to everyone!

            Some readers may ask, “What is Drama Education?” or  “What are the benefits of Drama Education?”  We have a great curriculum that helps us answer these questions. 

            Drama Education is a mode of learning designed to: 

1. Increase awareness of self (mind, body & voice) and others.

2. Improve clarity and creativity in communication of verbal and non-verbal ideas.

3. Help with understanding of behavior, diversity, culture and history.

             In Drama Education, we use costumes, props, scenery, music, and sound to enrich the learning experience and act out stories.  Students experience the roles of actor, designer and audience member.  We learn various art forms such as pantomime, clowning, drama games, story telling, puppetry, improvisation & many more.

            There are so many benefits to having Drama Education; it may be difficult to list them all.  Drama Education helps develop self-confidence. Over the 4 years that I have been involved in the drama classes in GHPAC, many students who were shy and stand-offish became confident in their own abilities.  Cooperation is another benefit of Drama Education.  Theater arts require everyone to participate in discussions, rehearsing and performing.  We use problem solving through communicating the who, what, where and why to the audience.  Improvisation helps with quick solutions.  An increase in the ability to memorize is also a benefit of Drama Education.  Rehearsing and performing words, movements and cues strengthen the skill of memorization like a muscle.  However, fun is the greatest benefit!  So much laughing, playing and creating helps reduce stress, both for students and for teachers!  After all, if the classes aren’t enjoyed why offer them at all?

            There are so many more benefits of Drama Education; to list them all would make this article too long. This year has been full of hard work, dedication and fun, culminating in the amazing performances given by all our drama students!   We look forward to what the next semester brings!