Figure 1.--
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Figure 1.-- |
Most prep schools have ambitious drama programas and believe that drama is important because it helps the players develop self-confidence and provide valuable experiences in public speeking and team work. A drama presentation also provides valuable experiences for other children in building and painting scenery, lighting, and costuming. Many schools have made a significant commitment to the drama programs by building modern buildings, often all-purpose halls, which can be used for drama presentations and are usually well equipped with lighting and sound systems. At least one major production is presented every year and some schools may present two or three. Her much depends on the capabilities and interest of the staff. Almost every school presents at least one major drama production each year. Some schools perform two or three productions each year. The older children preform in plays by Shakespere and a variety of modern modern play rights. Musicals are popular choices. Many schools provide various drama opportunities besides an annual play. Often the younger children perform in charming skits and presentations designed for small children or created by the teachers and children themselves. Many forms produce a variety of skits and other presentations for various school events. Many schools have enthusiastic drama clubs. Presentations are sometimes prepared for local drama festivals. Not only do the children enjoy the chance to act and dress up in costumes, but it is also an opportunity to employ various music and art skills. As a result the drama programs often flourish, especially in the boarding schools when such activities are not limited to normal school hours. The children commonly really enjoy the various plays and skits and all seem to have their favorite episodes of stardom.
Most prep schools have ambitious drama programas and believe that drama is important because it helps the players develop self-confidence and provide valuable experiences in public speeking and team work. A drama presentation also provides valuable experiences for other children in building and painting scenery, lighting, and costuming. Many boys not to interested in drama take an interested in the lighting and sound equipment as well as video equipment most schools now have.
Many schools have made a significant commitment to the drama programs by building modern buildings, often all-purpose halls, which can be used for drama presentations and are usually well equipped with lighting and sound systems.
At least one major production is presented every year and some schools may present two or three. Her much depends on the capabilities and interest of the staff. Almost every school presents at least one major drama production each year. Some schools perform two or three productions each year. The older children preform in plays by Shakespere and a variety of modern modern play rights. Often musical productions are selected so that the school orchestra and other musicians can be involved in the production. School plays we have enjoyed have included "A Christmas Carol, " "Antigone, " "Fiddler on the Roof, " "Tolanthe," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, " "Macbeth, " "A Man for all Seasons, " "My Fair Lady, " "The Pirates of . Penzance," "Sweeney Todd, " "Toad of Toad Hall, " and "Treasure Island. " The founder of one school (Moffats) was a writer of children's books and the school still uses plays from the cycle she wrote especially 'for the school.
Many schools provide various drama opportunities besides an annual play. Often the younger children perform in charming skits and presentations designed for small children or created by the teachers and children themselves. Many forms produce a variety of skits and other presentations for various school events. Schools often have a variety of special events. West Hill Park, for example, produces a Son et Lumière during most spring terms. It is usually based on some historical event or period and as many of the boys as possible take part. Most of the script is produced by the boys and they are also responsible for producing their own costumes. The rsult, as the school explains, "is an amalgamation of short scenes, music, sound effects, lighting effects, and commentaries."
Many schools have enthusiastic drama clubs. Presentations are sometimes prepared for local drama festivals.
Not only do the children enjoy the chance to act and dress up in costumes, but it is also an opportunity to employ various music and art skills. As a result the drama programs often flourish, especially in the boarding schools when such activities are not limited to normal school hours.
The children commonly really enjoy the various plays and skits and all seem to have their favorite episodes of stardom.
One boy recall "Our form did a play, I was a baby bird--a lot bigger than the mother bird. A boy had to pick me up. I wore a great big beek and some wings that I had made in my art lessons. I was very funny indeed. All the actors got a sweet after the play." Roger, 10. Another boy writes, "The trees in our play had to have quite a bit of make-up put on their chests; Mrs. Floyd'put it on for us. It tickled when it was being put on." Mark, 10. "I was a lion in the school play; I wore brown tights and a jumper and had a plaited tail made of wool. I am not very good at keeping a straight face and luckily for me I also had to wear a mask. When Mr. Floyd said 'Suddenly a lion' s roar made her frightened all the more," I had to say 'Meow," because it was a topsy-turvy play." Nicholas, 9. Another boy recalls, "The drama afternoon was best because I could see my mum and also be on stage. I like being on stage, you could relax because there were no words .... " James, 10. One boy simply recalls, "The best part was when my friend's tights split." Philip, 11.
