Our drama program, in partnership with The Berkeley Playhouse, will be expanded to include 1st - 5th grades this upcoming year, 2011-12. Teachers work closely with the drama specialist, to create a tight integration of drama and the overall classroom curriculum. The students will explore character development and narrative while they act out stories, skits and do improvisational activities. Students act out classic and contemporary stories, as well as creating their own unique adventures. Major emphasis will be placed on pantomime, improvisation, character development, and the fundamentals of story structure.

In addition, expressing care for another person is a skill that can be taught and nurtured through a supportive educational environment. Our drama program encourages the students to develop self-confidence and self-expression through risk-taking and exploration in activities that explore real life personal feelings and situations. By using drama as a means for exploring issues in the classroom it is possible to celebrate participants’ individuality and to create caring and nurturing relationships among educators and students.

By helping children’s development by engaging in art, we help them develop in all areas because experiencing art is a conduit for skills such as confidence, empathy, creative problem solving, and self expression--invaluable skills for a child’s life. These skills will also help children engage positively in their communities.