ESA Drama offers students extensive training in character development, voice and movement. Through the study of theatre history and plays from a variety of cultures and genres, students investigate the world around them and work towards a greater understanding of themselves and others. Using the most current theatre practices and techniques, students pursue the crafts of acting and directing to transform diverse stories into compelling theatre.
Course Descriptions
The courses in this section have been developed:
- to give students who demonstrate aptitude in dance, drama, film, music, music theatre or the visual arts an opportunity to develop such talent as part of their education
- to equip students to evaluate and handle the fundamental discipline in their elected arts field
- to develop in artistically-inclined students the ability to understand and use their arts specialty as a living language
- to prepare students for continued study in the arts at the post-secondary level
- to help students develop the necessary skills to become proficient performers and artists
ADA1O – Acting for Film & Television
This course teaches the craft of acting for the camera with a focus on skill development, self promotion & scene work. Students will develop the ability to translate a story into compelling action on screen. Additionally, the course teaches audition techniques, how to build a demo reel & create a self-tape. Students will have the opportunity to learn from leading professionals in the business including agents, casting & film directors and working actors.
ADD1O – Drama Production
This course teaches students the necessary skills to create and present successful theatre productions. Students will work in role to explore, develop, and represent themes, ideas, characters, feelings, and beliefs in producing drama works with the intent to create rich and powerful characters through voice & movement. Students will explore the elements of technical theatre including stage management, lighting and sound. The course culminates in students writing, acting, directing and producing their own major show which will be performed for a live audience.
ADA 2O1 – DRAMATIC ARTS
This course requires students to actively explore dramatic forms and techniques, using their own ideas and concerns as well as sources selected from a wide range of authors, genres, and cultures. Student learning will include identifying and using the principles of space, time, voice, and movement in creating, sustaining, and communicating authentic roles within a drama. Students will assume responsibility for decisions made in the creation and presentation of the drama, and will analyze and reflect on the experience.
ADD 2O1 – DRAMATIC ARTS PRODUCTION
This course runs concurrently with ADA 2O1 Dramatic Arts. It focuses on the various aspects of performance and presentation of the dramatic material studied in ADA 2O1 Dramatic Arts.
ADA 3M1 – DRAMATIC ARTS
This course requires students to put together and perform dramatic presentations that deal with a variety of issues from the past and present. Students will analyze, interpret, and perform works of drama from various cultures, including Western plays from around 1900. Students will also research different acting styles and conventions for their presentations, create original works, and analyze the functions of playwright, director, actor, technician, and audience.
ADD 3M1 – DRAMATIC ARTS PRODUCTION
This course runs concurrently with ADA 3M1 Dramatic Arts. It focuses on the various aspects of performance and presentation of the dramatic material studied in ADA 3M1 Dramatic Arts.
ADA 4M1 – DRAMATIC ARTS
This course requires students to experiment with forms and conventions in dramatic literature, and to create, script, and present original and adapted works. Students will do research on dramatic forms, conventions, themes, and theories of acting and directing from different historical periods, and apply their knowledge of these in interpreting dramatic literature, including Canadian works and works from various cultures in the late twentieth century. Students will also examine the significance of dramatic arts in various cultures.
ADD 4M1 – DRAMATIC ARTS PRODUCTION
This course runs concurrently with ADA 4M1 Dramatic Arts. It focuses on the various aspects of performance and presentation of the dramatic material studied in ADA 4M1 Dramatic Arts.
If you have any questions please contact Michael Laidlaw, ACL of Drama at michael.laidlaw2@tdsb.on.ca
